Seasonal Allergies: Helping Pets Cope During Allergy Season

Relief for Your Itchy Pet: Managing Flea and Environmental Allergies

If your dog has been scratching, sneezing, licking their paws, or showing signs of irritated skin, allergies could be to blame. Just like people, pets can react to pollen, mold, and other seasonal allergens. At Advanced Veterinary Medical Center in Milpitas, California, we help families find answers- and relief- for their allergic pets.

This guide breaks down how seasonal allergies affect dogs, what symptoms to watch for, and how we work together to get them feeling comfortable again.

What Are Seasonal Allergies in Dogs?

Seasonal allergies (also called atopic dermatitis, or just atopy) happen when a dog’s immune system overreacts to allergens in the environment. These reactions usually spike in the spring and fall, when pollen counts rise, mold thrives, and weeds begin releasing allergens. While food or contact allergies can occur year-round, environmental allergies follow the weather- and that makes them harder to predict.

Some dogs are simply more prone to allergies than others. Breeds like Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs, Westies, and Labrador Retrievers are well known for their sensitive skin and exaggerated immune responses. Learn more about dog allergy symptoms and treatments from the AKC.

What Triggers an Allergic Reaction?

Typical seasonal allergens include:

• Tree and grass pollen, especially in spring
• Mold spores, which increase with damp fall weather
• Weeds like ragweed, which release pollen as temperatures cool

On top of that, flea saliva is one of the most common allergy triggers. Even a single bite can cause days of itching in a dog with flea allergy dermatitis. That’s why year-round parasite prevention is a must. In California, it’s flea season all year.

What Does an Allergy Look Like in Pets?

An itchy dog or cat doesn’t always look like they’re “just itchy.” Watch for:

• Constant scratching, licking, or chewing, especially on paws, flanks, or belly
• Face rubbing or red, watery eyes
• Hot spots or hives
• Ear infections, marked by odor, discharge, and frequent head shaking (for guidance, see how to clean your dog’s ears)
• Chronic skin irritation or hair loss
• Occasional sneezing or coughing
  

For a more comprehensive overview, check out the Merck Veterinary Manual’s guide on itching (pruritus).

Why Untreated Allergies Get Worse

What starts as mild itching can quickly snowball. Allergies left unmanaged may progress from occasional irritation to skin infections, thickened skin, and long-term discomfort. Here’s how things often evolve:

Allergies also affect behavior. It’s not uncommon for dogs to become anxious, restless, or grumpy when they’re constantly uncomfortable.

How We Diagnose Environmental Allergies

At Advanced Veterinary Medical Center, we start with a thorough physical exam and detailed history. If allergies are suspected, we may recommend further diagnostics:

• Intradermal skin testing, considered the gold standard for environmental allergens
• Serum (blood) allergy testing to identify triggers
• Food trials, if diet is also a suspected factor
• Skin cytology, to identify any secondary bacterial or yeast infections
• Ear swabs to assess if inflammation has led to otitis

We take a step-by-step dermatology approach, starting with what’s most likely and least invasive, and guiding you through every phase of diagnosis and care.

Treatment: Managing Itching, Redness, and Discomfort

Short-Term Relief

During flare-ups, our priority is comfort. We may prescribe:

• Antihistamines, which work well for mild cases
• Medications like Apoquel or Cytopoint to reduce itching
• Steroids, used briefly to reduce severe inflammation
• Topical therapies, like medicated shampoos or sprays, can soothe skin on contact. Learn more from DVM360’s overview of topical allergy therapy
  

Keeping your pet groomed also helps remove allergens before they irritate the skin. Regular brushing and bathing (using gentle products) can make a noticeable difference. See the ASPCA’s grooming tips to build a solid home routine.

Long-Term Allergy Management

Allergies often require lifelong care. Our goal is to reduce symptoms and improve your dog’s quality of life with a combination of:

• Immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops): Desensitize your dog over time
• Nutritional adjustments: Some pets benefit from hypoallergenic or omega-rich diets. Nutrition plays a major role in managing skin inflammation.
• Consistent flea prevention: Even one bite can derail progress
• Skin barrier support: Fatty acid supplements and medicated rinses help repair damaged skin

We’ll tailor your pet’s plan to their specific needs- no one-size-fits-all approach here.

Living with an Allergic Dog: What You Can Do at Home

Home care is just as important as vet-directed treatment. These steps can help:

• Bathe weekly (or as directed) to rinse off pollen and other irritants
• Wipe paws after walks to avoid tracking allergens indoors
• Use air purifiers and regularly clean bedding
• Brush daily, especially for double-coated breeds
• Monitor ears, and clean them as needed using safe, vet-approved methods
• Minimize exposure to common outdoor triggers during peak allergy seasons

Consistency really is key- many pets improve significantly when these habits become part of their regular routine.

FAQ: Common Questions About Allergies in Dogs

Can dogs outgrow allergies?
 Not usually, but symptoms often become more manageable with time and treatment.

Are allergies contagious?
 No. Allergies aren’t spread between pets, but secondary infections might be if left untreated.

Can I give human allergy meds to my dog?
 Only with veterinary guidance. Some medications, even over-the-counter ones, can be dangerous.

What if nothing seems to help?
 It’s very common to try several strategies before finding what works best. Patience and collaboration are key.

Your Partners in Pet Allergy Care

Dealing with seasonal allergies can be frustrating, but you don’t have to go it alone. At Advanced Veterinary Medical Center, we’ll help you uncover what’s causing the itch and design a treatment plan that works- for both of you.

Schedule an appointment or reach out to our team to start the conversation. A more comfortable, less itchy season is just around the corner.