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What Every Dog Owner Should Know About Allergies

Our Veterinary Team Provides Expert Advice on What to Watch for and What You Can Do About It

Spring and summer are wonderful seasons for dogs, but for many, warmer weather also brings allergies. If your pup has been scratching more than usual, chewing at their paws, or shaking their head, allergies could be the culprit.

What Causes Allergies in Dogs?

The three most common types of allergies in dogs are environmental allergies (pollen, grass, dust mites, molds), flea allergies (an intense reaction to flea saliva, even from a single bite), and food allergies.

Symptoms can occur year-round but often peak in the spring and summer. While allergies can’t always be cured, they can usually be managed so your dog stays comfortable.

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Allergies?

Allergic dogs don’t typically sneeze or get watery eyes the way people do. Instead, allergies usually show up in the skin. Keep an eye out for:

    • Frequent scratching, especially on the belly, armpits, or sides
    • Red or irritated skin
    • Rubbing the face on furniture or with their paws
    • Excessive paw licking or chewing
    • Reddish-brown staining of the fur on their paws
    • Hair loss or skin sores
    • Recurring skin or ear infections

Boston Veterinary Care (BVC) Pro Tip: Reddish-brown fur staining around the paws is a telltale sign of chronic licking and a classic sign of allergies that’s easy to miss.

Don’t Forget About Fleas

It only takes one flea bite to set off a reaction in a sensitive dog. Year-round flea prevention is the best defense, even if you never see fleas on your pet.

Allergies and Ear Infections

Recurring ear infections are often allergy related. Allergies cause inflammation in the ear canal, creating the perfect environment for yeast and bacteria to grow. Watch for head shaking, scratching at the ears, odors, or discharge.

Boston Veterinary Care (BVC) Pro Tip: Recurring ear infections are a red flag that something bigger may be going on. Don’t wait to check in with your vet!

What Can Be Done?

A full-service veterinarian can help by recommending year-round flea prevention, conducting a diet trial to rule out food allergies, and prescribing medications like Apoquel® or Cytopoint® to control itching. Diagnostic testing or a referral to a veterinary dermatologist may also be recommended. Long-term improvement depends on treating the root cause.

The Boston Veterinary Care Team is Here to Help

If your dog is dealing with ongoing allergy symptoms, recurring ear infections, or skin issues, Boston Veterinary Care (BVC), the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s full-service veterinary clinic, is here to help.

BVC provides comprehensive medical, surgical, and preventative care, including diagnostic testing and long-term allergy management. As a nonprofit clinic, 100% of proceeds support the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

Boston Veterinary Care: 10 Chandler St. Boston, MA l (617) 226-5605 | bvc@arlboston.org | bostonvetcare.com

Keeping Pets Safe This July 4th

Why Fireworks and Furry Friends Don’t Mix

Fireworks and July 4th go hand-in-hand; however, they can cause stress and anxiety in our pets.

Fireworks are a beloved July 4th tradition, but they can cause significant stress and anxiety for pets.

Many dogs already struggle during thunderstorms, and while both storms and fireworks are loud, there’s a key difference:
Dogs can sense an approaching storm through changes in barometric pressure. Fireworks, on the other hand, are sudden, unpredictable, and startling.

“When storms happen, the barometric pressure will tell them that it’s coming; not with fireworks—and it’s so detrimental,” says Laney Nee, ARL’s Shelter Behavior and Enrichment Manager.

Fireworks can lead to anxiety and long-term behavioral issues in pets.
Common signs of distress include:

  • Shaking or trembling
  • Drooling
  • Barking or howling
  • Pacing or restlessness
  • Hiding or trying to escape
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

“Dogs only communicate through their voices, mouths, paws, and body language,” Nee explains. “When they’re exhibiting signs of fear and we interact with them, there’s a risk they could redirect that fear into aggressive behavior.”

The loud blasts and flashing lights can also cause pets to panic and run off. Shelters across the country often see a spike in lost pet reports around July 4th.

How to Help Keep Your Pet Safe

Here are tips to protect your furry friends this holiday:

  1. ID First: Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with up-to-date ID tags. If they’re microchipped, confirm your contact info is current—just in case they get lost.
  2. Create a Safe Space: Set them up in a quiet room with their favorite toys. Turn on a TV, soft music, or a white noise machine to help mask outside noises.
  3. Reduce Light Exposure: If your pet is sensitive to the bright flashes, place them in a room without windows. Keep in mind: frightened animals may bolt when a door opens, so take precautions.
  4. Consult Your Vet: If your pet suffers from extreme anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about possible medications or calming supplements.
  5. Burn Off Energy: Take dogs for a long walk or play session before fireworks begin. Exercise can help reduce stress and encourage relaxation.
  6. Double-Check Exits: Make sure doors, windows, and backyard gates are securely closed.
  7. Keep Pets Home: Even pets that seem comfortable in crowds can become frightened by fireworks. Leave pets at home during celebrations and avoid bringing them to fireworks displays, parades, or other loud events.

What to Do If Your Pet Goes Missing

  1. Contact Animal Control: If your pet escapes, contact your local animal control with their information immediately.
  2. Notify Local Shelters: Reach out to nearby shelters to report your missing pet and provide a recent photo.
  3. Check Microchip Information: If your pet is microchipped, make sure your contact information is up to date and notify the microchipping company that your pet is missing.
  4. Spread the Word: Post a recent photo and details for your pet on local lost-and-found pet pages, neighborhood social media groups, and community bulletin boards.
  5. Search the Area: Walk through your neighborhood and check nearby yards, parks, and hiding spots. Bring treats, a favorite toy, or other familiar items to help attract your pet.

Cats and Small Animals

While dogs are often the most visibly affected, cats and other small pets can also experience stress from fireworks. Provide them with a quiet, secure area where they can retreat and feel safe.

ARL’s FREE Pet Behavior Helpline

ARL’s Pet Behavior Helpline is a FREE service, and can answer basic behavioral questions about your pet, such as excessive barking, crate training, house soiling, or if you are looking for ways to stave off your pet’s boredom.

If you have questions, please call the Pet Behavior Helpline at (617) 226-5666 or via email behaviorhelpline@arlboston.org, and an ARL representative will get back to you within 48 hours.

ARL Offers Tips to Keep Pets Safe During the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is reminding pet owners of some things to keep in mind to help keep our pets safe and healthy as we celebrate with friends, family, food and festivities!

Plants and Decorations

Pet owners should be aware of the holiday plants being brought into the home – mistletoe, holly, some types of lilies can cause a host of issues if they are ingested and additionally, poinsettias, while traditional, can also be toxic. Stick to artificial plant decorations, or opt for a pet-friendly bouquet.

If you have a Christmas tree, make sure it’s anchored so it doesn’t tip over and injure your pet, and also be sure to keep pets from drinking the tree water which could cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

For decorations, with its sparkle, tinsel can be mistaken for a toy, but if ingested can cause vomiting, dehydration or even a blockage in the digestive tract, so in short, if you have pets, leave the tinsel in the box!

Also, be sure to never leave candles unattended, and keep wires, batteries and ornaments out of reach of your pet’s paws.

small dog sniffing sweets in a bowl

Foods to Avoid

We all know that chocolate is a no-no, but there are also potential dangers hidden in many of the side dishes and snacks we enjoy during the holidays.

These include onions, garlic, grapes and raisins, nuts, milk and dairy, and xylitol, which is a sweetener found in many products including candy, gum and baked goods, can all be toxic to our pets.

Do not give your dog bones, either cooked or raw! Bones can splinter, causing intestinal obstructions and even fracture teeth.

Be mindful while cooking – consider keeping pets out of the kitchen and remind your guests not to feed your pets any scraps!

Should your pet ingest any items that may be toxic, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

white cat laying on bookshelf

Holiday Gatherings

If your hosting family or friends for the holidays, it could be a stimulus overload for your pet, causing anxiety and overexcitement. And in turn unpleasant behaviors may surface so be sure to set up your pet for success before your guests arrive.

Give your pets get plenty of attention and exercise prior to guests arriving because we all know tired pets are more apt to be better behaved pets!

With guests constantly coming and going, it’s best to remind visitors to be mindful when entering and exiting your home to ensure your pet does not make a great escape in all of the excitement – if they are overanxious they may make a dash for the door!

Additionally, provide your pet with a safe space away from your guests should they need an escape from the excitement.

The space should have fresh water, food, and items to keep them occupied including toys, or perhaps a food puzzle and bedding so they can be comfortable.

With a bit of preparation, you can help ensure a safe, happy, and worry-free holiday season for both you and your pets.

Fall Into Healthy Grooming Habits

An Important Part of Your Pet’s Routine

Regular grooming is a key part of your pet’s overall health. It’s a simple way to prevent discomfort, infections, and other health issues before they start. Each grooming session is a perfect chance to check your pet for early signs of trouble, like a skin irritation, ear infection, or overgrown nails that could affect their mobility. By taking the time to care for them, you’re helping your best friend feel their very best.

Here are the top 3 grooming questions asked by clients of Boston Veterinary Care (BVC), ARL’s clinic with a mission:

  1. How do I clean my pet’s ears?
    – Use a cat or dog-specific ear cleaning solution. Never use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol!
    – Gently hold your pet’s ear flap open and squeeze a few drops into the ear canal.
    – Fold the ear flap back and gently massage the base of the ear to help loosen debris.
    – Use a cotton pad to gently wipe the inside of the ear, removing dirt and moisture.

    BVC Pro Tip: If your pet’s ears have a bad odor, redness, or discharge, check in with your vet!

  2. How do I trim my dog’s nails?
    – Use dog-specific clippers to cut each nail at a 45-degree angle, right where the nail begins to curve.
    – Clip small amounts at a time to avoid cutting off too much of the nail.
    – If the nail bleeds, pat Styptic powder or corn starch onto the tip and let it dry.

    BVC Pro Tip: Ask a family member or friend to hold your dog and distract them with treats while you do the clipping.

    3. How do I brush my cat’s fur?
    – Introduce a brush or comb gently and pair it with treats and praise.
    – Brush in the direction of fur growth and focus on areas prone to matting, such as the chest, abdomen, and behind the ears.
    – If you do encounter mats, gently tease them apart with your fingers or a de-matting comb. Severe matting should be addressed by a groomer

    BVC Pro Tip: Check for fleas and other skin issues during grooming sessions.

Schedule an Appointment with BVC

BVC provides a full range of high-quality outpatient veterinary services to pet owners in the Greater Boston Area. A mission-driven clinic, BVC’s profits support ARL’s animals. Request an appointment today.

    How to Prepare Your Pet for Spooky Season

    In Massachusetts, Halloween means busy city streets filled with trick-or-treaters, neighborhood block parties, and plenty of creative costumes. While it’s a fun and spirited time for people, the holiday can be overwhelming—or even dangerous—for pets. With a little planning, you can help your four-legged family members stay safe and comfortable while you enjoy the festivities.

    4 Tips to Protect Your Pets This Halloween:

    1. Keep candy and chocolate out of reach. The bowl of candy that we make easily accessible for tiny trick-or-treaters is also at paws-length for our pets. Even small amounts of chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free candy), and caffeine is toxic to dogs and cats and can cause seizures, liver failure, and even death. If you suspect your pet has eaten something dangerous, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away.
    2. Be careful with decorations. If your goal is to create the perfect spooky ambiance for all the Halloween festivities, keep in mind that many decorations are not pet-friendly. Faux spider webs, glow sticks, and plastic toys can be harmful if swallowed. Lit candles or jack-o-lanterns can be knocked over by curious pets, leading to burns or even fires.
    3. Create a calm space. The doorbell constantly ringing, a flurry of strangers in costumes, and loud noises can overwhelm pets- especially those who are typically skittish or anxious. Set you cat or dog up in a quiet room with their favorite toys and a TV or white noise to help ease their stress.
    4. Check your pet’s ID. With doors opening and closing all night, there’s a risk of pets slipping outside. Make sure their ID tags and microchip information are up to date so you can be reunited quickly if they get lost.

    Halloween can be a wonderful holiday for the whole family—but for pets, it comes with hidden risks. By keeping treats out of reach, decorating with care, reducing stress, checking IDs, and being mindful about costumes, you can ensure your pets stay safe and comfortable. With just a few simple precautions, the holiday can be fun, festive, and worry-free for everyone.

    Carve Out Some Fun This Halloween!

    Download our free pumpkin carving templates featuring cute animal designs.

    ARL Reminds Pet Owners to Keep Pets Safe During Heat Wave

    Tips to Protect Pets in Extreme Heat

    With temperatures soaring over the next few days, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is reminding pet owners to take steps to keep pets safe as we experience extreme weather conditions.

    Keep your pet safe and healthy by following these important basic guidelines:

    • Prevention is always your best bet. Whenever possible, leave your pet at home in a cool, low-humidity, and temperature-regulated room.
    • If your pet must be outdoors, find a shady spot with ample air flow to prevent overheating.
    • Hydration is key, so keep a bowl of cold water accessible at all times.
    • Limit exercise to the morning or evening hours when temperatures are at their coolest. Aside from the heat, the high humidity can cause respiratory issues for animals, particularly short-snouted animals (e.g., pugs).
    • When the temperatures rise, it’s Too Hot for Spot®! Never leave your pet alone in a parked car — even with the air conditioner on or the windows cracked.

    It is illegal in Massachusetts to keep an animal confined in a vehicle during extreme hot or cold conditions, and when a weather advisory is issued, it is also illegal to keep dogs tethered for longer than five hours in a 24-hour period. Dogs also cannot be tethered outdoors between 10 PM and 6 AM, unless for not more than 15 minutes, and when the owner/keeper is present.

    See an animal that is in imminent danger or distress? If so, contact your local animal control or police department immediately.

    More summer pet safety tips.

    ARL Rescues Kitten from Storm Drain Near I-95 On-Ramp in Canton

    Kitten was underweight, now in foster care

    A six-week-old kitten is safe and sound in foster care after being rescued from a storm drain near the on-ramp to I-95 in Canton by the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Field Services Department.

    ARL received a call on July 19 from a passerby who spotted the kitten wandering on Neponset Street in Canton and given his size and the fact he was alone, ARL immediately sprang into action to ensure the safety of the animal.

    Pigeon in ARL’s Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center.

    Once on-scene, ARL agents scoured a wooded area where the kitten was spotted and after a short time, could hear him crying – from inside a storm drain.

    Once the exit pipe was located, agents set a humane trap and played kitten sounds to lure him out of his hiding place.

    After a short wait, the kitten came out and was immediately drawn to the food that had been placed in the trap.

    When he began ravenously eating, the trap closed, and agents prepared him for the short transport drive to ARL’s Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center.

    The kitten, now named Pigeon, was very thin, weighing just over a pound, and was extremely dirty, but was otherwise healthy.

    He will remain in foster care for several weeks to gain weight and reach the appropriate age to be neutered and will then be made available for adoption.

    ARL reminds the public that anyone who spots a domestic animal in distress or danger is urged to contact ARL Field Services for assistance at (617) 426-9170 x563.

    ARL Partners with New England Patriots for Training Camp Adoption Event

    As the New England Patriots kicked off the first day of training camp, a special adoption event at Gillette Stadium with the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) kicked off a lifetime of love for more than three dozen families who took home a new furry family member.

    ARL joined two other animal welfare organizations to find homes for 41 puppies and young adult dogs, the first such event to held at Gillette Stadium during training camp.

    New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his wife and ARL board member Dr. Dana Kraft have a deep love for animals, particularly their dog Heisman, and the adoption effort was largely spear-headed by Dr. Kraft.

    “Dana is on the board of ARL and she mentioned to me that the number of dogs in shelters is higher than it’s ever been,” said Mr. Kraft. “I don’t know if that’s because of what’s going on with the economics of our country right now, but I do know how these dogs can bring so much happiness and love.”

    The adoption event included a press conference the previous day where players and head coach Mike Vrabel brought two ARL puppies to the podium to answer questions from the media.

    The kickoff of training camp also included a special moment where players and coach Vrabel walked onto the field with some of the adopted puppies to present them to their new families.

    As fans filed into training camp, they were able to meet and interact with all the available animals, talk with adoption staff, and also learn more about the programs and services that ARL offers.

    The event was tremendously successful, and ARL wishes to thank the Patriots for their partnership and passion to help find homes for as many animals as possible.

    What a way to kick off the 2025-2026 season!

    ARL, MA State Police to Host Too Hot for Spot Campaign Demo

    Demonstration part of ARL’s annual Too Hot for Spot summer safety campaign

    This week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and Massachusetts State Police welcomed members of the media to ARL’s Dedham Campus for a hot car demonstration as part of ARL’s annual Too Hot for Spot® safety campaign, which has educated pet owners about summer safety for over a decade.

    ARL is marking 11 years of the Too Hot for Spot campaign, but unfortunately, we are still seeing plenty of instances where an animal’s life is put in danger due to being left in a hot vehicle, several of which have happened in just the past month.

    With temperatures this summer being well above average, it’s imperative this message reaches as many pet owners as possible.

    Leaving an animal in a hot car is the number one cause of deadly heatstroke in pets. When temperatures rise, so do concerns about animal safety.

    Even when the mercury dips below 80 degrees, the threat for heat stroke still exists.

    Within five minutes’ time, a vehicle’s interior temperature can rise above 118 degrees on a 75-degree day, even with the windows cracked.

    This week’s demonstration occurred during an overcast day, with temperatures in the low 80’s.

    In less than 10 minutes, the thermometer inside the vehicle soared to over 115 degrees, demonstrating the dangers that exist during the summer months.

    Additionally, many modern vehicles feature an automatic shut-off feature after a certain amount of time when the vehicle is left in park and running – meaning that even if a pet owner leaves their animals in a car with the air conditioning running, the vehicle may shut off, leaving the animals susceptible to deadly heat stroke.

    It is also illegal in Massachusetts to keep an animal in a hot vehicle, and law enforcement across the Commonwealth will be on the lookout this summer.

    Visit arlboston.org/too-hot-for-spot to learn important pet safety tips and guidelines.

    ARL wishes to thank the Massachusetts State Police, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, and Herb Chambers for their continued support and partnership in ARL’s Too Hot for Spot summer safety campaign.

    Good Samaritan and Social Media Post Helps Reunite Lost Cat with Family

    ARL offers tips should a pet become lost or missing

    A lost cat who was missing for three weeks is back home safe and sound thanks to a Good Samaritan, social media, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL)

    Mary, a 13-year-old cat, had never been outdoors, so when she snuck out of her Lowell home, her owner was instantly worried and turned to Facebook to report the missing animal.

    Mary reunites with her owner!

    About two weeks later, a resident was driving along Chelmsford Road near Route 3 in Lowell, and spotted the cat.

    Concerned for her safety, the Good Samaritan pulled over, approached the cat, and took her in.

    Mary was not wearing a collar, but was well-groomed and friendly, indicating she was likely an owned cat.

    The finder contacted ARL and brought her to the organization’s Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center.

    The cat was healthy, and settled in quickly, but meanwhile, a Facebook about the lost cat was spotted by her owner, who immediately reached out to ARL.

    Soon after, Mary’s owner arrived at ARL and was reunited with her beloved pet!

    When a Pet Goes Missing

    An open door, a thunderstorm, slipping out of a collar or harness – situations happen where an animal becomes lost, and when that happens it’s important not to panic and to take steps to increase the likelihood of being reunited.

    Take immediate action by following these 5 steps to increase the likelihood of a happy reunion with your pet: 

    • Call the local Animal Control Officer of the town where you live, and of the town that your pet went missing in. List of Massachusetts Animal Control Officers.
    • File a lost report with ARL either in person, over the phone at (617) 426-9170, or online. This lost report is seen by all three ARL locations. The staff will ask you to provide a photo of your pet.
    • Contact your pet’s microchip company if your pet has one, to notify them that your pet is lost. Be sure to confirm that your contact information is current.
    • File a lost report with every shelter within a 60-mile radius of where your pet went missing. Oftentimes, concerned citizens will pick up a stray pet they see on the side of the road and bring it to a shelter that is close to their destination instead of close to where they found the animal. Visit the shelters closest to you as often as possible to check for new incoming lost pets.
    • Don’t give up! Many pets go missing for months before being reunited with their owners. You will have the best chance of finding your missing pet if you utilize all of the provided tips and continue to search for them as long as you can.

    Additionally, as Mary’s story showed, social media can be a powerful tool when a pet is missing.

    There are many community lost pet social media pages and should your pet go missing, not only can you post to inform your neighbors about your pet, but you can also be notified if someone finds your pet as well.

    More helpful lost pet tips.