Dog Seasonal Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment

Similar to humans, dogs can have seasonal allergies, caused by things in the environment like pollen from trees and grass.  

Dogs with seasonal allergies can be itchy in specific areas, such as their paws, or be itchy all over. They can also have recurring ear infections and skin infections. 

Though seasonal allergies cannot be cured, they can be managed to help make your dog more comfortable. Treatment of dog seasonal allergies ranges from anti-itch medications, like Zenrelia, to medications to treat skin infections to allergy shots. 

Your veterinarian will help you determine which treatment is right for your pet. 

Can Dogs Have Seasonal Allergies?

Yes, a dog can have seasonal allergies. 

If a dog displays allergy symptoms only during certain seasons, such as spring and fall, a seasonal allergy rather than a year-round allergy is suspected. This means that the dog is reacting to allergens that are in the environment only during certain times of the year. 

Seasonal allergies are different from year-round environmental allergies and food allergies, because symptoms are observed only during specific times of the year, depending on what the dog is allergic to and when the specific allergens are prevalent in the environment.  

Most dogs with seasonal allergies have symptoms during the spring (March through May) and fall (September through November), but this can vary based on weather and location.  

What Causes Dog Seasonal Allergies?

A dog who suffers from seasonal allergies has an immune system that is hypersensitive to specific allergens in the environment. When the levels of the allergens become high, the dog’s immune system becomes triggered, leading to an allergic response and the development of symptoms.   

The following allergens commonly cause seasonal allergies in dogs: 

• Grass pollen 

• Tree pollen 

• Weed pollen 

• Molds and yeasts 

• Dust mites and storage mites 

Dog Seasonal Allergies Symptoms

Symptoms will vary depending upon the dog, but may include: 

• Excessive licking, usually of the paws, but the licking can be anywhere on the body 

• Saliva staining of the fur where the dog is licking the skin excessively 

• Chewing/gnawing 

• Scratching 

• Hair loss 

• Redness of the skin 

• Crusts 

• Moist skin 

• Darkening of the skin (black pigmented skin) 

• Thickening of the skin (elephant skin) 

• Odor to the skin or ears 

• Head shaking 

• Pawing at the ears, eyes, or face 

• Rear end licking and scooting or licking due to anal gland inflammation 

• Watery eyes 

• Reverse sneezing  

The most common areas of a dog’s body that are affected by seasonal allergies are the paws (especially between the digits), limbs, mouth, ears, abdomen, groin, armpits, tail, and around the eyes. 

Diagnosing Dog Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies in dogs are diagnosed based on the following: 

• Physical exam findings 

• Symptoms 

• History of having recurring symptoms and infections during the same seasons annually 

Other skin conditions that can cause similar symptoms must also be ruled out, such as skin mites, fleas, or a food allergy, to reach a diagnosis of canine seasonal allergies.  

Treatment of Dog Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies in dogs are a chronic condition, which means there is no cure. However, there are ways to treat and manage symptoms to keep your dog comfortable. 

Anti-Itch Medications  

Anti-itch medications are prescribed to alleviate any current itchiness and to manage the itch during flare-ups.  

Zenrelia is one such anti-itch medication. Available for dogs over 12 months of age, the once-daily tablet works fast to block itch signals from reaching your dog’s brain. 

Other options include Apoquel, Cytopoint, and prednisone. 

If the itch can be controlled, the dog will remain comfortable and be at less risk for secondary skin infections. 

Once the allergy seasons are determined for a dog based on prior history, the anti-itch medication typically is started prior to the start of the allergy season and continued one month past when the allergy season ends. 

If the itch is not fully controlled with anti-itch medication, a recovery cone should be worn to prevent the dog from licking and chewing at their body. 

Ear Medications for Infections 

Ear medications, such as Mometamax, Posatex, and Tresaderm, are prescribed to treat bacterial and/or yeast infections in a dog’s ears. After treatment, make sure to schedule a follow-up appointment with your veterinarian to recheck that the infection has resolved. 

Oral Medications for Infections 

Oral medications are often needed when a dog has a skin infection on multiple areas of the body. Antibiotics, such as clindamycin and cephalexin, are prescribed to treat bacterial skin infections, and anti-fungal medication, such as ketoconazole, is prescribed to treat fungal skin infections, such as yeast infections. 

Immunotherapy  

Immunotherapy consists of either allergy shots or allergy oral drops that are formulated based on allergy blood test results. The goal with immunotherapy is to desensitize a dog to the environmental allergens that trigger the allergy symptoms. It’s usually given long-term at a maintenance dose. 

To determine what environmental allergens a dog is most allergic to based on where the dog lives, a blood test can be performed by your veterinarian using a specific blood test (Heska’s Allercept or Nextmune’s Pet Allergy Xplorer) to screen a dog for environmental allergies. 

In addition to the allergy blood test, a veterinary dermatologist will also perform intradermal testing, which involves injecting small amounts of various environmental allergens into a dog’s skin in specific locations. The injection sites are then monitored over a period of time for signs of a skin reaction. If a reaction is seen, then the dog is likely allergic to the allergen that was injected at that site. 

It is important to note that the allergy (blood) testing and the intradermal testing are not performed to provide a diagnosis of seasonal allergies. Rather, they are used to aid in creating immunotherapy treatment for a dog who has been diagnosed with seasonal allergies.  

Dog Seasonal Allergies Home Remedies

Home remedies may provide some relief of canine seasonal allergies. However, it’s important to consult with your vet first. They can recommend appropriate treatment options based on your individual dog’s needs. 

 Home remedies for seasonal allergies in dogs include: 

• An omega-3 fatty acid (fish oil) supplement, such as Welactin, Triglyceride OMEGA, or Dermaquin, will protect the skin barrier and reduce inflammation. 

  • An omega-3 fatty acid supplement can also help with anal gland issues for dogs who tend to need their anal glands expressed more frequently during allergy season. It takes four to six weeks for an omega-3 fatty acid supplement to become effective, so it is best for a dog with seasonal allergies to be on this supplement year-round. 

• Routine ear cleaning can help clear a current ear infection and reduce the frequency of future ear infections. If an ear infection is present, treat the infection and clean the ears based on recommendations from your veterinarian. When there is no infection, clean the dog’s ears with a routine ear cleaner, like Epi-Otic Advanced, on a routine basis throughout the year (typically every two to three weeks for maintenance). 

• Topical therapy can be used to soothe the skin and help with treatment of skin infections. There are many topical therapy options, including anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ointments, shampoos, conditioners, mousses, sprays, and wipes. Ask your veterinarian which topical therapy would work best based on your dog’s allergy symptoms and current skin condition. 

Management of Dog Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are frustrating for dogs and for pet parents, because they are not curable. Plus, it’s difficult to limit a dog’s exposure to certain allergens. Pollen from trees, grass, or weeds can be tracked into the house easily.  

Fortunately, with canine seasonal allergies, symptoms can be managed by knowing what seasons trigger a dog’s symptoms and initiating treatment prior to the start of each allergy season. Wiping a pup’s paws when they come inside can also sometimes be helpful.  

Management of seasonal allergies is usually lifelong unless a dog is able to move to an area where the allergen that is causing the reaction is no longer present. 

Monitor your pet for the following symptoms throughout the year: 

• Itchiness (scratching, licking, gnawing, chewing) 

• Head shaking or pawing at the ears or eyes 

• Any skin lesions (such as redness, crusts, thickened or black pigmented skin) 

• Odor to the skin or ears 

If you see any of these symptoms, schedule a vet appointment as soon as possible. Your dog’s skin condition can worsen quickly if allergy symptoms are not controlled.  

Managing a dog’s allergy symptoms with therapy and reporting to your veterinarian any skin issues as they arise are the most effective ways to help a dog with seasonal allergies.