Approximately one in five New Zealanders suffer from spring-related allergies –and our furry friends can be affected too. Here’s a few ways to recognise if your dog could be suffering from seasonal allergies in spring and if a trip to the vet is in order.

Itching and scratching

Is your dog scratching more than usual? Though there are numerous possible causes for increased scratching in dogs, if you notice it happening more in springtime - and especially if it gets worse after having been outside - it could be allergy-related.

Red, irritated skin

Like humans, dogs can be prone to rashes and other nasty skin conditions and it can often be a tell-tale sign of allergy issues (springtime or otherwise). Check the parts of their body that have the most contact with grass, like bellies and paws.

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Ear trouble

Dogs with allergies often have problems with their ears. Is your dog scratching their ears more than usual, shaking their head or losing any fur around the ears? If yes, a seasonal allergy could be the culprit. If an infection is present, there will most likely be a bad smell and possibly discharge to be found coming from the ear area.

Wheezing

This is an uncommon symptom when it comes to allergies but some dogs do suffer respiratory problems as a result of seasonal discomfort. Look out for watery eyes, a runny nose, coughing, wheezing and sneezing.

Obsessive licking

If your dog is constantly licking themselves (especially paws, belly, or any other part of their body that may have been in direct contact with grass or pollen), an environmental allergy could be the reason.