Yes, Your Pup Can Suffer From Seasonal Allergies — Here’s What To Do About It

After months of grueling weather and short days, spring is finally here. We’re excited about the blooming flowers and sunny days, but we’re not so excited about the seasonal allergies. While you’re dealing with your own runny nose and itchy eyes, you might not realize that your pup could be dealing with a similar condition. After all, it’s true that many dogs also suffer from seasonal allergies, but they’re affected in different ways than humans and this condition can often be a lot more serious for our four-legged friends. It’s estimated that roughly 10 percent of the canine population is affected by spring seasonal allergies. Here’s what you need to know about your pup’s spring allergies, how to diagnose the condition and how to treat it.

Why some dogs suffer from seasonal allergies.

Like humans, the main allergen that provokes an allergic reaction in dogs during the spring season is pollen. The spring season brings new life to trees, and as the trees flower and start to grow leaves again they release pollen. Plants, shrubs and grass also release pollen during this season. Some dogs have an immune system that’s hypersensitive to pollen and other allergens, so they become afflicted by seasonal allergies in the springtime. Dogs can get spring allergies by inhaling allergens like pollen or by coming into direct contact with them. For example, if your pup is prone to getting seasonal allergies, he or she could get an allergic reaction by lying on a bed of blooming flowers. Although humans usually manifest seasonal allergies in the form of sneezing, itchy eyes and sore throats, there are other symptoms of allergic reactions that you should look out for in your pup.

What are the seasonal allergy symptoms in dogs?

Symptoms of spring allergies in dogs can be similar to those in humans and include sneezing, coughing, watery, itchy and/or red eyes and a runny nose. But unlike humans, seasonal allergies in pups can also provoke skin irritations. Believe it or not, environmental allergies are the second-most common cause of itchy skin in dogs after allergic reactions to fleas. If your pooch has spring seasonal allergies, he or she will most likely experience itchy skin in and on the ears, paws and face. In some cases, recurring ear infections and/or respiratory issues could also signify seasonal allergies in pups.

If your pup is suffering from seasonal allergies, you’ll likely notice that he or she is itching and biting at his or her skin more than usual and you might even see that your pup’s skin is a little red in those itchy areas. In the most serious cases of seasonal allergies in pups, the itchiness is so severe that it feels similar to what we would feel like if we had poison oak all over our body. That doesn’t sound like fun!

What are the possible treatments for this condition?

The best thing that you can do for your pup if you suspect that he or she is suffering from spring seasonal allergies is to take them to the vet. If you don’t seek treatment for your dog’s seasonal allergies, the allergic reactions could turn into a year-round problem. Once you bring your doggo to the vet, he or she will undergo screening for seasonal allergies. Your vet will check your pup’s nasal cavity, his or her skin and other areas of the body for any irritation. The goal is to rule out any other possible reasons for irritation, like ticks, fleas and other irritants.

Once your dog is diagnosed with seasonal allergies, your vet will likely give him or her a bath using a hypoallergenic cleanser. A topical solution might also be applied to your pup’s skin to soothe irritation. In some cases, your dog might also be prescribed medication like an antihistamine or a mild steroid. Unfortunately, seasonal allergies in dogs can’t be cured entirely but they can be managed successfully through veterinary care and with at-home remedies. After seeking guidance from your veterinarian, you may be able to try at-home remedies like frequent baths using grain-free shampoos, foot soaks, frequent vacuuming and cleaning using non-toxic cleaning agents and a transition to an anti-inflammatory diet for your pup that’s low in grain content.

With a little help, your pup’s allergies will be under control and they’ll be ready for walks and runs outdoors all spring long.

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