Allergies and sudden heat can bother your dog too. Here’s what to do

• Experts say that spring temperatures can heat up faster than people think, making it dangerous weather for dogs
• Allergies can also affect your dog
• Experts at the MSPCA-Angell say bringing your dog to the veterinarian is key this spring

If you own a dog, it’s not too early to start thinking about how to deal with the coming warmer temperatures, and pet allergies as well.

Experts say that spring temperatures can heat up faster than people think.

“People often think that summer months are the most dangerous for dogs in terms of heat stroke, but we actually see more cases in the early spring,” Dr. Kiko Bracker, director of Angell Animal Medical Center’s Emergency and Critical Care Department, said in a written statement.

Here’s what to know about how to protect your dog from spring dangers.

Why can spring temperatures be dangerous to dogs?

Sometimes, sudden warm temperatures can have an effect on dogs.

“Owners are excited to get outside when the weather warms up, especially after so much rain, but our dogs haven’t had time to acclimate to warmer temperatures,” Bracker said in his statement, adding that, “it’s vitally important that owners watch out for signs of heat-related illness as they’re getting outside more.”

How can people get their dogs acclimated to warmer weather?

Bracker stated that people should take steps to help their dogs acclimate to warmer weather before engaging in any strenuous outdoor activity.

“Start exercising dogs slowly,” Bracker stated in a release. “Increase how long and how far you’re walking slowly over the course of two-to-three weeks, and allow your dog plenty of time to rest. If your dog starts panting heavily or moving much more slowly, it could be experiencing heat stress and needs a break.”

Do not leave your dog in a hot car

Bracker stated that it might be obvious, but he stressed, “don’t leave your dog in the car, even if the windows are cracked,” noting that the inside of a car can jump to more than 100 degrees on a warm day in 10 minutes or less.

Are pets dealing with allergies in the spring?

Dr. Meagan Painter of MSPCA-Angell West’s Dermatology team explained that pets indeed can have allergies.

“While many people are dealing with issues related to pollen allergies in spring—stuffy noses, itchy eyes—they may not realize that their pets could be experiencing adverse effects too,” she said in a written statement.

Painter added that if your dog is licking its paws, scratching its body, developing ear infections, or showing the same sniffle symptoms that you are, they could be suffering from allergies.

What can people do to keep dogs safe in the springtime?

Bracker and Painter stated that bringing your dog to the veterinarian is key this spring.

“A visit with your veterinarian can help determine if your pet has spring allergies, and also whether it might have some kind of heart or respiratory issue that could be exacerbated by the warmer temperatures,” Painter stated in a release. “And, of course, there are specialists who can help if these initial appointments reveal bigger issues.”

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