Seasonal Allergies in Dogs: How to Identify, Manage, and Soothe Symptoms

Just like us, dogs also deal with seasonal allergies. For some dogs, allergies can be mild but for others, they can cause serious reactions that may really affect their day to day life. Being able to identify your dog’s allergies and figure out how to manage them early on is important, especially in areas like here in Northern California where environmental elements like pollen and mold are common. 

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you should know about seasonal allergies dogs deal with. By knowing what allergy symptoms can look like, what causes them, and how to treat them, you can help your dog stay comfortable even in peak allergy seasons. As we offer private in-home pet sitting in San Francisco, we’ll also discuss some insights specific to this area. 

What is an Allergy in Dogs?

Allergies happen in dogs when their immune system overreacts to something that's normally harmless, like pollen or a specific food. Allergies can present through many different symptoms, like itching and sneezing or difficulty digesting. 

Specifically in Northern California, pollen from oaks, birch, and cedar trees is a big issue in the spring and summer that can cause allergic reactions in dogs. During the rainy winter months here, mold is a common issue, especially for allergy-sensitive pets.

Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs

Allergic reactions can look different for each dog, but let’s take a look at some of the most common symptoms you’ll see:

• Itching and Scratching (particularly around their face, paws, and ears)

• Skin is red and inflamed

• Sneezing and coughing

• Watery eyes

• Repetitive ear infections

• Licking or chewing on their paws

Pollen levels in the Northern CA area tend to worsen in the spring and fall months, so if you notice an increase or ‘flare-up’ in any of the above symptoms during these times of the year, there’s a good chance it may be due to allergies. 

Are Allergies Inherited?

Some dogs can be genetically predisposed to developing certain allergies. Some breeds are also more prone to allergic reactions, like bulldogs, golden retrievers, and labradors. While genetics do play a part, the environment they’re in can worsen their symptoms. 

What Causes Allergies in Dogs?

There are many allergens that dogs can have reactions to, but here are some of the most common:

• Pollen (from trees, grass, and leaves)

• Mold spores (increase during rainy seasons)

• Dust mites

• Flea saliva

• Certain foods (for example, chicken, beef, or grains)

Some allergens can spike during certain parts of the year. In the Northern California area, oak, cedar, and birch trees tend to be common environmental irritants that can affect dogs in the spring months. In the winter, mold can be more of an issue due to the rain. In the summer months, the dust from dry winds can really affect allergy-sensitive dogs. It’s helpful to know what allergens come with each season in your specific area so that you can best treat your pet and help them feel as comfortable as possible during these times.

What are the Different Types of Allergies in Dogs?

Environmental Allergies

These types of allergies have to do with the environment you're in. They’re triggered by airborne matter like pollen, mold, and dust mites. If your dog reacts to environmental allergies, you may notice quite a bit of itching, sneezing, or their eyes watering. There are certain medicines and allergy shots that can be used to lessen the symptoms of these allergies and it’s always best to talk through your options with your dog’s vet.

Food Allergies

Like humans, dogs can have allergic reactions to the foods they eat. Some of the common triggers for many dogs are chicken, beef, or grains, which can be found in many dog foods in the store. If your dog struggles with food-related allergic reactions, you will likely notice repetitive digestive issues or skin irritation. Talk to your vet so they can help you make a plan to pinpoint the specific foods that trigger your pet. This often will include trying out an elimination diet and keeping a log to narrow down the problematic food.

Flea Allergies

Flea saliva can cause a reaction in dogs with flea allergies. This can lead to extreme itching and irritation for them. Regular flea control and prevention measures are really important in managing this type of allergy. If you haven’t already, check with your vet about what preventative medication your dog should be getting to avoid this issue. 

Skin Allergies

Did you know dogs can get ‘eczema’ just like people? Known as atopic dermatitis, this condition can cause inflammation in the skin and is most often brought on by environmental factors like the pollen and mold we discussed earlier. 

Contact Allergies

This type of allergy can occur when your dog comes into contact with a specific substance that they’re sensitive to. For example, certain shampoos, detergents, or cleaning products can trigger an allergic reaction. Although it can be hard to pinpoint, removing the allergen from your house and finding an alternative is going to be your best course of action here.

How to Diagnose and Treat Your Dog’s Allergies

The first thing you’re going to want to do if you notice repetitive allergic reactions in your dog is notify their veterinarian. They will be able to help in creating a plan to identify the allergens that are affecting your dog and find a treatment option. This can include implementing an elimination diet to find a specific food allergen, doing a skin test to determine any environmental allergens, or having a blood test done to detect allergic responses. The specific treatment options tend to vary based on the allergy type. 

Treatment options by allergy type:

Environmental Allergies

For these types of allergies, your vet may suggest antihistamines, steroids, and allergy shots. Regular baths and air purifiers are often recommended to help reduce their exposure to allergens.

Food Allergies

For food allergies, the elimination diet is really helpful in figuring out the triggering food. Once you identify the food that is causing an allergic reaction in your dog, you can find a better alternative and be mindful about the treats you give them.

Flea Allergies

For flea allergies in dogs, preventative measures are going to be your best move. This often involves monthly treatments and can make a huge impact in preventing allergic reactions from flea saliva. 

Skin Allergies

For these allergies, there are many options like topical treatments and medicated shampoos that can be used to relieve irritating symptoms of atopic dermatitis. It’s always best to have your vet evaluate your dog’s specific allergy symptoms before trying a new product. 

Here in Northern California, many stores carry hypoallergenic shampoos and flea-control products that can help you in managing your dog’s allergies. Veterinary clinics can offer allergy testing for allergens specific to your area, which is a great idea if you’re stumped about the cause of your dog’s symptoms.

When to See a Vet About Dog Allergy Symptoms

It’s always a good idea to contact your vet as soon as you notice symptoms of an allergy in your dog. Finding the root of the issue early on can save a lot of stress for your pet and can help prevent their symptoms from worsening. Keep an eye out for the common symptoms we listed above like excessive itching, sneezing, or stomach issues. In areas like San Francisco and Northern CA, there are peak seasons when certain allergens are worse, so consulting your vet during these times is a good idea to keep your pets healthy and comfortable. 

How to Soothe Seasonal Allergies at Home

While we do always recommend consulting your vet when it comes to treating your dog’s allergy symptoms, there are some helpful things that you can do at home to keep them comfortable. 

Give them regular baths

Giving them a nice bath with hypoallergenic shampoo can be really soothing for them and will help to remove any allergens from their coat. 

Make wiping their paws part of your post-walk routine

If it’s something in the environment that’s causing the irritation, wiping their paws after they've been outside is a good step to take to ensure they aren’t tracking the allergens through the house. 

Use air purifiers in your home

These devices can filter out airborne allergens that might be contributing to your pet’s symptoms.

Consider getting hypoallergenic bedding

Dogs spend a lot of time sleeping, so it’s important to make sure their bed isn’t trapping a ton of dust or pollen. There are hypoallergenic bedding options designed for this exact reason that may be worth investing in to keep your dog comfortable. 

FAQ for Allergies in Dogs

What are the most common dog allergies?

The most common allergies can come from the environment you live in (like pollen and mold), the foods you’re offering them (such as chicken, beef, or grains), and fleas (flea saliva). 

What is the best medicine for dog allergies?

While antihistamines and steroids are the most commonly prescribed, it’s important to seek advice from your dog’s vet as they can best evaluate your dog’s specific symptoms. 

How do you know what allergies your dog has?

Keeping a log of your dog’s activities, the food they eat, and their symptoms can help you recognize a pattern, but there are also multiple other options including an elimination diet, skin tests, and blood tests that can be done at a veterinary clinic. 

When are dogs most likely to get seasonal allergies?

Spring and fall are the months when your dog is more likely to experience allergies as this is when pollen levels from trees and grass tend to be highest. 

Is there an allergy test for dogs?

Yes, there are allergy tests you can get for your dog–consider asking your vet about your options.

What home remedies can soothe allergies in dogs?

Some simple things you can incorporate into your day-to-day to help your dog feel comfortable are using air purifiers in the house, wiping their paws after being outside, and giving them regular baths. 

Caring for Your Dog During Allergy Season

Seasonal allergies can be hard to pin down and uncomfortable for your pet, but figuring out which allergens they’re sensitive to and how to take care of them, allows you to keep them feeling good all year round. Learning about the common allergens that can affect dogs, how to spot allergic reactions, and what to do about them is really important as a pet parent. This is especially true for areas like here, in San Francisco, where environmental factors intensify allergens.

Remember, if you find your dog is experiencing the allergy symptoms we’ve discussed, talk with your local vet to find the right diagnosis and care for them. For personalized in-home pet care tailored to dogs with specific needs and dog-reactivity issues, reach out to us at Grand and Graham Pets in San Francisco to schedule a consultation.