Itches, Sneezes & Red Eyes: Uncovering Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

As spring blossoms unfold and summer lawns wave in the breeze, it’s not only people who are reaching for the tissues and allergy medication; some dogs are quietly enduring discomfort caused by seasonal allergies, too. Seasonal allergies in dogs often go undetected until symptoms start to affect their comfort. That’s why, we, as responsible dog owners, should spot the symptoms early and take action to manage seasonal allergies in dogs.



What Are Seasonal Allergies In Dogs?

Seasonal allergies in dogs are becoming more and more common, and can have a significant impact on your pet's comfort and health. Seasonal allergies(a specific environmental allergies) occur when a dog's immune system overreacts to environmental allergens that are harmless to most animals. Typically triggered by environmental factors such as pollen, mould, and dust mites, these allergies can lead to common symptoms like itching, sniffles, sneezes, skin irritation, ear infections, and red & watery eyes.

Understanding Its Seasonal Predisposition:

Seasonal allergies in dogs flare up or worsen during Spring and Summer due to the increase in relevant triggers that become prevalent during these warmer months.

Here's why: 

✅ Higher Pollen Counts

Spring and summer bring a surge of plant growth, with trees, grasses, and weeds releasing significant amounts of pollen into the air. 

Pollen is a major trigger for seasonal allergies in dogs, leading to symptoms like itching and skin irritation.

✅ Increased Outdoor Activity

Dogs typically spend more time outdoors in warmer weather, which means they are exposed to more allergens such as pollen, grass, and mold spores.

This frequent contact with allergen sources exacerbates symptoms. 

✅ Mold and Fungal Spores 

Warm and humid conditions in spring and summer promote the growth of mold and fungi in outdoor areas like gardens, woods, and grassy fields.

Mold spores are another common allergen for dogs, contributing to allergic reactions.

✅ Flea Activity

Fleas thrive in warm temperatures, and their bites can trigger flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) in sensitive dogs.

This can sometimes overlap with seasonal allergies, further complicating the dog's symptoms.

✅ Dust and Environmental Irritants

Warmer weather can also lead to increased dust and environmental irritants, adding to the allergen load.

For dogs sensitive to these triggers, the risk of developing seasonal allergies is heightened.

What Is Behind The Allergic Reactions

Common allergic reactions present on dogs include itching, sniffles, sneezes, skin irritation, ear infections, red and watery eyes. Understanding what lies behind these reactions is essential for dog parents to manage effectively and understanding the possible outcome for uncontrolled seasonal allergies in dogs. Here are the details:

Itching (Pruritus)

• Affected Area: Skin and coat.
• Explanation: Allergens like pollen or mold cause the dog’s immune system to overreact, releasing histamines that lead to inflammation and intense itching.
• Dogs may scratch, chew, or lick affected areas, often leading to hair loss, sores, and thickened skin if not treated.

Sniffles (Nasal Discharge/Congestion)

• Affected Area: Nasal passages (upper respiratory tract).
• Explanation: The nasal mucosa (lining of the nose) becomes inflamed and irritated by inhaled allergens, producing clear nasal discharge and congestion.
• Dogs may seem to have a runny nose similar to human hay fever.

Sneezes

• Affected Area: Nasal passages and sinuses.
• Explanation: Allergens like pollen irritate the nasal lining, triggering reflexive sneezing as the body tries to expel them.
• Sneezing is a natural defense mechanism against inhaled allergens.
  
  

Skin Irritation (Dermatitis)

• Affected Area: Skin, especially thinly-haired areas like belly, paws, armpits, and groin. 
• Explanation: Allergens that land on the skin or are absorbed from the environment activate immune cells in the skin (like mast cells), causing redness, bumps, and inflammation. 
• Dogs with atopic dermatitis often get recurring skin infections from excessive scratching and damage to the skin barrier.

Ear Infections (Otitis Externa)

• Affected Area: Ear canals (outer ear). 
• Explanation: Allergens cause inflammation of the ear canal lining, making it warm and moist—perfect for yeast and bacteria to grow.
• Dogs may shake their head, scratch their ears, or have foul-smelling discharge.
  
  

Red and Watery Eyes (Allergic Conjunctivitis)

• Affected Area: Conjunctiva (mucous membrane lining the eyelids and white of the eye).
• Explanation: Allergens irritate the conjunctiva, causing it to swell, turn red, and produce more tears. 
• Dogs may paw at their eyes or rub their face on the ground.
  
  

Long-term Health Complications Caused by Uncontrolled Seasonal Allergies：

While the intensity of symptoms may drop after the allergen season, not controlling them can lead to long-term issues that worsen the dog’s comfort and health. If left untreated, seasonal allergies in dogs can lead to chronic skin infections from excessive scratching and licking, recurrent ear infections that may damage hearing, persistent respiratory issues such as constant sneezing and nasal congestion, and ongoing eye discomfort with red, watery eyes. Dogs may develop thickened, discolored skin (lichenification) and secondary bacterial or yeast infections, worsening their discomfort. Prolonged exposure to allergens without management can significantly reduce their quality of life.

How to Help A Dog With Seasonal Allergies?

So, is it difficult for dog parents to effectively control allergies in dogs? This can be a question haunting every dog owner. The short answer is no. Every dog parent can easily control seasonal allergies in dogs effectively by following this expert guide.  Seasonal allergies in dogs cannot be completely eliminated because environmental allergens like pollen, mold spores, and dust mites are everywhere, especially during spring and summer. However, you can control and reduce these allergies through a three-part strategy:

Reduce Allergen Exposure

1. Keep your dog indoors during peak pollen hours (early morning and evening).
2. Wipe your dog’s coat and paws with a damp cloth after outdoor walks to remove pollen.
3. Bathe your dog once or twice a week using a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo to wash off allergens.
   Perfect Hypoallergenic Shampoo----Puainta® Banov Shampoo for Skin Disease is a fragrant symphony of herbal essences aimed at addressing allergies, itching, and revitalizing both your skin and hair.
   
   
   
4. Vacuum and dust your home often to reduce indoor allergens like dust and pollen.
5. Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to help trap airborne allergens inside your home.
6. Wash your dog’s bedding and toys every week in hot water to remove allergens.

Manage Symptoms

1. For itching and skin irritation, use anti-itch skin spray, oatmeal or medicated shampoos, and consider adding omega-3 supplements to reduce skin inflammation. 
   Puainta® Quantum Silver Anti-itch Skin Spray deodorizes and helps relieve fungal and bacterial skin infections, relieves itchy skin in cats and dogs, and helps control the spread of lesions. Anti-Itch Spray provides immediate relief from itching without stinging.
   
2. For sniffles and sneezes, saline nasal sprays (ask your vet first!) can help flush out allergens.
3. For ear infections, clean ears weekly with a vet-approved ear cleaner to prevent moisture buildup that feeds bacteria and yeast.
   Puainta Natural Ear Cleaner, a gentle and long-lasting ear cleaner, can effectively fight ear infections, ear itching, earwax buildup, ear odor, etc. (for cats and dogs). It prevents infections, relieves itching, giving your pets healthier protection.
   
   
   
4. For red, watery eyes, gently wipe with a damp cloth and check for signs of infection (like yellow discharge or excessive redness).
5. Regular grooming and brushing help remove trapped allergens in the fur and reduce irritation. 

Anti-Allergy Therapy

• Antihistamines (like cetirizine, loratadine, or diphenhydramine) can help control mild allergies. Always check with your vet before giving these.
• Prescription medications like Apoquel or Cytopoint are targeted allergy treatments that reduce itching and inflammation more effectively than antihistamines.
• Corticosteroids (like prednisone) may be prescribed short-term for severe flare-ups, but long-term use has side effects. 
• Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are customized injections given by your vet that help desensitize your dog’s immune system to specific allergens. This treatment takes several months but can reduce or even eliminate symptoms over time.

Bottom Line

While seasonal allergies will naturally improve after the peak season, they can cause long-term health issues like skin infections, chronic ear infections, and severe itching if left unmanaged. By combining allergen control, symptom management, and medical therapy, you can greatly reduce your dog’s discomfort and prevent serious complications. 

Your veterinarian can help create a tailored plan for your dog based on their unique symptoms and lifestyle, ensuring your pup stays healthy and happy throughout allergy season.