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It’s easy to tell when someone suffers from seasonal allergies: a runny nose, red eyes and constant sneezing are obvious signs. But while cats and dogs can be bothered by pollen and other allergens too, their symptoms are often completely different. Here’s what you should keep an eye for.

A common allergy symptom in dogs is itchiness. The affected skin becomes inflamed, and your pet may try to appease their discomfort by scratching, licking or even biting the area. They may also persistently rub their muzzle against furniture or scoot across the carpet. Pruritus may develop anywhere on the body, but common areas include ears, underbelly, feet and between toes, muzzle, armpits and groin.

Over time, excessive scratching and biting may break the affected skin, causing minor lesions which present a vulnerable entry point for a bacterial infection. If your dog’s skin appears red and moist, smells funny or if the surrounding fur becomes patchy or falls off, their condition is severe enough that a veterinary appointment is in order.

Dogs with allergies are also more likely to experience ear infections. Head shaking, persistent scratching and smelly or inflamed ears can all point to an ear infection, a painful problem for your pet that requires a visit to your veterinarian. Your veterinary team can recommend an ear cleaning routine which may help prevent reoccurrence in the future.

While this presentation is less frequent, cats with allergies may experience respiratory issues, often referred to as feline asthma. Frequent coughing, wheezing or obvious difficulty breathing should be addressed quickly with a visit to your veterinary clinic. These cats can often do quite well with inhaled steroids, which come in the form of a ‘kitty puffer,’ similar to humans with asthma. Other medications can also be used to help improve their breathing.