Can Dogs and Cats Get Seasonal Allergies Like Their Owners? A Veterinary Technician Answers

Pets can deal with seasonal allergies just like their owners.

Speaking to PEOPLE, Michael Natale — a licensed veterinary technician — talks about how cats and dogs can also suffer at the same time of year when their human counterparts find their allergies intensifying.

“Every animal has the potential to have or develop allergies. Just like humans, they can also develop them as they age,” he says.

“It’s more common than most people think,” adds Natale.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Picture of a man sneezing into a tissue.

Getty

A woman refuses to adopt a dog even though her boyfriend is allergic: ‘I don’t know if I trust him’

According to Natale, allergies in dogs and cats must be handled “on a case-by-case basis, just like humans.”

“For example, my Rottweiler has severe allergies, so I give him allergy shots every week, as well as give him medicated baths every two weeks and food that best suits his allergens.”

Natale, who also works as an educator and talent acquisition and retention manager, says there is one allergy she often sees when it comes to pets.

“I see a lot of animals allergic to chicken, which can be found in many pet products,” he explains.

A picture of a dog’s footprint in the sand. Mark Wahlberg Has 4 Dogs — Plus His New Movie’s Dog Costar — Even Though He’s Allergic (Exclusive)

To help pets cope with allergies, Natale tells PEOPLE that owners “should first find out exactly what they’re allergic to.”

“To do this, your primary care veterinarian or even a board-certified veterinary dermatologist can test for allergens,” he says.

Natale adds, “If you know what the allergen is, try to avoid exposing your pet to it.”

“Read product ingredients and allergy medications prescribed by your vet, and most of all, get your pet checked out if you think something is wrong with him,” she continues.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education