It is allergy season and for many, it can be a very difficult time.

While Arizonans are coughing and sneezing and taking their daily allergy medications, pets can also suffer from Arizona’s rough allergy season.

What is an allergy? It is a condition whereby the immune system reacts to something in the environment. Dogs and cats also have allergies in the same way that we do; they can be allergic to chemicals, dust, foods, cigarette smoke, fabrics, fleas, pollen, and mold.

“Dogs get allergies in a similar way as people,” says Dr. Josh Sosnow of North Scottsdale Animal Hospital.

Pets have a different reaction to an allergy, is not the same way as human react like sneezing, watery eyes or having a running nose. Their typical responses include itchy and reddened skin, excessive scratching, swollen paws, ear infections, and also hair loss in patchy areas.

“Their seasonal allergies tend to manifest in the skin, in the ears and in the paws rather than producing hay fever-like symptoms like people are used to,” said Sosnow.

How do you know if your dog or cat has allergies?

Dog and cat allergies can be evident by seeing them by lick at their paws, rubbing their face along the ground by trying to scratch that itch for treatment. Their allergic reactions can turn into a really nasty ear infection and even skin infections.

If you think your animal has allergies, take it to the vet. Veterinarians treat the allergy with injectable antibodies that destroy essential chemicals that activate the allergy response, oral medicine or topical products they are also helpful.

He says you no longer have to rely on antihistamines like Benadryl or steroids. It is believed that Benadryl only works about 20 to 30% of the time and recommends taking an allergy suffering animal to the vet.