Itchy Season: Caring for Dogs with Seasonal Allergies

Pet Care Tips 3 min read

Photo of a dog itching in a grass field to represent dogs with seasonal allergies.

Any weather change represents a new challenge for dogs with seasonal allergies. Spring and summer are the time of flowers and warmer weather, and fall is when the grass is being pollinated. Thus, with the changes in temperature, pollen, grass, and dust in the air, the chances of dogs having skin problems increase at certain times of the year.

What Causes Allergies in Dogs?

Allergens can be found anywhere, from ingredients in your little one’s food to anything they are exposed to in their environment.

Like people, dogs might have allergic reactions to a series of things. The element that triggers the symptoms, like itching, inflammation, and reddening of the skin, is called an allergen. They can be found anywhere, from ingredients in your little one’s food to anything they are exposed to in their environment, causing overstimulation of the immune system and the typical signs of allergies.

The skin discomfort caused by an allergic reaction can happen either localized, in the affected area, or all over the body. But seasonal allergies can also lead to other symptoms, such as watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing. In more severe cases, an allergic dog can present generalized swelling and respiratory issues.

Interestingly enough, recent studies show that these upper respiratory symptoms can occur in response to your pet’s skin contact with an allergen. Contrary to past beliefs that sneezing and coughing could only be caused by inhaling the allergen agent.

Does My Dog Have Environmental Allergies?

Seasonal or environmental allergies are among the most common health issues in dogs. However, symptoms like itchiness can be a sign of several other health concerns, including food allergy or a different skin condition. We recommend taking your dog for a veterinarian consultation at the first sign of these signs for a proper examination and diagnosis.

These are the two types of testing for environmental allergies that can help confirm the diagnosis:

Intradermal Allergy Testing (IDAT): This test aims to identify the allergens that trigger your pet’s allergic reaction. This procedure requires special training and is performed by veterinary dermatologists. It consists of injecting approximately 50 allergens, including different types of grass, weed, pollens, molds, some insects, dust mites, etc. If a specific injection site becomes red and swollen within 15 minutes, the patient is allergic to that element.

Serum Allergy Test: The serum allergy test is a blood test that can be performed to complement the Intradermal Allergy Testing or when the first one is not possible.

Natural Support for Dogs with Seasonal Allergies

Photo of a white furry dog playing in a green field to illustrate a blog about dogs with seasonal allergies.

Treating dogs with seasonal allergies may be difficult, as the only solution is to reduce contact with the allergens, which is not always possible. However, you can help your little one feel better in many ways. Patience and perseverance are key, as treatments can take a while to show improvements.

Depending on the severity of the condition, the vet will prescribe medication that can help manage the symptoms alongside natural supplements. Pharmaceuticals and herbal formulas can also help balance the immune system, increase the quality of the skin barrier, and prevent or treat secondary infections.

If you are looking for natural support, NHV Alge-Ex was explicitly vet-formulated to help dogs with seasonal allergies. This herbal blend can help address symptoms such as sneezing, itching, scratching, and eye and ear rubbing. Alge-Ex may also decrease inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.

Some studies have indicated that using omega 3’s may help with symptoms of inflammation and discomfort. That is why NHV PetOmega 3 is another great aid in supporting your dog’s skin barrier and coat health.

Lastly, NHV Ouch Away is a glycerin-based spray that may help calm irritated skin. This topical blend will support your pup in fighting infections in case of a skin injury or wound. As an added benefit, Ouch Away spray may help with hair regrowth.

If you notice your little one is itching or sneezing more than usual in a specific period of the year, you might be dealing with environmental allergies. Please reach out to us for a personalized recommendation for dogs with seasonal allergies, especially if your little one is also dealing with other health concerns. Click below, and someone from our team of pet experts will help you!

allergy support

Alge-Ex for dogs

USD $48.95

general wellbeing

Fun in the Sun Summer Kit

USD $150.80

overall vitality

Petomega 3 for dogs

USD $42.95

Dr. Barbara Benitez DVM, MS

Dr. Barbara is a veterinarian from Brazil with a specialty in pet nutrition. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine in 2006 from the University of Uberaba. In 2010, Dr. Barbara received her Master’s of Science in Pet Nutrition from the Federal University of Minas Gerais. She has over 15 years of experience in research and development in the pet food industry. When Barbara isn’t helping pet parents, you can find her spending time with her family, including her senior dog, Caze.