The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of This Just In…Originally written by both my lovely wife, Jennifer and me, this blog brings you the latest news about our furry friends including articles, columns, photos and videos. Enjoy!

THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY:  Sunny. High of 69.  “A”

SUNDAY:  Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. High of 77. “A”

We open this week with a blog from our vault and Jennifer writing back in 2012 (updated):

I have suffered from seasonal & environmental allergies for most of my life.  I have never had “allergy testing” because quite frankly I am too chicken to subject myself to the process.  Generally I just take OTC antihistamines from first bloom to first frost and deal with it.

I tolerate a range of annoying allergic reactions besides ragweed and pollen.  I have a severe reaction to nickel in metal so much to Kevin’s chagrin I can only wear “real” gold.  I can’t come within 5 yards of a horse or I will break out in hives and have eyes so swollen I look like, well, I don’t know what.  Just the other day, I tried a new brand of dish soap because I thought it smelled nice.  “Big mistake,” my rash-covered hands told me.

Kevin, on the other hand, has no issues with things like this.  The man can cut grass in a dust storm, pet a dozen dogs at one time, stand in a field of flowers and use any sort of soap/lotion/fragrance.  If he sneezes once during the months of June, July and August it’s because he got pool water in his nose.

I truly hope that our daughter Kyla takes after her Daddy and has her own natural ability to fight allergens and not rely on a lifetime supply of Benadryl.  I don’t know… with our luck, our poor offspring will sneeze in unison with Mommy from May through October and we’ll open the windows once during the summer season.

(UPDATE FROM FOX6 NEWS MILWAUKEE: “One word: Rough.” That’s how allergist and immunologist Dr. Khaled Girgis of HCA Midwest Health describes the 2023 allergy season we’re in for this spring. Allergies are the gift that keeps on giving. Those who suffer know all too well its impact on sleep, daytime alertness and overall function. Now with rising temperatures and increased pollen in the air, the arrival of spring allergy season is here, and doctors warn we’re in for a bumpy ride. After a mild winter  season with less precipitation in most areas across the U.S., Girgis said pollen counts could skyrocket as it starts to warm up – as they did in key regions just a couple of weeks ago. “If spring turns out to be rainy, mold counts will go up,” he said. Girgis said there are three pollination seasons: spring, late May with grass, and mid-August when weed season kicks in).

So where am I going with all this nasal news?  Well, if you think the two-legged members of your family are the only ones who can suffer this time of year think again.  If you have noticed the family pooch scratching more, or sneezing uncontrollably then chances are he/she is suffering from seasonal allergies.  Fortunately there are ways to cope just like there are for humans.  Antihistamines are a possible source of relief, as are a short-term dose of steroids.

This year if you are itching & scratching, rubbing your eyes, sneezing and dealing with a raspy voice and scratchy throat; please don’t dismiss your dog may be suffering the same ways you are.

From a fellow allergy sufferer, good luck with summer.

—Jennifer Fischer, 03/17/2012 (revised)

Time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.

Weed war: Raids on licensed farms and dog shooting spark outrage in California.

Planes are more crowded — with dogs and cats.

More dogs could show up in outdoor dining spaces. Not everyone is happy about it.

Older dogs who sleep badly may have dementia, study says.

Why Do Larger Dogs Have Shorter Lifespans?

We’ve done this story that is back in the news: Does Your Dog Truly Love You?

What city is the U.S. dog poop capital?

German Shepherd Spotted Alone in the Rain Clutching Stuffed Animal Is Rescued with Her Toy.

Small Dog Wearing Red Bow Found Hidden in Picasso Painting.

Half of American pet owners say their soulmate is, who else? Their pet!

Owner Shocked by Spoiled Dog’s Antics While He’s Staying With Grandparents.

That’s it for this week.

Thanks for stopping by.

We’d really appreciate it if you forward this on to other dog lovers you know. Let them have some fun!

See ya, BARK, next Saturday!