How to Prevent and Manage Seasonal Allergies in Dogs and Cats

Updated April 24, 2025

As we step into spring, allergy season begins, affecting both humans and pets alike. With increased pollen in the air and more time spent outdoors, it can be challenging to enjoy fresh air without discomfort. Your pets also suffer from springtime allergies, so it's essential to know how to keep them safe. Taking preventative measures is key to ensuring your pet’s comfort during this time. Regular grooming can reduce the amount of pollen that clings to your pet's fur, and frequent cleaning of your home can help minimize allergens indoors. Furthermore, being aware of the symptoms of allergies in pets, such as excessive itching or sneezing, can allow you to act quickly and provide relief. Keep reading to discover how to prevent seasonal allergies in dogs and cats.

It's interesting to note that pets with allergies often have a genetic predisposition to develop inflamed and itchy skin as a reaction to environmental allergens. The disease process is quite complex and affects multiple organ systems, including the immune system, skin, and nervous system. When environmental allergens enter the skin, they migrate to the lymph nodes, causing the release of inflammatory cells that stimulate nerves and promote inflammation and itching. According to Merck Manual, some breeds are at an increased risk of developing allergies compared to others:

• Dogs: Chinese Shar-Peis, Wirehaired Fox Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Dalmatians, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Lhasa Apsos, Scottish Terriers, Shih Tzus, and West Highland White Terriers

• Cats: Domestic shorthairs, Devon Rex, and Abyssinians

Seasonal allergies are caused by a variety of allergens that come in different forms, affecting many individuals each year. These allergens can trigger an array of symptoms, making it essential to understand them. The following are some of the most common seasonal allergies that people experience:

• Pollen

• Dust mites

• Various plants

• Various grass

• Insect bites

• Ragweed

• Cedsar

Although the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies in dogs and cats can vary significantly between individual pets, along with the overall severity of the allergic reactions they experience, there are several common symptoms that are typically associated with standard allergic reactions in these animals. Understanding these symptoms can help pet owners identify and address potential allergy issues more effectively.

• Excessive grooming

• Itching

• Scratching

• Watery Eyes

• Paw Chewing

• Skin Irritation or Hotspots

• Sneezing

• Ear Infections

• Respiratory Problems

• Excessive Shedding

While there is no single treatment that can fully cure allergies, there are specific preventive measures that can be effectively implemented to help manage the condition. Along with these preventive steps, various strategies can also be utilized to address chronic allergies in pets. By taking these proactive measures, you can significantly enhance your pet's overall quality of life, reducing the discomfort and distress that allergies can cause, allowing them to lead a happier and healthier life.

• Limiting Outdoor Exposure During Peak Pollen Times: Just like humans, dogs, and cats can suffer from seasonal allergies triggered by pollen. Limit outdoor activities, especially during peak pollen times, which are typically in the early morning and late afternoon. Choose indoor play or short walks during these periods to reduce allergen exposure.
• Keeping Indoor Environment Clean and Allergen-Free: To reduce allergens at home, clean regularly and vacuum carpets and furniture using a HEPA filter. Wash your pet's bedding weekly and consider using allergen-proof covers. An air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter can also help to remove allergens from the air, providing relief for your pet.
• Allergen Avoidance Strategies: Preventing allergies in dogs and cats can be achieved by limiting outdoor exposure during peak allergy times. Maintain a clean, allergen-free environment by vacuuming regularly, washing bedding, and using an air purifier.
• Grooming Routine: Maintaining a regular grooming routine for your pets can play a vital role in preventing and easing seasonal allergies. This includes frequent baths using appropriate products and regular brushing to remove allergens from the skin and fur, helping to keep your furry friend fresh and clean between baths.
• Diet and Nutrition: Preventing allergies in dogs and cats can involve making dietary changes and using supplements, such as hypoallergenic diets or omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. These adjustments can support the immune system and alleviate allergy symptoms.
• Veterinary Care: Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for preventing allergies in dogs and cats, providing opportunities to monitor symptoms and discuss treatment options. Allergy testing and treatments such as shots or medication can be recommended by your vet to manage symptoms effectively and enhance your pet's quality of life.

Pets suffering from allergies and excessive scratching or biting should be taken to the veterinarian for more effective treatment.

Many products are available on the market that can effectively assist in managing and treating seasonal allergies in dogs. Below is a detailed list of products that can help pet owners address these allergies and improve their dogs' comfort during allergy season:

• Supplements: Adding certain supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can greatly assist in managing seasonal allergies in dogs and cats. They can effectively reduce inflammation caused by allergies, which in turn helps make the skin less reactive to these allergens.
• Flea Medication: With warm weather during peak allergy season comes fleas. Dogs and cats can develop allergies to flea saliva, which can leave them miserable. Ensuring your dog or cat is always properly dosed with flea medication can greatly improve their quality of life.
• Grooming Wipes: You can opt for HICC Pet® Deodorizing Glove Wipes that are infused with fermented coconut oil. These wipes effectively remove dander, moisturize the skin, and clean allergens from the fur, making them a great choice for regular maintenance. The HICC Pet Itch Relief Wipes can bring much-needed relief to those extra-sensitive spots that make your pet go crazy.
• Soothing Balms: The HICC Pet Skin Soother Butter provides soothing relief for irritated skin caused by allergies.

Spring may have sprung, bringing with it the vibrant blooms and warmer weather that many of us love. However, it also marks the onset of seasonal allergies that can affect our beloved pets. Seasonal allergies are a concern for both dogs and cats, and they can lead to various painful and irritating symptoms, including excessive itching and biting, red and inflamed skin, hot spots, and watery eyes. While these allergies tend to be more pronounced in certain breeds, it’s important to note that any dog or cat can develop seasonal allergies, regardless of their lineage. 

By understanding the nature of these allergies and how they impact our furry friends, pet owners can take proactive steps to reduce the burden of allergens and effectively manage the associated symptoms. To keep our pets healthy and comfortable during the spring season while minimizing the risk of allergies, we must be vigilant and take preventive measures, always remaining attentive to their unique needs as they adapt to the changing environment.