HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WZDX) – Spring is finally here and with it comes a slew of seasonal allergies. While you’re loading up on medicine, your pets could be suffering in silence.
Mikayla Shanholtzer is a mom to her beloved dog, Teddy. After a long day at school, Mikayla loves to come home and play with Teddy.
But one thing she doesn’t play around with is Teddy’s health, especially since experts are saying this allergy season could be more severe than past years.
“Allergies are very common especially in dogs. They can be allergic to pollens. They can be allergic to dander, even human dander,” said Dr. Melissa Horne with the Animal Care Clinic in Huntsville.
Other triggers include mold, fabrics, perfume, cigarette smoke and food.
Allergens inhaled or ingested can cause severe reactions such as itching, scratching, hair loss, redness of the skin and ears, vomiting and diarrhea.
“The top sign of allergies in dogs is chewing on their feet,” said Dr. Horne.
A skin and-or blood-allergy test can be performed. To treat it, you can use antihistamines, but be careful. Dr. Horne says sometimes they work, and sometimes they don’t. However, she doesn’t want you to shy away from the medicine because it can get costly.
Allergies can show up in animals at any age.
With Easter quickly approaching, it’s important to keep Easter baskets and candy away from your pets.
Dr. Horne says chocolate can be toxic and cats could choke on the green grass in the baskets.
