A Long Beach pet owner’s guide to seasonal allergies

Ahh, what’s not to love about a SoCal spring filled with sunshine and patio weather?

The flowers and plants are a-bloomin’ and the longer days mean more time outdoors with your canine companion. 

But then come the “achoos.” Maybe your dog’s eyes look watery after your morning stroll, or your cat has suddenly turned into a nonstop grooming machine. Instead of soaking up the warmer we

If you’ve noticed your dog scratching more than usual or your cat sneezing like crazy, seasonal allergies could be the culprit. Just like us, pets can react to allergens like pollen and mold.

The good news? You’re not powerless against allergy season! We’ve put together some helpful tips on how to spot allergies in your pet and what you can do to treat them. Because keeping your pet healthy and itch-free is nothing to sneeze at! (Pun intended.)

How pets show allergies

Unfortunately, pets can’t exactly tell us, “Hey, my nose is itchy” buuuut their bodies are pretty good at dropping hints.

The truth is, allergies are surprisingly common in both dogs and cats, including right here in Long Beach. The key is knowing what to look for.

If these behaviors seem excessive or out of character, allergies could be the culprit:

• chewing or licking their paws or skin

• scratching or rubbing their faces or bodies against furniture, carpet or other surfaces

• obsessively grooming themselves

• boot scoots across the floor

And watch for other physical signs like:

• increased shedding or hair loss, either in patches or sporadic

• red, irritated or inflamed skin (sometimes developing into hot spots)

• pink or reddish staining of the fur (common in lighter-colored dogs) 

• ear irritation or recurring ear infections

• unusual odors 
  

And, of course, pets may present more “human-like” allergy symptoms too, like watery or itchy eyes or respiratory issues like sneezing fits.

No matter how the allergies show up, one thing is clear: if your pet seems uncomfortable, it’s worth paying attention. Left untreated, allergies can snowball into skin infections and other not-so-fun health issues. Catching the signs early can make all the difference.

Allergy triggers for Long Beach pets

Long Beach has no shortage of allergens, especially once the weather warms up and everything starts to bloom.

In spring, trees like oak and cedar release substantial pollen into the air, which are easily carried around by our coastal breezes. Grasses like rye and purple needleglass can become an issue through late spring and summer, while ragweed and other weeds take over in the fall. 

And just when you think allergy season should be winding down… indoor allergens step in. Even pets who spend most of their time inside aren’t completely in the clear. Dust mites, indoor mold and even pollen tracked in on shoes and fur can keep symptoms lingering year-round.

If your pet tends to flare up at certain times of year, it can be helpful to monitor local allergen information levels. Check out tools that measure pollen counts and air quality in the area, like The Weather Channel or IQAir, to make it easier to plan your walks and outdoor time.

Helping your pet with allergies

If your poor furry friend is dealing with allergies, there are lots of ways to keep them more comfortable. As always, consult with your veterinarian before using any of these remedies. Every pet is different, and what works for one may not be right for another.

• Reducing exposure: It sounds simple, but if you know certain grasses, plants or high-pollen days trigger your pet, adjust your plans accordingly. Avoid known irritants on walks, and consider shorter outings during peak allergy season.
  

• Quick paw wipes: After walks, wipe your dog’s paws (and even their belly and coat) to remove pollen and dust that can irritate their skin.
  

• Regular baths: Bathing your pet with a gentle, hypoallergenic pet shampoo can wash away allergens and soothe itchy skin. And don’t forget about ear care! Routine ear cleaning can help prevent infections, especially for dogs prone to ear issues.
  

• Flea and tick prevention: Flea allergy dermatitis is extremely common and can make seasonal allergies even worse. Keeping your pet on consistent flea prevention is an easy way to eliminate one major itch trigger.
  

• Clean indoor air: Air purifiers, frequent vacuuming and keeping windows closed on high pollen days can reduce indoor triggers. Make sure to wash your pet’s bedding regularly, too.
  

• Medications: Your vet can recommend antihistamines or other treatments to calm itching and inflammation. Some over-the-counter antihistamines used for humans can be safe for animals, but dosages and suitability vary, so always check with your vet.  If constant licking or scratching has led to a skin infection, your vet may prescribe a topical or oral antibiotic. In more severe cases, short-term steroids or other therapies may be necessary to help the skin heal.
  

• Fatty acid supplements: Omega-3 fatty acid supplements like fish oil can help strengthen the skin’s barrier and reduce inflammation over time.
  

• Allergy shots: For pets with serious seasonal reactions, immunotherapy (i.e., allergy shots) may be an option to reduce long-term sensitivity. (Again, talk to your vet first!)

When it comes down to it, our pets really aren’t so different from us: managing allergies is all about observation and early action. Pay attention to changes in behavior, grooming habits or skin health, and keep in touch with your veterinarian for advice that’s tailored specifically for your pet.

With some awareness and proactive care, your furry companion can breeze through allergy season with little to no discomfort.