TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Spring allergies aren\u2019t just a problem for people, they\u2019re also impacting pets.<\/p>\n
Staff at Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital in Tallahassee said they receive daily calls from concerned pet owners noticing changes in their dogs\u2019 behavior this time of year.<\/p>\n
Veterinarian Dr. Kim Kocel said in most cases, seasonal allergies are to blame. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
More Tallahassee news<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of licking and scratching, so they\u2019ll lick their feet, scratch their ears, scratch their belly, and especially owners at night will notice when things are quieting down and we\u2019re trying to go to bed, you\u2019ll notice the licking excessively,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n