Dr. Brianna Gaines with her cat, Willow. Gaines, a veterinarian in Boca Raton, says diagnosing pet allergies can be tricky and time-consuming, but pets may display symptoms such as intense scratching, excessive licking and writhing on their backs (below). Photos provided
By Arden Moore
Itch. Scratch. Lick. Sneeze. Repeat.
The arrival of spring signals the start of allergy season across the country for far too many dogs and cats. But here in Palm Beach County, allergy issues occur year-round thanks to our warm climate.
“In South Florida, allergy season feels like it never really ends,” says Brianna Gaines, DVM, of Healthy Pets Boca North in Boca Raton. “Our warm climate means pollens, grasses and environmental allergens are around almost year-round. It can be tough to predict which seasonal shift will trigger a flare-up.”
Often, she must tap into her inner pet detective to identify the cause and then provide the right treatment to relieve pets contending with allergies.
Pets contending with a yet-to-be-identified allergen show signs that can include:
• Sneezing frequently and displaying watery eyes.
• Intensely scratching their bodies.
• Excessively licking paws and bodies.
• Nibbling on their paws or skin to the point of causing rashes and open sores.
• Developing lumps or bumps on the skin.
• Constantly rubbing their faces or ears.
Environmental allergens and fleas can and do menace pets in South Florida year-round. Topping the list locally are:
Tree pollen: Juniper, bald cypress, oak, pine and mango pollen can trigger skin irritation and other health issues in pets.
Grasses and weeds: High pollen counts can be found in common Florida grasses, led by Bermuda and Bahia as well as weeds, such as dog fennel and ragweed.
Mold and mildew: Our humid climate enables mold spores to thrive in landscaping.
Fleas: They thrive here year-round because there is never a truly hard freeze to disrupt the fleas’ egg production.
“Flea allergies are also incredibly common here and can make everything worse,” says Gaines. “Even one flea bite can send an allergic pet into a full flare-up. Unfortunately, many over-the-counter preventatives aren’t as reliable as they used to be. Prescription flea prevention is really the best way to stay ahead of the problem.”
Some pets can also be allergic to certain foods or even lawn chemicals, such as fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. That’s why it is vital to work closely with your veterinarian to provide necessary tests to pinpoint the culprit.
“Skin problems can snowball quickly,” says Gaines. “The earlier we intervene, the easier they are to manage. Remember, the skin is the largest organ in the body. It takes time to heal.”
Be ready to practice patience in the quest to find the cause. That often requires your veterinarian to analyze blood and skin samples and to perform other diagnostic tests.
In the era of quick answers found on Google or ChatGPT, Gaines recommends that pet parents seek guidance from their veterinarians.
“We all want quick answers,” she says. “But when it comes to skin issues, it’s best to skip the over-the-counter supplements, random diet changes and topical treatments, and go straight to your veterinarian.”
She adds, “Dermatology is especially interesting because it’s rarely a one-and-done fix. There is no exact cure for the allergic dog. Managing their allergies is an ongoing process.”
In finding relief for your pet, “the biggest challenge is that it often takes time — and a bit of trial and error — to figure out what works,” Gaines says.
“We may try different tests, topicals, diets, oral medications or injectables before we land on the right combination. But when we finally crack the code and a pet who has been miserable is suddenly comfortable again, it’s the best feeling.”
Arden Moore is an author, pet podcast show host and master certified pet first aid instructor. Check out her sites: petfirstaid4u.com and ardenmoore.com.
Practice these at-home tips
Be proactive for your pet’s sake to mitigate allergic reactions. Strive to:
• Get in the habit of using pet wipes or a damp cloth to wipe away any pollen on your dog’s fur and paws after each walk.
• Bathe your dog regularly with hypoallergenic pet shampoos designed to remove allergens from the skin.
• Make sure your dog and cat receive veterinarian-approved flea and tick preventative medication year-round.
• Invest in HEPA air filters and vacuum often to combat indoor allergens.
Learn more
Healthy Pets Boca North provides an array of dermatology services for pets. The clinic also offers an in-depth section on skin issues that can be found at this link: healthypetsbocanorth.com/pet-dermatology-boca-raton-fl/.
You can also learn more dermatological info by visiting this link provided by the veterinary team at Colonial Animal Hospital in Boynton Beach: colonialanimalhospital.com/dermatology/.
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