Seasonal allergies ar—-ACCHHOOO!! Sorry. It’s allergy season. If your seasonal allergies are starting to rear their ugly heads, they could be bothering your pet too. Even if you yourself don’t have symptoms, could your pet have allergies? If you live here in California, your pet’s seasonal allergies are probably at their worst in April, May, and early fall. Wondering which California plants are causing the most problems for your pet? Here are four you should know.

1. Oak Trees

Oak trees grow nearly all over the United States and in every single county in California. They can be up to 150 feet tall and produce a great deal of pollen, particularly in spring through late May. They’re a primary tree allergen for seasonal allergy sufferers. Oaks are usually found in residential areas and in parks and other open spaces which make them a prime candidate for aggravating your pet’s allergy symptoms.

2. Sweet Vernal Grass

Sweet vernal is one of the worst types of grass in terms of allergens. In California, the grass puts off pollen from March through November, but primarily in late spring. It grows all over the state – it’s native to the Western U.S. – but is most prevalent along the coast. Because sweet vernal can grow to a great height, it’s problematic for pets who may traipse through it unknowingly.

3. Mulberry Shrubs

The mulberry, while beautiful, is particularly problematic for allergy sufferers. The plant flowers during winter and spring, so it’s one of the earliest California plants to begin shedding pollen. It grows all over California, particularly in heavily wooded areas, and is often found in large patches of dozens or even hundreds of shrubs. Mulberries put off pollen until late spring.

4. Walnut Trees

California is well-known for its nut trees, particularly the California Black Walnut. Walnut trees in California flower in late spring, from April through June, and produce a lot of pollen. Conversely, these trees don’t begin flowering until May in the Northeast. The trees don’t begin to drop pollen until they’ve lost all their leaves. The pollen produced by walnut trees is smaller and lighter than many other tree pollens, making it particularly “sticky” to the skin and face of pets.

Does your pet have seasonal allergies?