Like us, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies. Discover the common signs your dog is suffering from seasonal allergies and tips to ease their discomfort.

Signs Your Dog Is Suffering From Seasonal Allergies

Rising temperatures, longer days, birds chirping, and beautiful blooming trees … I LOVE SPRING! The one drawback? Allergies! I don’t know about you, but I get really bad seasonal allergies — tight throat, itching eyes, runny nose, and all-around discomfort. Well, get this: Like us, our canine companions can also suffer from allergies. While our dogs can’t simply tell us they aren’t feeling good, there are some warning signs. 


What Are Allergies?

Like humans, canines have an immune system that helps protect them from harmful bacteria and viruses. But, sometimes a completely harmless substance enters or comes into contact with the body that the immune system perceives as a threat. These foreign substances are called allergens and when we’re exposed to them, the body releases a compound called histamines. This over-reaction causes inflammation, swelling, and itching. To put it simply, it triggers an allergic reaction. 


What Triggers Allergies In Dogs?

Canines can suffer from seasonal, environmental, and food allergies. In this article, we’ll be focusing on seasonal/environmental allergies. Seasonal allergies tend to surface around a certain time of year (most commonly Spring and Fall) vs. food allergies are year-round. 

While a large number of substances can be allergens, some common things dogs are allergic to include:

  • Grass
  • Weeds
  • Pollen
  • Mold
  • Mildew
  • Dust mites
  • Shed skin cells (which is similar to pet allergies in humans)
  • Fungi
  • Flea saliva – Many dogs are highly allergic to flea bites

Warning Signs and Symptoms 

When it comes to allergy symptoms, us humans typically experience respiratory symptoms. We may sneeze a lot and have a runny nose. Our eyes may feel itchy and our throat may feel tight and scratchy. Dogs, on the other hand, tend to experience skin issues. Some common signs:

  • Excessive Scratching, Rubbing, and Licking: Dogs with seasonal allergies are often very itchy. In an attempt to soothe themselves, they will scratch excessively, especially in areas like the underbelly, armpits/groins, the base of the tail, paws, around the eyes, ears, and face.
    • Red and inflamed paw pads, from excessive licking and chewing
    • Brown saliva stains on paw pads due to excessive licking
    • Hair loss, from all the scratching and rubbing
  • Skin Irritation: Be alert for any odors, open wounds/hot spots, or skin breakdown from excessive licking and chewing. These can be signs of infection and will need to be looked at by the vet.
  • Chronic Ear Infections: Allergies can lead to ear infections characterized by redness, discharge, and a foul odor.
  • Watery Eyes and Sneezing: Dogs may exhibit symptoms similar to those seen in humans, including watery eyes, sneezing, and nasal discharge.

A Big Concern With Canine Allergies

Since doggy allergies trigger skin issues, all of that scratching, biting, and licking can trigger a secondary bacterial or yeast infection. So, it’s important to take action ASAP.


How To Diagnose & Treat Allergies 

First things first, If you suspect your dog has seasonal allergies, consult with your veterinarian. They will conduct a physical examination and review your pup’s symptoms. Your vet may suggest allergy testing, which can involve blood tests or intradermal skin tests.

Unfortunately, there’s no real cure for allergies. But, there are some ways you can help ease your dog’s discomfort.

  • Limit Exposure: Typically, the first thing to do if you know the cause would be to remove the trigger. But, since environmental causes are not that easy to remove, your best bet is to try and limit exposure.
    • Keep the windows in your house closed to avoid letting in pollen, especially when the local pollen count is high.
    • According to Pollen.com, “The pollen counts are the highest between 5 am and 10 am, so limiting your outside exposure during those times can be extremely helpful for diminishing your allergies.”
  • Create a Barrier: Consider putting a t-shirt on your fur baby to create a barrier between his skin and the environment. Remember to wash and change your dog’s clothes daily to remove lingering pollens.
  • Keep a Clean Home: Keep your carpets vacuumed and linens washed/changed to keep dust mites to a minimum.
    • When washing linens, doggy beds, or anything else your pooch will come into contact with, don’t line dry them outside (to avoid the pollen)
  • Change Air Filters Regularly: Use air filters to help reduce airborne allergens within the home. Make sure to change them regularly!
  • Use Wipes After Walks/Outdoor Time: When your dog comes inside from a walk, wipe him down with a damp cloth or grooming wipe to remove surface pollen. Wipe his face, paws, the underside of his belly, underarms, groin, tail and anal/genital areas. As I mentioned above, these are the areas most prone to contact exposure while walking your pup.
  • A More Thorough Rinse: Rinse your dog’s paws after an outing. I do this in the summer months before bed every night when my pup’s allergies act up and she gets instant relief. I just run her little paws under cool water for a few minutes while massaging her feet and paw pads. Then I dry her off with a towel. She curls up in the bed and happily goes to sleep. Total relief – no biting or licking those little tootsies.
  • Topical Treatments: Shampoos, sprays, and topical creams containing soothing ingredients can help alleviate skin irritation and itching.
  • Coconut Oil: This is one example of a topical treatment, but deserves a spot of its own! Coconut oil has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. While I include it in some of my dog’s treats, you can also use it topically. When applied directly to your dog’s skin, it can help restore skin health and prevent future infections.
  • Omega-3s: Studies have shown Omega-3 fatty acids may relieve atopic dermatitis. Speak to your vet about increasing fatty acids in your pup’s diet and possibly using an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement. I really like the Omega Oil by Native Pet.
  • Raw Local Honey or Local Bee Pollen: Local honey and bee pollen are often touted as natural remedies for alleviating seasonal allergies in both humans and dogs. By ingesting small quantities of these allergens, it’s believed that the body can gradually build up immunity or tolerance to them. The exposure may help desensitize the immune system, reducing the severity of allergic reactions over time. You can easily work honey or bee pollen into your dog’s homemade treats or food!
  • Probiotics: According to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, probiotics may benefit dogs suffering from allergy symptoms. Probiotics are naturally found in many foods, like yogurt, goat’s milk, and kefir. You can also introduce a daily probiotic supplement into your dog’s routine. I personally add Native Pet’s probiotic powder to my dogs’ breakfast bowls!
  • CBD Oil: Experts say CDB oil proves extremely effective when it comes to atopic dermatitis. Derived from hemp, CBD oil offers up many health benefits for dogs.
Have you ever tried CBD oil or hemp oil for your dog? In this article, Proud Dog Mom answers your burning questions and breaks down the many benefits.

More Treatment Tips

If your dog is suffering from severe allergies and natural treatments aren’t working, your vet may recommend medications. Your vet may prescribe antihistamines to alleviate itching and other allergy symptoms. *Don’t offer any over-the-counter medications without consulting with your vet first. Your vet may also talk to you about an allergy shot to help manage your dog’s allergies long-term.

Whatever route you take, maintain a thorough record of your dog’s symptoms, triggers, and responses to treatment. Keep in touch with your vet to monitor your dog’s progress and adjust treatment as needed.