• Spring time can cause allergies for dogs as well as people.pollen image by asb from Fotolia.com
  
  Springtime causes allergies to flare up in humans and animals alike. With the release of pollens from trees, grasses and flowers, a dog with allergies will suffer. Treatments for dog allergies include antihistamines, immunotherapy and topical creams. During spring, a dog who suffers from allergies should be kept indoors as much as possible to lessen its contact with allergens.
  
  

Contact Allergy

• Contact allergies in the spring, caused when the dog's skin has an allergic reaction to pollen, can trigger swelling and itching. The skin will become flaky and dry, and the dog will begin to scratch the area excessively The dog's feet are especially sensitive, and it may begin licking or chewing on the pads to remedy the itching. The condition is treatable by topical creams and antihistamine medications, according to Aztec Animal Clinic.
  
  

Inhalant Allergy

• Inhalant allergies, or atopy, caused when the dog breathes in tree, grass and weed pollens, can lead to itching and respiratory problems. Atopy commonly causes the dog to become itchy all over its body, a result of the immune system producing a protein called IgE. According to Pet Education, IgE attaches itself to tissue cells, resulting in a release of irritating chemicals that make the dog itch. Treatments include antihistamine medication, Omega-3 fatty acids and immunotherapy. Though the less common of the two symptoms, respiratory problems include wheezing and coughing; no treatment is available for respiratory allergies.
  
  

Flea Allergy

• Fleas often lie dormant during the winter, re-emerging with spring. When a dog is allergic to fleas, one bite can cause severe itching and swelling of the affected area. The dog may scratch, lick or chew the bites, often resulting in open sores and the loss of hair in that area. Treatment, such as flea baths and dust, will kill the fleas. The home, however, must be treated for insects directly before or after, as the pests can reside in the carpet and re-infect the dog upon contact.