I was taking my dogs for a walk the other day. It was a beautiful spring day with the sun shining, birds chirping, and flowers in bloom. And then it started... that overwhelming need to sneeze! Rusko has been sneezing all week, and now, me too. Seasonal allergies are difficult for many people, but you may not know that it can be difficult for your dogs too!

I was curious whether Rusko and Jax sneezing and runny eyes could be allergies, too, so I chatted with one of the awesome whiskerDocs vet experts and found out that for dogs, this is actually quite common. So if your dog is sneezing or seems to have a runny nose or eyes this time of year, he may be a seasonal allergy sufferer too. If it's bad enough, you'd want to see your vet for dog-safe prescription antihistamines or steroids that might help keep the symptoms under control.

Cats, however, are a different story. Cats will more commonly scratch, lose hair, develop hives or bumps, and/or develop other issues with their skin if they have allergies. They might also shake their heads and have itchy ears. Cats are more likely to have contact or food allergies than inhaled allergies like pollens, grasses, and molds, too.

I just love when I learn something new about pets and pet care. I just wish I had thought to ask sooner, since I probably could've alleviated some of Rusko's discomfort last year if I did. But to help him now and in the future... off to the vet we go!