TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Spring allergies aren’t just a problem for people, they’re also impacting pets.
Staff at Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital in Tallahassee said they receive daily calls from concerned pet owners noticing changes in their dogs’ behavior this time of year.
Veterinarian Dr. Kim Kocel said in most cases, seasonal allergies are to blame.
Dogs may develop red, irritated, itchy areas on their bellies, ears and feet, with red or pink inflamed skin serving as a key warning sign, according to Kocel.
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“A lot of licking and scratching, so they’ll lick their feet, scratch their ears, scratch their belly, and especially owners at night will notice when things are quieting down and we’re trying to go to bed, you’ll notice the licking excessively,” she said.
Kocel added cats are less likely to develop allergies but can show similar symptoms, including itchiness and over-grooming, which can lead to thinning fur.
She advised pet owners to seek veterinary care if licking or scratching lasts more than a week, even if the skin does not appear irritated.
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