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Written by: Sarah Seward-Langdon
Published on: 05/14/2025
Spring has officially arrived, bringing blooming flowers, buzzing bees, and an increase in sneezing fits. If you're one of the millions who suffer from seasonal allergies, you know the routine: itchy eyes, runny nose, and a constant battle with pollen. Thankfully, we have remedies that let us enjoy the outdoors without itchy eyes and inflamed sinuses. But what about your fur-baby? Seasonal allergies in dogs are much more common than you might think.
If you notice your dog scratching more than usual, sneezing frequently, licking their paws, or even experiencing increased shedding, they might be dealing with the same seasonal irritants that bother us.
In this blog, we’ll cover the common symptoms of seasonal allergies in dogs, what causes them, and how you can help your pup feel better. Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or a lifelong dog lover, understanding your dog’s allergies is key to keeping them happy and healthy, no matter the season.
Seasonal allergies in dogs are similar to those humans experience. They are often triggered by environmental allergens, such as pollen from trees, grasses, and flowers. These allergens can cause an allergic reaction in dogs, especially during specific times of the year.
While seasonal allergies in dogs are most common in spring and fall, they can flare up during other seasons depending on your location and the allergens present.
Dogs with seasonal allergies can experience a lot of discomfort, but with the right treatment, you can manage their symptoms. Although these allergies can't be completely cured, treatment options for seasonal allergies in dogs, such as allergy medicine for dogs, topical treatments, and home remedies, can help reduce discomfort and improve your dog's quality of life.
Your dog’s allergies can show up in a lot of different ways, and the symptoms aren’t always obvious at first. You might notice your dog licking their paws a little more than usual or shaking their head like they’re trying to get water out of their ears.
These little signs can actually be clues that your pup is feeling uncomfortable.
Every dog is different, but some of the most common symptoms of seasonal allergies include:
Excessive licking, especially of the paws
Chewing or gnawing at their skin
Scratching more than usual
Red or irritated skin
Hair loss or bald patches
Crusty or moist spots on the skin
Thickened or darkened skin
Skin or ear odour
Head shaking
Pawing at their ears, eyes, or face
Licking or scooting due to anal gland irritation
Watery eyes
Reverse sneezing
One of the easiest ways to help your dog manage seasonal allergies is to create a clean and allergen-free environment at home. Start by regularly changing your air filters to reduce airborne irritants like pollen, dust, and mould spores that can drift in through open doors and windows.
Running an air conditioner or dehumidifier can also help by reducing moisture in the air, making it harder for mould to grow indoors.
Remember to pay extra attention to damp areas in your home, like basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. These spots are more likely to harbour mould, so it's a good idea to limit your dog’s time in those spaces.
You should also pay extra attention to surfaces that collect allergens easily. Vacuum at least once a week, and be sure to clean items like curtains, rugs, and pet bedding that can trap dust and pollen.
A cleaner home means fewer allergens floating around, and that can make a big difference in how your dog feels day to day.
During the worst of your dog’s symptoms, consider adjusting your walk routine. It’s best to avoid walking your dog during early morning or late afternoon when pollen levels are typically at their highest. These high-pollen hours can exacerbate dog allergies and make seasonal allergies in dogs worse [1].
If possible, steer clear of fields, parks, or other areas where pollen-producing plants are common. This simple adjustment in timing can help reduce your dog’s exposure to the allergens that cause discomfort during allergy season, potentially easing their allergy symptoms [1].
After every walk, make it a habit to clean your dog’s paws. Their paws are often the first place where allergens like pollen, dust, and mould settle. It’s easy for your pup to track these irritants inside your home.
Wipe your pup down with a moist cloth or hypoallergenic wipe to help remove any debris they picked up during the walk. Pay special attention to the areas between the toes and pads, as these spots are particularly sensitive and more likely to pick up pollen or other allergens, which can worsen dog allergy symptoms.
If your dog is particularly prone to seasonal allergies, you can take it a step further by soaking their paws in a mixture of 2 parts water and 1 part apple cider vinegar. This helps neutralize any allergens stuck to their paws. If your dog isn’t a fan of the paw wash, another easy option is to put them in dog boots during walks to keep their paws clean and protected from allergens.
A quick paw clean-up after each walk can make a big difference in keeping your dog comfortable during allergy season.
Have you heard of local honey as a natural remedy? This is one of the most popular options, often raved about by pet parents who swear by it for helping with dog seasonal allergies.
The idea behind this is that local honey contains small amounts of pollen from the area where it was harvested. If your dog consumes this honey, people believe it’ll help build up their tolerance to local allergens over time, potentially reducing allergy symptoms.
Start by adding a small amount of raw, locally sourced honey to your dog’s food. This honey will contain the most beneficial pollen for managing dog allergies. Over time, it may help your dog’s immune system adjust to the allergens in your area, making seasonal allergies in dogs a little easier to manage.
As with any new addition to your dog’s diet, start slowly and monitor them for any adverse reactions. If you're unsure whether local honey is a good fit for your dog, it’s always best to consult with your vet before introducing it.
Fatty acids, especially omega-3s, are a great addition to your dog’s diet when managing seasonal allergies. These healthy fats have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the itchiness and irritation often seen with allergic reactions. Omega-3s, commonly found in fish oil supplements or camelina oil, support your dog’s skin health and immune system [2].
Smart Earth Camelina Oil is another excellent source of omega-3s. This plant-based supplement is rich in essential fatty acids and can help alleviate allergy symptoms, such as itchy or irritated skin.
When adding a fatty acid supplement to your dog’s diet, be sure to follow the recommended dosage based on your dog’s weight. It’s also a good idea to consult with your vet to ensure it's the right fit for your pet.
Quercetin is a flavonoid, a natural compound found in various plants that gives them their distinct taste. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce the histamine response, which is often behind those annoying allergy symptoms like itching and swelling.
You can find quercetin in foods like berries, apples, cherries, red lettuce, and asparagus [3]. If you’re looking to give your dog a boost, adding these to their diet (just be sure to remove the seeds first) could help ease some allergy discomfort [3].
While quercetin naturally occurs in a lot of foods, it’s always best to check with your vet to figure out the right amount for your dog.
If your dog’s scratching is driving you both crazy, baking soda might be just what you need. This everyday household item has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help calm itchy skin [4]. You can mix a little baking soda with water to create a paste and apply it directly to the itchy spots. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse it off gently.
For a full-body soak, try adding some baking soda to your dog’s bath. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly afterward to avoid any leftover residue. As always, it’s a good idea to test it on a small area first to make sure your dog’s skin doesn’t react.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
Seasonal allergies can be tough on our furry friends, but with the right care and adjustments, you can help ease their discomfort. By managing environmental allergens, making simple changes to your dog’s routine, and introducing natural remedies, you can give them relief throughout allergy season.
Always keep an eye on your dog’s symptoms, and if you notice any concerning changes, consult your veterinarian to determine the best course of action.
It’s important to remember that each dog is unique, so what works for one may not work for another. With patience and the right approach, you can help your dog feel better and enjoy their everyday activities without the constant itch or irritation. Here’s to happy, healthy pups during allergy season!
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
[1] 8 Ways to Keep Your Dog Exercising Despite Spring Seasonal Allergies, Pet Wellbeing https://petwellbeing.com/blogs/news/8-ways-to-keep-your-dog-exercising-despite-spring-seasonal-allergies
[2] Fish Oil for Dogs: What to Know, Kaitlyn Arford
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/fish-oil-for-dogs/
[3] The Benefits of Quercetin for Dogs, Marie Gagne https://fourleafrover.com/blogs/natural-health/4-ways-quercetin-helps-dogs-stay-healthy
[4] Top 9 Home Remedies for Dog Allergies, Dana Scott
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/allergy-relief-for-dogs-top-ten-remedies/
"Sarah is a marketing specialist with a passion for anything creative! Her openness to working across industries and job opportunities has allowed her to gain enormous amounts of experience in graphic design, video production, and written content creation. Animals have a special place in her heart as she grew up with cats and now owns her own Alaskan Malamute. She has spent the last couple of years in Vancouver working with different companies within the pet industry and gained valuable knowledge about the ins and outs of the (alternative) pet food industry, supplementation, and various training methods. When she’s not digitally creating content for pet lovers to consume, she’s out eating great food, dancing at drop-in classes, or exploring the beautiful Canadian scenery with her fur-child Miso."
