As if it isn't hard enough to be a dog, many a dog finds Spring unbearable. Like humans, some dogs are severely allergic to pollens, mold (CNN.com - Ed McMahon sues over toxic mold in L.A. home ), dust and foods, but unlike humans they may present even more difficult to treat symptoms.

Our dog's nose starts running continuously about this time of year and he'll snort throughout the night. He also is prone to skin rashes and sores, which if left untreated, can develop into a serious illness.

What to do about the allergies
The first thing to do for your dog's allergies is to consult your vet to find out if it is indeed allergies and not a symptom of disease.

Limit your dog's time outside when the pollen count is high. Take a damp washcloth and wipe the accumulated dirt and pollen off your dog after he's been outside (every single time).

Clean the air in the house (easier said than done). We run our air conditioning and we don't open the windows when the pollen count is high.

Clean the floors, remove mold you see in the basement and throw away toys that have gotten gummy from chewing (that includes old bone); they can make your dog sick if they are old and moldy. Vacuum every day -- let's face it ... dogs track in dirt and the very things they're allergic to. Dust everywhere and almost everyday. If your rugs are harboring dust mites, consider getting rid of them if you can't wash them every week. We got rid of our heavy wool rugs and our dog immediately starting to breath easier and he stopped having sores. We also use a gentle, antibacterial shampoo (prescribed by his vet) and our dog also gets a high-quality name brand dog food.

Of course, for any serious condition, consult your veterinarian. Skin conditions can become serious rapidly, so if you're worried, don't hesitate. Your dog may need testing, to find out just what he's allergic to. Food allergies require special diets. Pollen and dust allergies can be treated with medicines and allergy shots. If your dog doesn't have allergies, an entirely different condition may be presenting itself.