5 Signs Your Dog Might Be Suffering From Seasonal Allergies

With the much welcomed warmer weather comes a few unwanted challenges for dogs, including seasonal allergies caused by pollen and other micro-organisms in the environment. Trees, plants, and bushes burst into full bloom during spring, which can irritate your dog's respiratory tract, resulting in symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes.

Seasonal allergies in dogs can affect various parts of their bodies, including ears, eyes, nose, skin, and even their immune system. Recognising the signs early means you can take steps to ease your pet's discomfort during peak pollen seasons. Below are five key signs that your dog might be suffering from seasonal allergies along with advice on what to do.

1. Allergies Affecting Your Dog's Eyes

One of the most visible signs of seasonal allergies is redness and discharge from your dog's eyes. Allergens entering the eyes can lead to painful conditions if left untreated, such as:

• Conjunctivitis – inflammation of the tissue lining around the eyelids causing redness and discomfort
• Scleritis – inflammation of the white part of the eye which is extremely painful
• Blepharospasm – noticeable squinting or keeping the eyes closed as bright light causes pain
• Increased pawing or rubbing of the eyes and face by your dog

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to consult your vet promptly to prevent worsening of eye conditions and provide relief.

2. Allergies Impacting Your Dog's Ears

Persistent ear scratching, head shaking, or discharge can indicate your dog has allergens trapped deep in their ear canals and ear flaps (pinnae). This can cause painful inflammation and make them vulnerable to secondary bacterial or yeast infections, which often produce an unpleasant odour.

Dogs may also rub their ears on furniture or carpets, leaving smelly stains. Regular ear checks and veterinary care are crucial to managing ear allergies effectively.

3. Nasal and Respiratory Allergic Symptoms

Dogs explore the world with their noses, which unfortunately means they're prone to airborne allergens triggering nasal passage irritation. Signs include watery or mucous nasal discharge, frequent sneezing, and sometimes even minor bleeding if irritation is severe.

Seasonal allergies can also affect the throat and windpipe, causing coughing, gagging, and difficulty swallowing or breathing comfortably. These symptoms are distressing and warrant immediate veterinary attention to ensure your dog remains healthy and comfortable.

4. Skin Irritations and Hot Spots

The skin is the largest organ in your dog's body and is commonly affected by seasonal allergies. You may notice your dog excessively licking, chewing, or scratching certain areas such as paws, armpits, groin, flanks, or skin folds. This can lead to hot spots – painful, red, swollen areas caused by repeated irritation and infection.

The condition known as pyotraumatic dermatitis or 'hot spots' can worsen rapidly if untreated, leading to hair loss and significant discomfort. Regular grooming and early veterinary treatment can help manage and prevent these problems.

5. General Signs and Behavioural Changes

Allergic reactions can also cause general discomfort such as restlessness, irritability, and changes in behaviour. Dogs suffering from allergies sometimes become clingier, less active, or may have trouble sleeping due to itching and discomfort.

Monitoring your dog's behaviour alongside physical symptoms provides a fuller picture of their health and can aid your vet in diagnosis and treatment.

What to Do If You Suspect Seasonal Allergies

If you observe any of these signs in your dog, particularly during spring and summer months when pollen is high, it's important to book a veterinary appointment. Your vet may recommend allergy testing, prescribe medications such as antihistamines or steroids, or suggest topical treatments to relieve symptoms.

Taking proactive measures like keeping your dog indoors during high pollen times, wiping down their coat after walks, and ensuring good ear hygiene can help reduce allergen exposure.

For dogs especially sensitive to seasonal allergies, your vet may suggest environmental controls or immunotherapy to improve their quality of life long-term.

Responsible pet ownership involves recognising these potential seasonal challenges and working with your vet to keep your dog comfortable and healthy year-round.

Letting your dog rest and receive appropriate care at the earliest sign of allergy can prevent more serious complications and promote better wellbeing for your beloved companion.

Treatment Options for Dog Seasonal Allergies

Once your vet has confirmed a seasonal allergy diagnosis, several treatment approaches may be recommended depending on the severity of your dog's symptoms:

• Antihistamines: Commonly used as a first-line treatment, antihistamines can reduce mild to moderate allergy symptoms. Unlike in humans, their effectiveness in dogs varies considerably between individuals. Your vet will advise on appropriate doses and whether they are suitable for your dog's specific condition.
• Corticosteroids: For more severe flare-ups, short courses of steroids can rapidly reduce inflammation and itching. These are effective but are generally not recommended for long-term use due to side effects. Your vet will use them judiciously alongside other management strategies.
• Apoquel and Cytopoint: These are newer, targeted medications that specifically address the itch pathway in dogs. They are widely used in the UK for allergic skin disease and tend to have fewer systemic side effects than steroids. Cytopoint is an injection that lasts four to eight weeks; Apoquel is a daily tablet.
• Medicated shampoos: Regular bathing with a vet-recommended shampoo removes allergens from the skin and coat and soothes irritated skin. Look for shampoos containing oatmeal or chlorhexidine, depending on whether the primary concern is soothing or infection control.
• Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT): For dogs with persistent, year-round, or severe seasonal allergies, your vet may refer you to a veterinary dermatologist for allergy testing, followed by a course of desensitisation injections or drops. This is the only treatment that addresses the underlying cause rather than just suppressing symptoms, and can produce long-term improvement.

Always seek a proper diagnosis before starting any treatment — the signs of seasonal allergy overlap with flea allergy, food intolerance, and atopic dermatitis, all of which require different management approaches.

How to Reduce Your Dog's Pollen Exposure

Alongside veterinary treatment, reducing the amount of allergen your dog encounters can meaningfully improve their comfort during peak allergy season:

• Check the pollen forecast: The Met Office and various apps publish daily pollen counts. On high-pollen days, limit outdoor time during peak hours — typically mid-morning and early afternoon when airborne levels are highest.
• Wipe down after walks: Use a damp cloth or pet-specific wipes to clean your dog's paws, legs, underbelly, and muzzle when they come back inside. This removes pollen before it has time to be absorbed through the skin or licked off.
• Bathe more frequently: During pollen season, bathing once or twice a week with a gentle shampoo can help keep allergen levels on the skin low.
• Keep windows closed on high-pollen days: Airborne pollen can settle in the home, on soft furnishings, and in bedding. Washing your dog's bedding regularly and vacuuming frequently reduces indoor allergen load.
• Consider air purifiers: A HEPA-filter air purifier can help reduce airborne allergens in the rooms where your dog spends most time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best thing for dogs with seasonal allergies?

The most effective approach combines veterinary diagnosis, appropriate medication (which may include antihistamines, Apoquel, Cytopoint, or immunotherapy depending on severity), and practical steps to reduce pollen exposure such as post-walk wipe-downs, regular bathing, and monitoring pollen forecasts. There is no one-size-fits-all answer — your vet will tailor a plan to your dog's specific triggers and symptoms.

What are the worst months for dogs with allergies in the UK?

Spring and early summer — typically March through to July — tend to be the most challenging months, when tree and grass pollens are at their highest. However, some dogs also react to weed pollen, which peaks in late summer and early autumn. Dogs with dust mite or mould allergies may have year-round symptoms that worsen in autumn and winter.

How long do seasonal allergy symptoms last in dogs?

This depends on which allergens are triggering the reaction. Grass pollen allergy, for instance, typically causes symptoms from May to August. Tree pollen is at its peak from March to June. If your dog's symptoms persist outside typical pollen seasons, your vet may investigate other allergen sources such as dust mites or food intolerances.