Seasonal Allergies in Dogs – Causes, Signs & Prevention

Are you stressed as well as confused at the same time because of your dog’s incessant scratching, sneezing and coughing? Don’t worry, you are not alone! Just like us, our canine companions also suffer from seasonal allergies leading to painful and irritating symptoms. Various factors can contribute to seasonal allergies in dogs and therefore, it is essential to take proactive measures to keep your little ones in good trim.

In this blog post, we will explore everything about seasonal allergies, including the causes, signs and how to manage them. Let’s get started!

What are dog seasonal allergies?

Dog Seasonal Allergies, also known as Canine Allergic Dermatitis, is a response of a dog’s immune system to various environmental factors, such as pollen, dust, etc. When allergens in the environment are significantly high, a dog’s immune system becomes hypersensitive and is triggered easily, leading to the development of various allergic symptoms. Seasonal allergies are most common in spring and call for special care and attention during this time of the year.

What causes seasonal allergies in canines?

Multiple factors can lead to seasonal allergies in dogs. Let’s have a look at the most common ones:  

• Dust
• Pollen
• Mold
• Yeasts
• Dust mites
• Storage mites
• Flea saliva

What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies?

Here are a few common signs that dogs exhibit while suffering from seasonal allergies:

• Watery eyes
• Hot spots
• Excessive scratching
• Ear & eye infections
• Red or inflamed skin
• Compulsive paw licking
• Excessive shedding
• Sneezing & runny nose
• Coughing or breathing difficulty
• Vomiting or diarrhea

How to soothe seasonal allergies in dogs?

Let’s have a quick rundown on how to manage dog seasonal allergies effectively:

1. Avoid exposure to allergens: Reduced exposure to allergens goes a long way in preventing seasonal allergies. Minimize your dog’s outdoor timings during the peak of the susceptible season, keep doors and windows closed during high pollen days and consider using air purifiers in your home to remove dust from the air.

2. Administer flea and tick preventives: Fleas and ticks are annoying parasites that feed on your dog’s blood and cause itching, allergies and discomfort. Therefore, preventing these blood-suckers is a great way to keep allergies at bay and maintain the overall health of your furball. Nexgard Spectra, Aristopet Flea & Tick Spray, Advantage for Dogs etc. are some of the popular and effective flea and tick treatments you may choose from.

3. Use anti-itching treatments: Various anti-itching tablets, shampoos and creams are available in the market to help you relieve scratching and irritation caused due to allergies in dogs. Make sure you use pet-friendly products to ensure their safety. Apoquel, Derma Creme, Bob Martin Original Normal Hair & Skin Shampoo etc. are some of the popular and effective treatments in this category.  

4. Feed a nutritious diet: Feeding your little one a healthy and nutritious diet with fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) helps reduce inflammation and promotes skin health. Incorporate foods rich in these fats into your dog’s diet to relieve skin issues and maintain their overall well-being.

5. Focus on cleanliness & hygiene: One of the most important ways to keep your furry companion protected from seasonal allergies is by keeping your pet and home clean. Make sure to wipe off your pet’s coat and paws after coming home from outdoor activity, bath your dog with a pet-friendly shampoo to remove allergens and pollens and vacuum the furniture and bedding regularly.

Final words

Treating and preventing seasonal allergies can be a daunting task but with adequate knowledge and a few modifications in your routine, you can easily keep your furry companions safe and healthy. Equip yourself with the information provided in this blog and prevent seasonal allergies effectively.

David joined CanadaVetCare in 2013 as a product analyst and veterinary assistant. Being a passionate pet lover and keen animal health researcher, David had always found ways and solutions to help pet parents to improve their pets’ health. He is always happy to answer pet health-related queries and recommending pet parents for the right pet product for their furry companions.