Pets in Florida can experience allergy symptoms in any season. A warmer climate can keep environmental allergens like pollen active longer than in colder climates. Premium Vet Care has seen pets with itchy skin, ear problems, or constant paw licking caused by seasonal allergies. A veterinarian can diagnose your pet’s itchy skin as allergies and treat these frustrating symptoms.

Why Do Allergies Make Pets Itch?

Allergies in pets occur when their immune system overreacts to everyday substances like pollen, dust mites, mold spores, or even insect bites. Instead of sneezing, like humans often do, dogs and cats usually develop itchy, inflamed skin. They may scratch, chew, or lick excessively, creating sores or hot spots that only worsen over time.

Your pet may have an allergy if they are showing signs like:

• Persistent scratching, licking, or chewing
• Red, irritated skin or bumps
• Frequent ear infections or head shaking
• Hair loss or bald patches
• Rubbing face or body against furniture or carpet
• Scooting or licking around the tail base (often linked to fleas)

Pet Allergies Throughout the Seasons

• Spring: Pollen levels soar as trees, grasses, and flowers bloom. Pets often chew at their paws or rub their faces after time outside.
• Summer: High humidity encourages mold growth and increases flea activity. Flea allergy dermatitis (an extreme reaction to flea saliva) may occur in some cats and dogs.
• Fall: Weeds like ragweed release allergens, and damp conditions keep molds thriving. Some pets have specific environmental allergies to molds.
• Winter: While milder than other states, winter in Florida means pets spend more time indoors, where dust mites and household allergens can cause flare-ups.

Diagnosing and Treating Pet Allergies

In order to diagnose an allergy in pets, a veterinarian will begin with a physical exam, a review of medical history, and a discussion of symptoms at home. They will recommend diagnostics such as skin cytology, blood work, or allergy screening. Oftentimes, other causes, like a skin infection, will need to be ruled out, as symptoms can be similar.

If your veterinarian does diagnose your pet with allergies (or suspects an allergy), your pet will be provided with treatment. Allergy treatment in pets can include:

• Oral medications to control itching and inflammation
• Topical prescriptions to soothe irritated skin
• Allergy injections (for dogs) to stop the itch
• Flea prevention to avoid flea allergy dermatitis
• Dietary changes for pets with suspected food sensitivities

Talk to your veterinarian about how to best manage allergies within your home. Suggestions like air filters or regularly washing bedding can be helpful for certain pets, depending on the allergen that affects them.

Treating Pets with Itchy Skin in Plantation and Davie, FL

Allergies are a challenge for Florida pets, but with the right care, they don’t have to control your pet’s life. Premium Vet Care diagnoses and treats pets with allergy symptoms through mobile veterinary care in Plantation, Weston, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding areas, as well as an in-clinic location in Plantation, FL. If your pet can’t stop scratching or licking, let us help. Schedule an appointment with us.