Which Common Late-Summer Allergies Affect Pets? 

It’s late summer, and many of us are squeezing out all the outdoor time we can from these cooler evenings before fall and winter ramp up. But even though it might seem like allergy season is gone—spring is in the rearview mirror, after all—pet seasonal allergies can flare up.

If you’re noticing that your dog or cat is licking, scratching, or sneezing more than usual, late summer pet allergies may be to blame.

Here’s what the team at Blue Ravine Animal Hospital wants you to know about late summer allergies. 

What Causes Late Summer Allergies in Pets?

For pets, late summer allergies are usually caused by airborne allergens like mold spores, grasses, dust, and ragweed. In the Sacramento area, our dry climate packed with parks, native grasses, and farmlands create a perfectly itchy storm.

Common Signs of Pet Seasonal Allergies

For most pets, allergy symptoms show up on their skin, not their respiratory system. While sneezing and coughing are possible, they’re less likely than other pet allergy symptoms, which include:

• Constant scratching or licking, especially of the areas around their belly, ears, paws, or tail
• Red, inflamed skin or bald patches (hotspots)
• Recurring ear infections
• Sneezing and/or watery eyes

Don’t rush to blame fleas or dry skin for these symptoms—especially if your pet regularly takes flea preventive medication and eats a balanced diet. Allergic reactions to airborne allergens could very well be the cause of your pet’s distress.

The only way to know is to take your dog or cat to the veterinarian for a thorough checkup. 

What You Can Do

If your pup or kitty is showing signs of discomfort that seems to be from allergies, there’s good news. Your veterinarian can prescribe antihistamines and medicated shampoos to ease your furry friend’s discomfort through the rest of the late summer allergy season.

You may even be able to get your pet tested for specific allergies, which can offer a path to more targeted treatment.

Along with taking your pet in for a checkup, consider bathing her more often to help wash away the allergens she picks up from those delicious rolls in the dirt and grass.

If you live in the Sacramento area, the caring team at Blue Ravine Animal Hospital in Folsom can help. Call us at (916) 984-0990 to get your pup or kitty started on the path to itch-free living today!