Owners typically assume their pet’s seasonal allergies will fade away along with the grass and flowers. But for some unlucky pups and cats, winter means their allergies have just begun! Spring and summer bring high pollen counts, but the cold months increase your pet’s exposure to indoor allergens like dust, mold and household chemicals.

Allergy symptoms in dogs are easy to spot. Recognizing when to step in and help is the hard part. Seasonal allergies are rarely fatal, but cases that go untreated can quickly become worse.

Sneezing, wheezing, itching—these allergy symptoms are all too common among humans. What pet parents tend to forget, however, is that their furry friends aren’t fans of pollen, either! Cats experience many of the same allergy signs as their owners, yet their comfort doesn’t always receive the same level of attention.

Summer is here, and that means you and your dogs are sure to hit the pool, the trails and tons of other places for adventures. Unfortunately, all this extra exposure to moisture and grass might leave your pup feeling itchy, or worse, at risk for a type of skin infection called a hot spot.

A scratch or two is nothing to worry about, but if your cat is constantly attacking red, swollen and itchy skin, it’s time to see the vet. Although it’s somewhat uncommon among cats, itchy skin can be a sign that your furry friend is allergic to something.

Many pet owners know what it’s like to watch their furry friends suffer through allergy season. Prescription drugs come with a slew of side effects, but natural alternatives might not be enough on their own. A combined approach—also known as integrative medicine—may be what your pet needs to curb their discomfort.

People who have severe allergies understand how dangerous allergic reactions can be. Some are prone to anaphylaxis—a potentially life-threatening reaction that requires immediate attention. This had led many pet owners to wonder, “If my dog can succumb to allergies, can they also experience anaphylactic shock?”

Picture this: You’re sitting on your couch watching your favorite TV show. Your lovable kitty is curled up in your lap or lounging on the other side of the room. Without warning, they rear up. Their face scrunches into a strange expression…and they let off a series of powerful sneezes.

While eczema is extremely common in humans, it is also capable of affecting pets. However, most vets will refer to the condition by the name of “atopic dermatitis.”