OMAHA, Neb. -- Charlie Stone suspected there was something wrong with his dogs when they began acting lethargic and fidgety, KETV-TV in Omaha reported.

Then a dog groomer pointed out the dogs' sores.

"Especially between the toes and on the rear, they've just gnawed themselves silly," Stone said.

His dogs were miserable with allergies. People can control their exposure by spending most of their time indoors. But dogs lie in the problem, play in it and walk in it. They feel the consequences. Stone called his veterinarian.

"Vet said, 'Get them over here. About the last two weeks, every call we've had has been about dog allergies,'" Stone said.

Vets said they're seeing a spike in the number of reported dog allergy cases.

Veterinarian Kathy Knake said signs of a suffering dog include licking the feet, red skin, ear infections and general itchiness. She said dogs feel as lousy as humans do when their immune systems respond to allergens.

Knake said vets want to help dogs feel better and also prevent further complications from untreated infections.

Stone's dogs required steroid shots. They cost hundreds of dollars, but he said it was worth it.

"I would suggest if you truly appreciate your animal, get to the doctor, get to your vet," Stone said.

His dogs suffered a serious allergic reaction. Milder cases can be treated with a special shampoo spray or an oatmeal bath.

Other pets need to be tested to determine if they are seasonal or food allergies. The vet will then decide the best treatment.