Rochester, N.Y. - Time for the runny eyes, runny noses and itches.Allergy season is here, a season meteorologists say never left.
“It was a very mild winter as well, not a lot of stuff really had a chance to die off,” Meteorologist Jeff Nadjer said.
“We've kind of seen skin allergies all the way through fall, winter, and into spring so for some dogs, unfortunately it never went away,” Veterinarian Dr. Melissa Pelesz said.
Pelesz is a veterinarian at the Animal Hospital of Pittsford.
She says about 1/3 of the pet population suffers from allergies.
“Red itchy eyes to clear discharge to green discharge,” Pelesz said.
“I get allergies a little bit but I didn't know they really even bothered dogs,” one pet lover said.
A pet's allergy can be more than a bother, it can get serious.
“Dogs that come in with patches of fur missing and scabs and lacerations or ears that are really red, inflamed, painful,” Pelesz said.
That itching can sometimes lead to an infection.
“I think staying on top of his hygiene and his coat being cleaned and just being aware can make a big difference,” pet owner Catrina Dejaneiro said.
It’s that awareness that hopefully will provide relief your pet can count on.
“Frequent bathing, using an antihistamine at home, wiping a dogs paws every time it comes in from outside,” Pelesz said.
While there's no cure for allergies, vets say some pets can get suppressive therapy or allergy shots for relief.
