Seasonal allergies aren’t just for humans, they can also affect our pets. And when it comes to dogs, spring allergies tend to be the worst. While pollen and ragweed typically cause sneezing and itchy eyes in people, dogs are more likely to suffer from itchy skin, hot spots, and rashes.

In this post, we’ll tackle the common spring allergy triggers in dogs, how to avoid them, and the best ways to treat your pup’s symptoms.

Seasonal vs. Year-Round Allergies

Every year around this time, my dog Finch starts to lick his belly and the insides of his rear legs. Before I know it, he’s covered in scabs and sores. This condition is known as atopic dermatitis or allergic dermatitis, and it is the most common cause of itching in dogs. Luckily for Finch (and me!), his spring allergies tend to clear right up with an injection of Cytopoint from his veterinarian. But other dogs aren’t so lucky.

Some pups have severe sensitivities and/or reactions to so many different triggers that the entire spring and summer seasons are an itchy nightmare. These dogs tend to be allergic to proteins from insects, animals, or plants that grow and bloom each spring. Others suffer symptoms all year round, indicating that their allergies are also triggered by household irritants such as dust mites, mold, mildew, or even ingredients in their food.

Most canine allergies tend to crop up when the dog is between one and three years old. If you notice your dog is itching or sneezing more than usual this spring, contact your vet for an appointment. The sooner seasonal allergies are diagnosed, the better chance you have of finding an effective treatment.

Spring Allergy Symptoms in Dogs

While itching, scratching, licking, and biting at the skin are the most common signs of dog spring allergies, there are other symptoms to watch for, such as:

Redness and inflammation of the skin
Lesions, scabs, or “hot spots”
Excessive shedding
Thickened or discolored skin
Odor from the skin or ears
Licking and chewing of paws
Shaking head
Rubbing face on floors or furniture
Red, itchy ears or chronic ear infections
Sneezing or coughing
Red, itchy eyes
Discharge from eyes or ears
Wet, discolored patches of fur
Scooting or licking rear end

Common Dog Allergy Triggers

While certain breeds seem to be predisposed to spring allergies, it is a common problem for pups from all breeds and backgrounds. Just about anything can be an allergy trigger, but when it comes to dogs the most common include:

Insect bites from fleas, mosquitoes, spiders, and fire ants
Stings from bees, hornets, and wasps
Tree, weed, and grass pollens
Mold spores
Dust mites
Shed skin cells from humans or other animals (That’s right, dogs can be allergic to people and pets!)

Most reactions don’t occur the first time your dog encounters an allergen. It usually takes multiple exposures before the immune system recognizes and overreacts to a trigger. This is why spring allergies tend to appear in young adult dogs.

When an allergic dog encounters a trigger such as pollen or flea saliva, their immune system releases histamines and other potent chemicals in an effort to fight off the perceived threat. These chemicals cause the inflammation and itching typical of an allergic reaction.

Seasonal Allergy Treatments for Dogs

While there is no permanent cure for seasonal allergies, there are many strategies and treatments to help control the symptoms.

Avoid Potential Allergens

Aside from buying your dog a giant hamster wheel to roll around in all spring, it is impossible to protect them from every potential allergen in their environment. However, you can greatly minimize your dog’s symptoms by taking steps to reduce their exposure to potential allergy triggers.

Limit time spent outdoors on high-pollen days
Wipe your dog’s coat and paws after coming in from outside
Wash bedding and plush toys in hot water to kill dust mites
If possible, opt for hard flooring in place of carpets and rugs
Vacuum carpets and soft furniture often with a high-efficiency air (HEPA) filter vacuum
Use air conditioning rather than opening windows during pollen season
Use air conditioners on recirculation mode to cut humidity
Opt for hard, washable toys instead of plush toys
Use dehumidifiers to help prevent mold and mildew in your home

Antihistamines - Is Benadryl safe for dogs?

Since histamine is one of the main chemicals released by the immune system during an allergic reaction, antihistamines can be highly effective at minimizing symptoms. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is the most well-known antihistamine for allergies in humans and while it is not FDA-approved for animal use, it is generally safe for use in dogs. However, it may not be effective for seriously itchy dogs.

Before you give a dog Benadryl, speak to your vet. He or she can help you determine the proper dosage and ensure that it will not interfere with your dog’s other medications or conditions.

While Benadryl for dogs is generally safe, there are potential side effects, including:

Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Trouble urinating
Salivating more than usual
Fast heart rate
Rapid breathing

If Benadryl is not effective, some additional antihistamines such as Claritin and Zyrtec may also help your dog’s spring allergies. As always, consult your veterinarian before introducing any new medications.

NOTE: Drugs such as Claritin-D, which contains the decongestant pseudoephedrine, are not safe for dogs! Pseudoephedrine can be lethal to dogs even in small amounts. Be sure to avoid these medications and have your vet approve anything you intend to try beforehand.

Anti-Inflammatory Therapy

In addition to antihistamines, medications like corticosteroids can quickly block allergic reactions. However, steroids come with potential side effects, so your vet may prefer to try other options first.

Newer oral medications such as Apoquel and Cytopoint fall into the category of cutting-edge immunotherapy/biologics and are far safer than corticosteroids. Apoquel is an oral medication that blocks specific chemical signals associated with itching in dogs, while Cytopoint is a long-acting injection that can offer six to eight weeks of relief from spring allergies.

"I find Cytopoint (CADI) injections to be far more effective than oral Apoquel,” Dr. Kent says. “When Apoquel tablets are given twice daily for early treatment, they do help. However, when tablet administration is reduced to once a day (safe for longer term treatment), symptoms return. Most Cytopoint injections lead to improvement in 24 hours and will last 6-8 weeks"

Allergy Shots

Veterinary allergy testing has come a long way. A veterinary dermatologist can help you pinpoint the most damaging triggers in your dog’s environment and/or food. This information can then be used to formulate custom allergy shots — or allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) — to help retrain your dog’s immune system.

The injections are given in gradually increasing doses until you reach a maintenance dose. ASIT tends to work best in young dogs and can give hope to pups that have not had success with other therapies. While allergy shots can dramatically reduce allergy symptoms for some dogs, they tend to work slowly, with optimal results seen after six months to one year.

Flea and tick prevention

Whether you choose an oral or topical product from your vet or opt for a more natural approach, keeping your dog’s environment free of biting pests is essential. Flea saliva is one of the most common allergy triggers in dogs, and just one bite can cause itchy reactions for several days!

While most dogs have some local itching when bitten by a flea, those with Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) experience intense itching and inflammation throughout their entire bodies. Once FAD takes hold, just eliminating the fleas will not stop the reaction. Most of these itchy pups require antihistamines, corticosteroids, and antibiotics for the associated skin infection in order to heal.

Speak to your vet about the safest and most effective flea and tick treatment for your dog.

Soothing Baths

Bathing your dog with cool water and soothing shampoos can help minimize itching without drugs or chemicals. It also helps remove microscopic allergens from the skin and coat. Ask your vet to recommend a gentle shampoo that will not strip your dog’s sensitive skin of moisture or cause further irritation. Lots of products claim to help with allergies and itchy skin, but buyer beware, they don’t all live up to the hype.

When bathing is not possible, it may help to rinse your dog’s coat with plain, cool water, especially after swimming, walking through foliage, or rolling in the grass. You can also use pet-safe wipes to remove pollen and potential allergens from the skin, coat, and paws after walks and outings. This may be especially helpful for dogs that frequently lick their paws.

Fatty Acid Supplements

Omega fatty acids offer a natural method of restoring moisture and strengthening the skin’s protective barrier. Fish oil supplements are an excellent source of OFAs and often contain additional skin-protecting ingredients. Fatty acid supplements may also help improve your dog’s response to steroids and antihistamines.

When should you see a vet about dog allergy symptoms?

Since spring dog allergies can escalate quickly and lead to other health problems such as skin infections and hot spots, it is best to seek veterinary attention as soon as you observe symptoms. Allergies do not resolve on their own and the sooner your dog receives treatment, the easier it will be to treat the symptoms and provide much-needed relief.

Dog Spring Allergies: Help Your Pup Beat The Itch This Season