What Are Seasonal Allergies in Dogs?
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Seasonal allergies in dogs are reactions to environmental triggers like pollen, grass and mould. You will normally see itchy skin, licking paws and ear infections.
This time of year, I suffer from hay fever so I can empathise with our furry friends who struggle too with seasonal allergies.
Spring and summer bring a rise in pollen and as we all know with the sunshine and rain we have had the grass is growing like crazy and there is grass pollen a plenty.
It is important to check your dog daily for signs of sore skin and watch out for them for scratching and licking, especially paws or shaking their heads. If your dog is showing any of these signs, then a trip to the vet is in order.
It can be very challenging sadly getting to the bottom of the cause but without treatment and seasonal support each year these issues can result in not just pain for your pet but also behavioural changes.
With the warm weather we can also see a rise in parasites, so I wanted to mention flea allergic dermatitis FAD here too. This is a year-round issue but can be much worse in the summer. With this condition you will see scratching but also see and feel little bumps that are often scabby as the dog scratches them.
For anyone who has experienced eczema they will know how miserable things can get. Feeling itchy and sore over time really takes its toll and it’s no different for our dogs.
Left untreated dogs can struggle to sleep and become withdrawn or attention seeking and even reactive. Damaged skin can become infected, so swift and effective treatment is needed,
Table of contents
Which season, which symptom?
Spring
In spring we see an increase in tree and grass pollen, flea numbers start to rise and mould spores from damp soil can be a problem.
Summer
In the summer we continue to see grass and weed pollen, a sharp increase in fleas and mould just loves warm humid conditions so it can be a problem in and out of the home this time of year.
Autumn
Mould spores from rotting leaves. Dust mites and fleas are on the rise again when we put our heating on. Seasonal harvest mites can be a problem and there are late flowering plants like Mugwort and Ragweed releasing pollen.
What you can do to help your dog’s seasonal allergies
There are lots of things you can do at home to help your dog from preventing problems to treatment.
If your dog does not like being handled or has become fearful or reactive to having certain parts of their body touched, then see a qualified and accredited trainer or behaviourist to help. It is common following treatment for sore skin or ears that your dog will not like you touching that area in the future.
Check out the Years Facebook group, I have done a series of videos on teaching your dog to tolerate formal handling for you to be able to check them properly and for treatment.
There are also now great programs working on a principle of training called Cooperative care. This can be a fantastic way to examine and treat your dog with their consent. Working with our pets this way means we will be more successful giving treatment in a way that is safe and easy for both you and your dog.
To prevent problems from seasonal allergies, you will need to:
Reduce the exposure to the triggers and make sure you support their skin and immune system.
Wiping your dog down with a clean damp cloth or hypoallergenic grooming wipe will reduce pollen coming home with them.
Increase their bathing frequency during peak seasons using a soothing dog specific shampoo.
Avoid or reduce walks at high pollen times or when pollen is more concentrated like early morning and late afternoon. If you live near the sea a walk on the beach can be better.
Wash pets bedding on a hot wash where possible and keep windows and door shut on high pollen days.
Omega 3 reduces inflammation in the body and probiotics supports gut health vital for supporting the body all year round but particularly important during periods where seasonal allergies might occur.
Can diet help with seasonal allergies?
Diet can absolutely help your dog’s seasonal allergies!
Whilst diet cannot fix seasonal allergies on their own, a good quality healthy diet can help. When your dog’s diet is the right one for them by preventing food sensitivity and allergies you will be making sure symptoms are not made worse. With targeted nutrition you can reduce overall body inflammation especially if it includes the right dose of Omega 3.
Years Fresh Dog Food has high quality fully detailed protein sources, and no fillers so common food allergies are avoided.
With the Breed Health+ supplement having probiotics your dog’s gut health is also supported. Gut health plays a vital role in your pet’s immune system so supporting it works towards preventing your dog’s immune system from overreacting to allergens like pollen, grass and food proteins.
When to see the vet
If your dog is itching or licking paws, scratching ears or shaking their head or if you see sore patches or notice a smell from their skin, ears or paws, it’s important to see your veterinary surgeon to discuss possible allergies especially if the problem is reoccurring.
It can be difficult to remember details long term so it’s helpful to keep a diary of flare ups and what your dog has been eating and doing around those times.
FAQs
What are the signs of seasonal allergies in dogs?
The most common signs of seasonal allergies in dogs include itchy skin, licking or chewing paws, red or sore skin, ear scratching, head shaking and rubbing their face or muzzle. Some dogs may also seem tired or unsettled when pollen levels are high. Dogs often show allergies through their skin rather than sneezing like humans, so repeated scratching or licking is worth taking seriously.
Can dogs get hay fever?
Yes, dogs can react to seasonal allergens like pollen, grass, weeds and mould spores. However, dog “hay fever” does not always look like human hay fever. While people often get sneezing, streaming eyes and a runny nose, dogs are more likely to develop itchy skin, sore paws, ear irritation or skin flare ups.
When are seasonal allergies worst for dogs?
Seasonal allergies in dogs are often worse in spring and summer, when tree, grass and weed pollen levels rise. Some dogs also flare up in autumn due to mould spores from damp leaves, harvest mites, dust mites and late flowering plants. Fleas can also become more active in warmer months, and flea allergy dermatitis can make itching much worse.
How can I help my dog with seasonal allergies at home?
You can help reduce your dog’s exposure to allergens by wiping them down after walks, washing bedding regularly, using a dog specific soothing shampoo and avoiding walks when pollen levels are highest. Keeping flea prevention up to date is important too, especially in warmer months. Home care can make a big difference, but it should sit alongside vet advice if your dog is itchy, sore or getting repeat ear or skin problems.
Should I take my dog to the vet for seasonal allergies?
Yes, you should speak to your vet if your dog is scratching often, licking their paws, shaking their head, getting sore patches, developing a smell from their skin or ears, or having repeated flare ups. Allergies can be difficult to diagnose because pollen, fleas, food sensitivities and skin infections can cause similar symptoms. Your vet can help identify what is going on and recommend the right treatment to keep your dog comfortable.
Nurse Joanna
Joanna Sutherland – VN, Cert AAB
Joanna is a qualified Veterinary Nurse and Behaviorist with over 15 years of experience in first opinion and referral practice. You can often find her sharing her experience in our Very Important Dog Facebook group.
