What Are Dogs Allergic To In The Spring?

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: April 18th, 2024

olgagorovenko/Shutterstock

While there are many lovely things about spring, this beautiful season of the year comes with one major downside – allergies. Spring allergies are triggered by various allergens, but they all have one thing in common, and that’s being horribly irritating. Sadly, it’s not just us humans who suffer sniffles and red eyes when everything is blooming and nature is awakening after winter. Our four-legged best friends can also be affected by spring allergies, and it may just be worse for them, as they can’t communicate what’s bothering them and can’t simply take Benadryl to ease their troubles for a bit.

The first step towards helping your pooch deal with nasty spring allergies is realizing what exactly is causing them in the first place and trying to reduce or prevent all contact with the said allergen. Here’s what are the most common things that dogs are allergic to in the spring, and it’s a good place to start when figuring out why your pooch is sniffling in springtime.

Top 5 Spring Allergens for Dogs

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Pollen

Pollen is arguably the foremost cause of most allergies in dogs and people. It can come from trees, grass, and weeds, and it can trigger allergic reactions in dogs when they inhale it. What is more, pollen can cause an external reaction when it comes in contact with a dog’s skin, leading to nasty rash and itchiness.

Mold

Another common allergen, mold can arise with the arrival of spring showers. If your pet spends time outside and comes into contact with something moldy or mold develops inside your home, a nasty allergic reaction can follow. It is important to know that mold can be prevalent in areas where there is high humidity, and in natural environments such as forests and swamps. Of course, if you notice mold in your home, it should be dealt with as quickly as possible. Just be sure not to use commercial mold killers as their strong fumes can be toxic for dogs to breathe in – use a pet-safe mold remover instead.

Dust

Dust mites can be overwhelmingly present in spring, and will be most common in indoor places that were not cleaned or ventilated properly. Dust allergies can lead to sneezing, difficulty breathing, teary eyes, and other conditions. It often happens when owners are “spring cleaning”, thus rousing up large amounts of dust. A quality air purifier can help keep the air in your home dust-free and fresh, both for you and your pet to enjoy.

Insect bites

Many tiny critters that come out in spring can cause allergic reactions in dogs. Bites from ants, wasps, or bees can be quite uncomfortable for some dogs and will cause itching and swelling. What is more, springtime is the period when fleas begin their life cycle because of the warmer weather. Some dogs can be allergic to flea saliva and can have an allergic reaction called atopic dermatitis. This can cause itchiness or rashes on their skin.

Miscellaneous Outdoor Allergens

Depending on the area you live in, your pet could be facing various other miscellaneous allergens. Some natural environments have certain unique grasses and flowers that can cause allergic reactions, and wilderness areas can have diverse fungi, mosses, and lichens that will cause rashes and strong external reactions.

Of course, if you suspect that your dog is suffering from seasonal allergies, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian. They can recommend appropriate measures to manage your dog's symptoms and improve their quality of life during allergy season. Never attempt to treat seasonal allergies on your own, as this approach can cause more harm than good. Leave the diagnosis and the treatment to the professionals, and all will end well.

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Everyone these days is feeling the effects of increased prices for everything from groceries and medical care to recreation and pet care. But a survey by LendingTree, which involved 1,991 consumers between the ages of 18 and 78 in the United States, found that Gen Zers, in particular, are struggling with affording their pets because of the rising cost of living.

Can a Parrot Get Dehydrated?

The summer months are in full swing, and the temperatures are soaring high. Due to this, pet owners across the world are concerned about their furry and feathery friends and the possible adverse effects extreme weather could have on them. A group especially vulnerable to heat is parrots, who are usually small and don’t tolerate high temperatures. Like all other pets, they too need to have plenty of fresh, cool water available at all times, as it is essential for maintaining their overall health and also aids digestion and regulates body temperature. But how much water does your avian pet really need in the summer? Can parrots get dehydrated and can you prevent it? Here is what you need to know.Can a Parrot Get Dehydrated?Like all living creatures, parrots also require water, and without enough of it, they can certainly become dehydrated. Dehydration occurs when a parrot loses more water than it consumes, which leads to an imbalance in their body’s water levels. There are many reasons why this can happen. Most often it is insufficient water intake, excessive heat, sickness, or improper diet. To calculate how much water a parrot needs, you need to consider their size and weight – a majestic Moluccan Cockatoo will certainly need more water than a cute little Budgie. A good rule of thumb is to ensure they get at least 5% of their body weight in water each day.Dehydration in parrots can have serious health consequences, including kidney function, digestion, and overall vitality. That is why it is important to always provide them with a fresh source of water and monitor for signs of dehydration.Signs of Dehydration in ParrotsAll parrot owners need to know how to spot the symptoms of dehydration. This can be crucial for their health and allow you quick intervention. Some of the common signs are:#1 Sunken Eyes:When dehydrated, a parrot’s eyes can appear sunken or dull. This is one of the more noticeable signs and it needs to be addressed immediately.#2 Dry Skin and Beak:A dehydrated parrot can have dry or flaky skin and a dry beak. The skin can also lose its elasticity, and the beak may appear brittle.#3 Lethargy:When dehydrated, parrots can become lethargic or less active than usual. They might not show any interest in playing or interacting with their environment in the usual way.#4 Reduced appetite:A lack of water intake can lead to loss of appetite, as dehydration can cause digestive issues and general discomfort. #5 Rapid breathing:In an attempt to regulate their body temperature, dehydrated parrots may pant or breathe at a rapid pace.#6 Sticky mucous membranes:The inside of the parrot’s mouth may appear sticky or dry due to a lack of moisture.#7 Weight loss:Over time, dehydration can lead to noticeable weight loss, as the parrot’s body struggles to maintain its normal functions.Preventing and Treating Dehydration in ParrotsOf course, it is equally important to understand what can cause dehydration in parrots in the first place. This can also help you to prevent it from occurring. The number one cause is inadequate water supply. If a parrot’s water source is not easily accessible or is often empty, they may not consume enough water. Make sure that their waterer is always clean, easy to use, and made from parrot-safe materials.

Which Spring Flowers Are Toxic to Dogs?

Springtime is such a joyful time of the year. The harsh and gloomy winter days are finally over, and nature is awakening – the sun is shining, trees are blooming, and life erupts all over again. But that doesn’t mean that there are no downsides to this season. From spring allergies to spring shedding, there are also quite a few things that don’t spark joy when spring comes. One of those unexpected things that become a downside of spring when you’re a dog is flowers. Yup. Those gorgeous, lush-smelling blooms that appear in the spring can pose a threat to your dog, as many spring flowers are toxic to our canine friends.So without further ado, let’s see which of these pretty, colorful flowers are potentially dangerous for dogs – so you’ll know exactly which of them to avoid planting in your garden or putting in a vase.Which Spring Flowers Are Toxic to Dogs?As we all know, dogs are inquisitive and love to nibble and sniff all sorts of odd things, flowers included. This is why you should be vigilant in the spring when many potentially toxic plant varieties are in season. Keep an eye out for the following flowers when walking your pet out and about or when picking out seeds for your flower beds!Daffodils

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