Understanding and Managing Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

While spring is often considered the quintessential “allergy season,” every season brings new and irritating allergens, but seasonal allergies aren’t only a problem for us; they affect our dogs, too. Recognizing the symptoms of seasonal allergies and common allergens in your environment is the first step in knowing how to manage these allergies, and developing a strategy to mitigate their effects can make a significant difference in your dog’s comfort and health.

Common Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Dogs exhibit allergy symptoms in ways that can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from other issues. Here are some signs, both physical and behavioural, to watch for:

Physical Symptoms:

Red or Inflamed Skin: Allergic reactions can cause redness and inflammation. This is the first sign to look out for, as it is the most common physical symptom of allergies.
Ear Infections: Recurring ear infections or scratching at the ears can indicate allergies. This symptom is more common in pendulous-eared dogs such as Basset Hounds, Beagles, and Irish Setters, as allergens are more likely to get trapped in the ear.
Eye Irritation: Watery, red, or itchy eyes may be a sign of seasonal allergens as the eyes produce excess tears as a protective response, and irritation can lead to inflammation of the conjunctiva. Be wary of these symptoms, which can lead to complications such as conjunctivitis or infection.
Respiratory Issues: Sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge are less common in dogs than humans but can still occur, especially in brachycephalic dogs such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers.

Behavioural Symptoms:

Itchy Skin and Excessive Scratching: This is the most common symptom of seasonal allergies. Dogs may scratch, bite, or lick their skin excessively, leading to redness, inflammation, or even open sores called hot spots, also known as pyotraumatic dermatitis or acute moist dermatitis. If the irritation is in the eyes, your dog may paw at their face and eyes to alleviate itchiness.

A puppy biting at it’s skin. This is a sign your dog is itchy!

Paw Licking: Dogs often lick their paws excessively when allergic to something in their environment. While this may mean their paws have come in contact with an allergen, it can also be a self-soothing behaviour in response to itching or pain elsewhere. Be sure to thoroughly check your dog if you spot this behaviour.

Common Allergens

Each season brings unique challenges and its own array of irritating allergens, but many such allergens are present year-round in varying quantities and frequency of exposure. Here are some common allergens and the season they are most commonly associated with:

Spring

Tree Pollen: You might expect flowers to be the primary source of pollen-related allergies, but in reality, the most common culprits in the spring season are oak, birch, maple, and poplar trees.
Mould: Airborne mould spores are common dog allergens that thrive in warm, humid environments. Spring’s rising temperatures and moist environment are ideal conditions for mould to flourish.
Dust Mites: These microscopic pests, like mould, thrive in humid environments. This is because they must absorb moisture from the air to survive. The refuse left by these mites contains proteins many dogs may be allergic to.

Summer

Grass Pollen: When one door closes, another one opens. As tree pollen subsides in the late spring, grasses release pollen in the early summer. Common culprits in Nova Scotia are Kentucky bluegrass – which is commonly used in sod – and the fast-growing perennial ryegrass.
Ragweed Pollen: While often associated with autumn, this culprit, known for causing “Hay Fever,” is most active in Nova Scotia through mid-to-late summer. Other weeds, such as mugwort and goldenrod, also thrive during this time.
Mould: Nova Scotia has relatively consistent precipitation year-round, and the summer heat makes it just as welcoming to mould as the spring.
Dust Mites: For the same reasons as mould, the summer is when dust mites are most active.

Fall

Weeds: These continue to be a problem well into the fall.
Mould: This is the time of year when mould peaks. While less warm than the summer, Nova Scotia remains just as moist. Paired with the decaying leaf matter that covers the ground, mould will continue to be a problem until the cold weather finally returns.

Winter

Household Dust: while winter is spared from the onslaught of airborne pollen and outdoor mould, we also tend to spend more time inside. This can lead to increased exposure to dust from dust mites, household mould, and dander from you and other pets, all of which may irritate your dog.

Ruling Out Other Types of Allergies

With so many allergens, it can be hard to pinpoint precisely the source of your dog’s symptoms. An excellent first step is ruling out other types of allergies.

Dietary Allergies

Food allergies can cause similar symptoms to environmental allergies, including itching and ear infections. Luckily, you can do a few things to determine if food is the culprit.

Elimination Diet: Work with your vet to implement an elimination diet, which involves feeding your dog a novel protein and carbohydrate source they haven’t eaten before. This process can help identify the specific ingredient causing the allergy.

Jenn, the owner of East Coast Dog, is standing in the store, smiling and holding a large bag of "Go! Solutions" dog food. She is wearing a black sweatshirt with white text. The shelves behind her are stocked with various bags of pet food in different colours and brands. The environment is well-lit and organized, with clear labels on the shelves. — GO! Solutions Sensitivities line has a wide range of limited ingredient formulas perfect for starting your pup on a elimination diet.

Hydrolyzed Diet: Your vet might recommend a hydrolyzed protein diet, where the protein is broken down into smaller components less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.

Topical Allergies

Shampoos, conditioners, and other grooming products can cause allergic reactions in dogs. To rule these culprits out, you can take a few easy steps. If, after taking these steps, your dog is still showing symptoms, then the culprit may be something else.

Switch Products: Use gentle, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free grooming products. Avoid any harsh chemicals or known irritants.

A hand is holding a bottle of Dandylion Nourish Gentle Hydrating Dog Conditioner. The orange bottle has a black pump dispenser and a label featuring a white and red flower design. The label text includes "Aloe & Coconut" and "16 fl oz (473 mL)." The bottle has some soap bubbles on it, indicating it is in use. The background is a plain beige colour. — Dandylions fragrance-free & pH balanced shampoo and conditioner gently cleans without stripping your dog’s skin of its natural oils.

Test on a Small Area: When you try a new product, apply a small amount to a limited area of your dog’s skin and closely monitor for reactions before full use.
Thorough Rinsing: After grooming or bathing your dog, rinse them off thoroughly to ensure no residue remains on their skin and coat.
Bathe less frequently: If flare-ups are still occurring, try waiting longer between grooms to see if the flare-ups become less frequent.

Managing Your Dog’s Seasonal Allergies

Visit the Veterinarian: When you suspect seasonal allergies, mention it to a vet who can confirm if your dog has allergies and recommend appropriate treatments such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or allergy shots. They might also suggest specific shampoos or dietary changes.
Clean Environment: Ensure you keep your home clean by regularly vacuuming, washing your dog’s bedding, and using air purifiers to reduce airborne allergens. If your dog’s seasonal allergies are outdoors, check your local air quality tracker, which often provides concentrations of specific allergens daily.
Grooming: Bathing with gentle, hypoallergenic shampoos can help remove allergens from your dog’s skin and coat; just be sure not to bathe too often, as this can dry skin out. Consult with your groomer and/or vet to determine what frequency makes the most sense.

Davey, a Junior Groomer at East Coast Dog, is bathing a golden retriever in a grooming station. He wears a gray sleeveless shirt and massages shampoo into the dog's head. The golden retriever appears relaxed with its eyes closed and mouth slightly open. Various grooming products and cleaning supplies are on a shelf above the dog. The background features white tiles. — Smalls being bathed by our Junior Groomer Davey!

Healthy Diet: A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and support skin health. Additionally, herbs such as nettle and licorice root have inflammatory properties. They can support a healthy immune system, thus reducing symptoms of seasonal allergies. Look for these and other anti-inflammatory ingredients when you shop for your dog’s food and/or supplements.

Overcoming seasonal allergies in dogs can seem daunting. Still, with proper care and management, you can help your pet feel more comfortable all season long. From working with your groomer to keeping your house tidy, there are plenty of steps you can take to mitigate seasonal allergies. Every dog is unique, so always consult your veterinarian before starting any new treatment to ensure it is right for your dog’s specific needs.