Allergies are just the worst, aren’t they? The calendar flips to March, and suddenly, your nose is running, your throat is itchy, and you can’t leave the house without a pack of tissues.
That’s usually how it goes in the human world, but what about our furry, four-legged friends?
Dogs are also prone to seasonal allergies. It’s usually their skin that is affected. Itching and discomfort can make our pups miserable during certain times of the year. We’re here to provide more details about these seasonal annoyances.
What Are Seasonal Dog Allergies?
Seasonal allergies in dogs are caused by airborne allergens that fluctuate with the seasons, such as pollen, grass, mold spores, and dust mites. Seasonal allergies fall under the category of environmental allergies (also known as atopy).
Unlike other environmental allergies or food allergies (triggered by specific types of food), which persist year-round, seasonal allergies cause issues during certain times of the year.
This is most often the case in the spring and fall when plants release pollen and humidity levels change.
Common Signs of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs
Skin Irritation and Itchiness
The most common sign of seasonal allergies in dogs is frequent itchiness, which is known as pruritus. This can cause your dog to scratch, lick, chew, bite, and rub at their skin. All types of allergies can cause itchy skin affecting your dog’s whole body. However, certain types of allergies may have a specific pattern. Environmental allergies often lead to itchy skin on the face, paws, legs, ears, belly, and armpits. , and armpits.
Head Shaking
Seasonal allergies may cause discomfort in your dog’s ears. If your pup is scratching at their ears or shaking their head more than usual, it may be a sign that allergens are to blame.
Paw Licking
Another area on your dog’s body that could be impacted by seasonal allergies are your dog’s paws. Dogs walk over all kinds of surfaces and substances throughout their day. This includes grass, pollen, and even potential indoor allergy triggers like dust mites. This can lead to paw irritation, which often results in dogs licking and chewing their paws. If you notice this behavior happening more often, it’s time to talk to your vet.
Behavioral Changes
Seasonal allergies don’t just affect a dog’s physical body — they also have an impact on their mood and behavior. Watch for possible behavioral changes in addition to other issues These might include a loss of interest in playing or being more restless than usual.
Causes of Seasonal Dog Allergies
Seasonal allergies in dogs are primarily triggered by environmental allergens that change depending on the time of the year. The most common ways these allergens get into a dog’s body is through inhaling or direct contact with the skin.
The most common causes are:
- Pollen from trees, grass, or weeds
- Dust mites that live in your carpets, upholstery, and bedding
- Certain plants and flowers such as ragweed and bottlebrush
Diagnosis of Seasonal Allergies
Your vet may diagnose seasonal allergies based on a nose-to-tail physical exam and medical history (mainly a seasonal pattern to your dog’s allergy symptoms). Other conditions that cause itchy skin can also be ruled out through additional testing.
How to Manage Seasonal Dog Allergies
Since seasonal allergies are mostly triggered by airborne allergens, reducing exposure is one of the most effective ways to manage symptoms.
Here are some simple strategies:
- Keep your windows closed.
- Use air purifiers.
- Regularly wash your dog’s bedding.
- Vacuum your home as often as you can.
- Limit your dog’s outdoor activity during peak pollen times.
- Wipe your dog’s paws clean after walks, before they enter the house.
- Keep your dog on year-round flea and parasite prevention as prescribed by your vet.
When to Seek Help from a Vet
You may be able to manage your dog’s allergy symptoms with the strategies outlined in this article.
However, if you’ve tried everything and your dog is still struggling, don’t despair. Taking your pup to the vet is, as a general rule, always the best way to deal with any health issue. So, when exactly is the right time to go to a vet?
If your dog’s allergy symptoms persist or if they seem to be getting worse, that’s a red flag. At this point, you should wait no longer and head straight for the clinic. Prescription medication will also be necessary to treat skin and ear infections secondary to allergies.
Dog allergies can be frustrating and difficult to manage, but if you persist and listen to your vet’s professional advice, you can help keep your dog comfortable — no matter what season they’re in!
