With the season’s change, my pet’s allergies will go away… right?
Allergies in dogs can occur at any time of the year, but the frequency and triggers might vary based on the specific allergens your dog is sensitive to. The most common times of the year for dogs to experience allergies are typically during seasonal changes when certain allergens are more prevalent in the environment. These allergies can be broadly categorized into three types:
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Spring Allergies:
Spring is a common time for dogs to experience allergies due to the increase in pollen from trees, grasses, and flowers. This type of allergy is often referred to as “hay fever” or seasonal allergic rhinitis. Dogs may exhibit symptoms like itching, sneezing, runny eyes, and scratching.
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Summer Allergies:
Summer allergies can be triggered by various factors, including increased pollen levels, mold spores, and insect bites. Flea allergies are especially common during the warmer months, as fleas thrive in this environment. Dogs that are allergic to fleas can experience intense itching, redness, and discomfort.
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Fall Allergies:
Fall allergies can be caused by weed pollen and mold spores. Just like in spring, the changing plant and fungal landscape can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive dogs.
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Other allergens:
It’s important to note that some dogs may have year-round allergies, which could be caused by indoor allergens like dust mites, mold spores, certain foods, or even human dander.
The “why” behind these seasonal allergies lies in your dog’s immune system’s response to specific allergens. Some dogs have a genetic predisposition to develop allergies, such as a deficiency in immunoglobulin A, and their immune systems overreact to substances that are otherwise harmless to most dogs. When the immune system encounters these allergens, it releases histamines and other chemicals, leading to the classic allergic symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and inflammation.
To determine the exact allergens affecting your dog and the best course of action, it’s recommended to consult a veterinarian. They can perform allergy testing to identify the specific triggers and help you develop a management plan, which might involve allergen avoidance strategies, medications, or feeding Happy Scratch.
