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Ah, springtime! The flowers are in bloom, the leaves in the trees are budding, and all of nature seems lush and fresh! For many, it’s their favorite time of the year. For others, it’s simply horrible. Seasonal allergy suffers are subjected to pollen from grass, weeds, flowers and trees. It’s inescapable. And it’s miserable.

Humans can, however, curb their contact with allergens in obvious ways like staying indoors. They can also take daily medication to help combat the annual symptoms. Easy enough. But what about dogs? While not as prevalent with dogs as with humans, they can suffer from seasonal allergies, too.

Unlike humans, dogs must venture outdoors several times a day, each time exposing them to the pollens that unwittingly make them suffer. And they don’t have an effective way to communicate their discomfort, so it’s up to dog parents to watch for telltale signs. These can include sneezing, occasional dramatic inhales through the nose, difficulty breathing, increased paw licking, and excessive scratching.

“Increased scratching, especially around the face and abdomen, is generally one of the first indicators your dog has allergies,” says Lis Johnston, a groomer in Madison. “This can lead to further problems like hair loss and creating open wounds.”

So what can humans do to help alleviate allergy symptoms in their dogs? Since dirt, bacteria, and allergens get trapped in a dog’s coat that can cause rashes and skin conditions, it is highly advisable to keep your animal clean.

“When people hear this, though, they immediately think to give their dog frequent baths,” says Johnston. “While that can be affective, many owners will use inadequate shampoos or bathe their dogs too often, both of which can lead to further issues like dry skin.”

Johnston warns against using products meant for humans on a dog. She recommends consulting with your groomer or vet about shampoos that will be most beneficial to your pet.

Johnston says there are other things owners can do to help their pups through the allergy season. She says bathing is one way to go, but again warns against some products and overdoing the frequency of the baths.

“Another simple thing pet parents can do is wipe the dog’s coat and paws with a cool, damp towel after it has been outside,” she says. “This way you’re removing a lot of pollens before they get into your home.”

Johnston also recommends keeping your home clean, especially rugs and pet bedding. If central air is an option, use it as opposed to opening windows on warm days, and replace your A/C filters as needed. She also reminds owners that providing a healthy diet can help a dog’s natural immune system fight back against seasonal allergies.

“Of course, you can also get medication from your vet,” she says. “Just use some caution here; some antihistamines are toxic to dogs, so make sure your meds are vet approved.”