The Cherry Blossom swan song has begun. Peak bloom-peeping season ended last week here in DC, and now the sidewalks and yards are carpeted with pink petals. I love to walk through the confetti with my canine clients, but it’s bittersweet. Every petal that falls is a reminder that spring is ending sooner than we’d like, and the heat wave is right around the corner.

I’m not sure that Zeke and Sum share my sentimental attitude about the Cherry Blossoms … they’ve been feeling the effects of the extra pollen, and every time we step outside they serenade me with sneezes. It used to be worse -- back in the day Zeke’s springtime allergies caused him to lick his front paws until they turned an ugly rusty color.

Is your dog a seasonal allergy sufferer? How does it manifest?