a dog and a cat in a field of flowers

Spring Allergies in Pets, What We See Every Year at Markham Woods Animal Hospital

Name: Veterinary Services
Brand: Markham Woods Animal Hospital

Springtime in Central Florida is beautiful… but along with the sunshine and blooming trees comes something we see in the hospital every single year: seasonal allergies in dogs and cats. Just like people react to pollen, grass, and mold, our pets can be very sensitive to these environmental allergens, and the result is often a very itchy, uncomfortable pet. Because our climate stays warm for much of the year, allergy season here can start in the spring and last well into summer or even year-round for some pets.

Common Signs of Spring Allergies in Pets

Allergies don’t always look the way people expect. Many pet owners think sneezing and runny noses are the main signs, but in dogs and cats, allergies most often show up in the skin.

Watch for signs like:

Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing
Red, irritated skin or hot spots
Hair loss, especially on the belly, feet, or face
Recurrent ear infections or head shaking
Paw licking or chewing
Watery eyes or mild sneezing
Changes in mood from constant discomfort

Some pets will scratch so much that they create sores or skin infections, which is why early treatment makes a big difference.

Why Spring Makes Allergies Worse

During the spring months, pets are exposed to more:

Pollen from trees and grasses
Mold spores
Dust and outdoor allergens
Fleas (which can make allergy symptoms even worse)

Even pets that stay indoors most of the time can be affected, because allergens are easily tracked inside on shoes, clothing, and other pets.

The Good News We Have Very Effective Treatments

We have excellent options to help control seasonal allergies and keep your pet comfortable.

For dogs, one of the most helpful treatments we offer is a long-acting injectable allergy medication. This type of injection works by targeting the itch response itself, helping to stop the cycle of scratching and irritation without many of the side effects we sometimes see with older medications. One injection can provide about a month of relief for many dogs, and it can make a huge difference for pets who struggle every spring.

For cats, we also have prescription options that help control allergy-related itching and inflammation. Cats often show allergies through over-grooming, hair loss, scabs, or irritated skin, and these medications can help calm the immune response so they can feel comfortable again.

We keep these treatments in-house, so in many cases we can examine your pet and start treatment the same day to get them relief as quickly as possible.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Allergies tend to get worse the longer they go untreated.

When pets keep scratching, chewing, and licking, they often develop secondary infections that require additional medication and longer recovery.

Starting treatment early in the season can help:

Prevent skin infections
Reduce ear problems
Keep your pet comfortable
Avoid more complicated treatment later

What You Can Do at Home

While medication is often needed, a few simple things can help reduce allergen exposure:

Wipe paws and belly after being outside
Bathe pets regularly with vet-approved shampoo
Keep bedding clean
Stay consistent with flea prevention
Schedule exams at the first sign of itching

🌷 Spring Into a Healthier Smile! 🐶🐱

For a limited time, we are offering ✨ $100 OFF a professional dental cleaning ✨ when you schedule it within 30 days of your pet’s annual exam.

Spring Allergies in Pets