Does your pet have allergies, or did he or she catch a bug? That's the main question when springtime illness hits.

We humans usually get runny noses and scratchy eyes when the pollen counts soar, but our pets show most of their allergies through their skin. So, if your dog or cat is sneezing, coughing, or chewing at her paws, it's time for a vet visit. We at the Montgomery Animal Hospital can do a thorough physical exam and help pinpoint the cause so we can get the treatment right the first time.

If your pet is coughing or sneezing, it's most likely an infectious disease. Now is the time to make sure your dog's bordatella (kennel cough) and canine flu vaccines are up to date and that your cat is current on his FVRCP vaccine (a combo of respiratory diseases). Pets can spread infectious diseases well before they show any signs of illness, so even the most responsible owners can't always protect their pets from contact. Mild cases of kennel cough don't require treatment, but any pet who becomes lethargic, has a decreased appetite or a severe cough needs to be evaluated.

If scratching or licking is the main sign, then environmental allergies can be behind the discomfort. Simple at-home steps include washing off your pet's paws every time he comes into the house from outside to remove pollen particles, and bathing weekly in a soothing oatmeal-based pet shampoo. If that's not enough to soothe the itch then give us a call at (513) 791-7912 and we can tailor remedies for your specific pet.

Photo credit Tony Alter www.flickr.com