Here is an excellent website to look up Pollen counts for where you live.  Pollen Lookup   The information is from actual samples and predictions are made base on combines weather forecasts. This is the most accurate site readily available to the public.

How I use it.

1. I keep track on a simple calendar by marking a red X on the days when my allergy symptoms are acting up. I do the same with my pets.
2. Then I look up the pollen(s) that is(are) high during the weeks of year that my symptoms are flared up.
3. Treatment or avoidance depends on what I or my pets is reacting too.  Examples:

• Tree pollen allergies that cross react with some foods.
  Common in allergies to Birch trees are allergies to apples and carrots, symptoms of mouth burning when eating foods are reported. This is called oral allergy syndrome. Some people may be allergic to one food, and others with many different fruits and vegetables. In the case of OAS, individuals react to different foods based on what type of seasonal allergies they are affected by.   So I re-look up which foods to avoid.  I avoid gardening under the one birch tree in the yard when it is pollinating and avoid woods and parks in early spring. See related posts about OAS.
• Grass when pollen for dogs and cats this is common.  Prevent  common habit by Pets of “rolling in the grass” or “eating the grass”. Wipe down their feet and fur with a very wet microfiber cloth followed by a dry one. Be sure to get deep between the toes, where sweat glands are located and more debris will stick to skin and hair.  Still dogs and cats love the smell of grass so we often have to add some treatment to decrease itching if grass pollen is one of their allergies. There are many, many options so consult with your local Vet for help with treatment.
• Late summer/ fall bloomers like ragweed,  golden rod, yarrows etc. These plants produce a large amount of light weight pollen that is spreads easily on the wind, so everyone who is allergic is effected for miles, making avoidance impractical.  The “Nettie Pot” treatment method which uses a saline/herbal lavage to physical remove the days accumulation of particles, does work for some people when used correctly. This is difficult to do to pets, who nasopharynx anatomy is different and lack of cooperation.  So again some treatment to decrease allergy symptoms is often needed for the fall season. Herbal anti-inflammatories, that reduce  the body’s triggering mechanism that release histamines, can be helpful when started 4 to 6 months before the expected season of allergies. At a minimum herbal can decrease the dose or duration of pharmaceuticals  needed to control the symptoms of a flareup.

Good luck to everyone who struggles with allergies, in themselves or family members furry or human. Allergic disease is very frustrating and gets more intense with each passing year.

As the global weather become moister, warmer, and windier we can expect more intense allergy seasons.