Seasonal Allergies in Pets

Seasonal allergies are one of the most common causes of itching, paw licking, and ear issues in dogs and cats. They flare at certain times of year: often spring, summer, and early autumn – when pollen and environmental allergens are highest. While allergies cannot easily be “cured,” they can be managed very successfully with the right approach.

What Are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies occur when your pet’s immune system reacts to environmental allergens such as:

  • Grass, tree, and weed pollens
  • Dust mites
  • Other airborne particles that increase with weather changes

These allergens react on the skin or are inhaled, triggering inflammation and itchiness.

Pets rarely sneeze from allergies like humans do. Instead, they show skin and ear symptoms. You may notice:

  • Itching, scratching, or excessive licking
  • Red or irritated skin (especially belly, armpits, groin, paws)
  • Chewing or brown staining of the paws
  • Hair thinning or patchy hair loss
  • Hot spots (wet, smelly, painful skin infections)
  • Recurrent ear infections
  • Head shaking or ear odour
  • Red or itchy eyes
  • Restlessness from scratching, especially at night
  • Grooming more than usual (especially in cats)

If the pattern repeats each year seasonally, allergies are a likely underlying cause for these symptoms.

How Vets Diagnose Seasonal Allergies

There isn’t a single test to diagnose seasonal allergies. Instead, diagnosis is based on:

The pattern and timing of symptoms, skin examination, and exclusion of external parasites, food allergies, or other systemic conditions.

Blood or intradermal allergy testing exists, but is more more specific to long-term immunotherapy treatment than to diagnose seasonal allergies.

Seasonal allergies are typically a diagnosis of pattern, distribution and exclusion.

What You Can Do at Home

  1. Reduce Allergen Contact
    Small daily changes to decrease exposure to allergens can make a big difference:
    • Wipe paws and belly with a damp cloth after walks to remove pollen
    • Avoid walking or laying in long grasses
    • Avoid high-pollen times (early morning, windy days)
    • Soak bedding weekly in hot water
    • Vacuum frequently
  2. Bathing to Soothe Skin
    Bathing removes allergens from the skin and reduces itch.
    Use:
    • A gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo
    • Medicated shampoos if advised by your vet
    • Frequency: once weekly during flare season is ideal.
  3. Omega-3 Supplements
    Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) can reduce skin inflammation and improve the skin barrier.
    Choose:
    • High-quality veterinary or human-grade supplements
    • Correct weight-based dosing (ask your vet if unsure)
  4. Antihistamines
    Some pets respond well, especially if started before the allergy season.
    However:
    • They are mild compared to prescription allergy medications
    • They must be the correct type and dose
    • Avoid any products containing decongestants
  5. Monitor for Secondary Infections
    Allergies can damage the skin barrier allowing normal skin bacteria and yeast on the skin to cause infections.
    Signs of a skin infection include:
    • Smellier skin and coat than usual
    • Redness, dark staining, or greasy patches
    • Hot spots (wet, smelly, painful skin infections)
    • Excessive licking of paws
    • Ear discharge or repeated ear infections

    Skin infections require veterinary medical treatment – home remedies alone will not resolve them. The earlier the treatment – the better!

Veterinary Treatment Options

If prevention at home isn’t enough, your vet can recommend:

Anti-Itch Medication

These medications target and stop the pathways that cause itching from allergies

Apoquel (tablet): Reduces itch quickly and safely

Cytopoint (injection): Provides 4–8 weeks of itch control – often requires multiple doses for peak effectiveness

Atopica (oral liquid): Daily oral medication. Used long-term as a preventative – may require before a response is seen.

Short Courses of Steroids

Useful for severe flare-ups but not for long-term use due to known side effects.

Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT)

The only treatment that can reduce the body’s response to allergens over time.

Given as injections or oral drops at home.

Best for pets with:

  • Moderate to severe allergies
  • Year-round symptoms
  • Recurrent ear or skin infections
  • Most pets begin to improve after 6–12 months of consistent therapy.

 

Building a Seasonal Allergy Plan

A structured plan helps reduce allergy severity:

  • Start prevention early – before peak allergy season
  • Support the skin – regular gentle baths + omega-3s
  • Control environment – reduce pollen exposure
  • Monitor symptoms – note changes or triggers
  • Use vet-prescribed medication to control moderate or severe flare-ups
  • Consider immunotherapy if allergies affect the quality of life for your pet