May is Pet Allergy & Asthma Awareness Month, which helps bring attention to common conditions that can affect a pet’s skin, breathing, and overall comfort. Many dogs and cats experience allergies or respiratory problems at some point in their lives, and recognizing the signs early can help pets feel better sooner.

Allergies in pets are often linked to environmental triggers like pollen, dust, grass, mold, or fleas. Some pets may also react to certain ingredients in their food. Allergies can cause ongoing irritation that affects a pet’s daily life and may become worse without treatment.

Some common signs of allergies include:

• 🐾 Itchy skin or constant scratching
• 🐾 Frequent ear infections
• 🐾 Red or inflamed skin
• 🐾 Paw licking or chewing
• 🐾 Sneezing or watery eyes
• 🐾 Hair thinning or bald spots

Asthma is most commonly diagnosed in cats and affects the airways inside the lungs. Pets with asthma may struggle to breathe normally, especially during flare-ups caused by stress, dust, smoke, or other irritants.

Symptoms of asthma may include:

• 🐾 Wheezing or coughing
• 🐾 Fast or labored breathing
• 🐾 Low energy
• 🐾 Difficulty exercising
• 🐾 Open-mouth breathing in cats

Because allergy and asthma symptoms can resemble other medical conditions, it is important to have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian. Your veterinary team may recommend testing, imaging, or other diagnostics to determine the cause of the symptoms and build the right treatment plan.

Treatment may include medications, diet changes, allergy management, or reducing environmental triggers inside the home. Keeping your home clean, washing pet bedding regularly, and staying current on flea prevention may also help reduce irritation for sensitive pets.

Routine veterinary visits are important because they allow your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s condition and adjust care as needed over time.

Pet Allergy & Asthma Awareness Month is a good reminder to pay attention to ongoing itching, coughing, or breathing changes in your pet. Early care can help improve comfort and support better long-term health.

If your pet is showing signs of allergies or breathing problems, contact our veterinary team today to schedule an exam and discuss the best options for keeping your pet healthy and comfortable.

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