The Companion Magazine Logo
Pet care

Fall allergens

Dogs and cats are susceptible to many of the same fall allergies as humans
Picture of By Nationwide
By Nationwide

Seasonal allergies aren’t just a problem for humans—our pets are allergic to many of the same things we are.

While fall isn’t synonymous with fresh blooming flowers, your pet may experience a new array of seasonal allergies from new sources with the changing of seasons. Here’s what to watch out for.

Ragweed

Yes, animals are susceptible to hay fever, just like humans. Many of the most common symptoms are the same, too—sneezing, itchy eyes and throat and even skin irritation.

A single ragweed plant can distribute up to a billion grains of lightweight pollen into the air throughout the fall season. If your pet suffers from ragweed allergies, contact your veterinarian for treatment options.

Mold and mildew

Cooler temperatures and damp weather can lead to an explosion of mold and mildew both indoors and out. Irritating molds especially love growing in leaf piles.

Prevent mold and mildew before it affects your pet by regularly cleaning up leaves and yard waste, especially in shaded areas or where water tends to pool or stand for long periods of time.

Fleas

We aren’t the only creatures that come inside when the nights get chilly. Fleas can live outdoors well into the fall in temperate climates with higher humidity—and thrive indoors year-round, if not treated.

Be sure to apply a flea treatment to dogs and cats at the beginning of autumn to prevent an itchy situation.

Dust mites

A common allergen, dust mites like to hide out in the ductwork of homes and buildings during the summer months. Then, when the heating system is turned on, they flood throughout the home. This creates an uncomfortable situation for sensitive people and pets.

A certified filter for your heating and AC system, in concert with regular cleaning and mattress covers, can help to fight back against these pests.

Signs of an allergic reaction in pets:

  • Repeated scratching and licking
  • Sneezing or coughing
  • Red, irritated eyes
  • Swelling in face or paws
  • Chewing at skin
  • Hair loss, sores and skin infections resulting from scratching and chewing
  • Scratching at or forceful shaking of ears

Got an itch to tell us about other autumn pet allergies? Reach out on Twitter and Facebook at @NationwidePet.
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Fall 2022

Check out some of our other posts!

Ask your veterinarian: Recognizing and managing arthritis in pets

Arthritis is one of the top 10 most common pet insurance claims Nationwide sees annually ...

Winter weather safety tips for pet owners

Short days and long, cold nights make winter the season of snuggling with your ...

Winter activities for your pet

Staying active during the cold winter months isn’t always easy. Short days and chilly ...

Cold weather companions

When the temperature drops, some pets need to put on boots and a sweater—and other dogs ...