Seasonal Allergies in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies. In fact, an estimated 10–25% of dogs will experience some form of seasonal allergy during their lifetime.

While humans typically develop respiratory symptoms, dogs more often show signs through their skin and ears. If you’ve noticed your dog itching more than usual, constantly licking their paws, or experiencing more frequent ear or skin infections, seasonal allergies may be the cause.

What Causes Seasonal Allergies in Dogs?

Seasonal allergies in dogs are usually triggered by environmental factors that fluctuate throughout the year. Common culprits include grass pollen, tree pollen, weed pollen, mold spores, and dust or storage mites. When these allergens reach high levels, your dog’s immune system reacts, causing symptoms to flare.

Spring and fall are typically peak allergy seasons. However, in places like Arizona, where hard freezes are uncommon, plants may produce pollen for longer periods, and allergens can linger. This can result in nearly year-round symptoms for sensitive dogs.

What Allergy Symptoms Should You Look For?

All dogs react differently, but several common signs may indicate your dog is dealing with seasonal allergies:

• Excessive licking (especially paws)
• Persistent scratching
• Chewing or gnawing at the skin
• Pawing at the ears, eyes, or face
• Red, inflamed, or moist skin
• Hair loss
• Watery eyes
• Reverse sneezing
• Head shaking
• Unusual odor from the skin or ears
• Rear-end scooting or licking
• Darkened or thickened skin
• Crusts

If your dog is showing one or more of these symptoms consistently, it’s a good idea to schedule a veterinary visit for evaluation.

How Are Seasonal Allergies Diagnosed?

Seasonal allergies are typically diagnosed based on your veterinarian’s physical exam, your dog’s symptoms, and a pattern of recurring issues during the same times each year.

Because other conditions can mimic allergy symptoms, your veterinarian may first rule out issues such as food allergies, fleas, mites, or fungal infections like ringworm.

How Are Seasonal Allergies Treated?

While there’s no permanent cure, there are many effective ways to manage your dog’s symptoms and keep them comfortable.

Anti-Itch Medications
To help manage the chronic condition of canine seasonal allergies, anti-itch medications are often prescribed to alleviate current itchiness and to help manage symptoms during a flare-up. From once-daily tablets such as Apoquel and Zenrelia, which block itch signals going to your dog’s brain, to anti-itch injections administered by your veterinarian, you have options to choose from. 

Prednisone, a steroid medication also used for humans, may be prescribed to help with inflammation and decrease immune system activity.   

Hopefully, with the anti-itch medications, your pet’s seasonal allergies will be controlled, and they will be more comfortable. However, if they are still itchy with the medication, they may need to wear a recovery cone to prevent them from licking and gnawing on the area. 

Immunotherapy
Another treatment option for seasonal allergies is allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT). This includes customized injections, which are formulated from allergy testing results to slowly desensitize a dog to environmental allergens. Oftentimes, this treatment is given as a maintenance dose long-term. 

To determine the best course of action for immunotherapy, your veterinarian will perform a blood test to determine which allergens in the environment your dog is most allergic to. There is also the option of an intradermal skin test that’s performed by a veterinary dermatologist, which involves injecting small amounts of allergens into the skin and monitoring for reactions. This process helps identify the specific triggers to include in the immunotherapy shots. 

Home Care & Supportive Treatments
At-home care can also play an important role in managing allergies:

• Omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil supplements can support skin health and strengthen the skin barrier. These typically take 4-6 weeks to show benefits and are often recommended year-round.
  • Bonus, fish oil also helps support anal gland health if that’s something your dog would benefit from. 
• Regular ear cleaning (every 2-3 weeks) may help prevent or manage infections.
• Topical therapies such as medicated shampoos, conditioners, sprays, mousses, and wipes can soothe irritated skin and help treat infections.

Always consult your veterinarian before starting new treatments to ensure they’re appropriate for your dog.

Important: Do not give your dog over-the-counter human allergy medications without veterinary guidance, as some can be unsafe or ineffective.

Can Seasonal Allergies Be Prevented?

While there’s no cure for seasonal allergies—and it can be difficult to fully avoid allergens like pollen from entering your home—there are steps you can take to reduce their impact. 

In dogs, seasonal allergies can often be managed by identifying which times of year trigger symptoms and starting treatment before each allergy season begins. It also helps to wipe your dog’s paws when they come inside, regularly bathe them with hypoallergenic shampoo, and keep them indoors during windy days when pollen is high.

Seasonal allergies are a chronic condition, and with the right management plan, most dogs can live comfortably. From prescription treatments to supportive home care, there are many options available to help keep your pet happy and itch-free. Work closely with your veterinarian to determine the best approach for your dog’s specific needs.