It is that time of the year. Spring allergies affect many people and cause runny noses and itchy throats. However, dogs can get allergies too. The environmental allergies that dogs experience is atopy (a tendency to develop allergic diseases). In fact, this impacts about 10 percent of the dog population.

While dogs can have year-long allergies, they are more common in the spring and summer, and these allergies tend to have outdoor triggers. Dogs and humans diverge in the way that allergies impact them. While dogs can have runny noses and itchy eyes like humans, it is much less common. More commonly, dogs experience itchy skin and ear infections. You may notice signs like excessive biting and chewing of the area or rubbing his face against a carpet. We are unable to cure seasonal allergies in both humans and pets, but they are definitely manageable.

You may have gotten allergy tested in your lifetime, and if your pet is experiencing atopy, you should get them allergy tested as well. Dogs can be tested for specific allergens that are in a geographic area and solutions that can be injected under the skin. Over time the injection will decrease in frequency, but it can take up to a year to achieve results. Additionally, only 60 percent of dogs show excellent results, so it is not a perfect solution. For these animals, a variety of medicine can be prescribed to help the dog.

Also remember that proper grooming like frequent baths will provide immediate relief to an itchy pet.