It’s allergy season, everyone is full of sneezes and couches thanks to the changing weather. Did you know that this time of year also affects your pets? Instead of sneezing nonstop, dogs and cats are much more likely to show allergies through itchy skin, excessive shedding and licking, ear infections, and irritated paws. 

Spring and summer are peak allergy seasons because pollen counts rise dramatically. Grass allergies are especially common in dogs, which means walks, backyard playtime, and laying outside can all increase exposure. Allergens can also enter the home through open windows, shoes, clothing, and air circulation systems.

 

What Are Histamines?

To understand allergies, it helps to understand histamines. Histamines are natural chemicals released by the immune system when it encounters something it perceives as a threat. In people, histamines often cause symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. In pets, however, histamines tend to affect the skin much more than the respiratory system.

When a dog or cat with seasonal allergies comes into contact with pollen, dust, grass, or other environmental allergens, their immune system may overreact and release histamines. While pollen is harmless to pets the immune system believes otherwise. This inflammatory response is what causes many of the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies, including itching, redness, licking, scratching, and skin irritation.

 

What Causes Seasonal Allergies in Dogs?

Seasonal allergies happen when a dog’s immune system overreacts to things in their environment. To their immune system, pollen seems like something that can cause harm so the immune system puts up all its defenses leading to increased inflammation. Common triggers include:

  • Grass pollen - more common going into the summer months 
  • Tree pollen - spring
  • Weed pollen - early fall
  • Dust - year round

Dogs and cats come into contact with allergies by breathing them in and skin contact. Since most dogs spend so much time outside, laying in grass, and walking barefoot, allergens easily collect on their skin, fur, and paws.

 

Common Signs of Seasonal Allergies

Every dog and cat experiences allergies differently, however symptoms will usually affects a specific area of their body. It is important to note that some pets can experience symptoms all over their body:

  • Skin: excessive scratching or itching, biting or licking paws, redness or rashes on the skin, hotspots
  • Eyes: Watery or red appearance 
  • Ears: recurring ear infections, redness, inflammation
  • Respiratory: Sneezing or runny noses - just like us

Cats will face respiratory symptoms more commonly than dogs but they can still have skin symptoms. One of my cats usually has a lot more dander during allergy season while my other cat sneezes more often.

Many dogs struggle with irritation around the paws, belly, ears, and armpits because these areas come into the most contact with allergens. One of the biggest signs most dog parents notice is paw licking. While it may seem harmless at first, excessive licking can create more inflammation and moisture, which may lead to secondary yeast or bacterial infections.

 

Supporting Pets During Allergy Season

While allergies can’t always be cured, there are many ways to help reduce discomfort and support your pets during allergy season.

Wipe Paws After Walks

One of the simplest things you can do is wipe your dog’s paws and legs after spending time outside. This helps remove pollen, grass residue, and other irritants before your dog licks them off or tracks them through the house. The Earth Rated pet wipes are perfect for this!

Bathe Regularly

Regular baths can help rinse allergens from the skin and fur. However, harsh shampoos may dry the skin further and worsen irritation.

Look for gentle, moisturizing shampoos designed for sensitive skin. Oatmeal, aloe, and skin-supportive ingredients are often great choices during allergy season. In the dog washing stations at Rumford Pet we offer Tropiclean shampoos that include Hypoallergenic and Medicated Itch Relief options that would be great choices this time of year.

It is also important to make sure that your pets ears are clean and dry throughout the season, especially if they are prone to ear infections. 

Support Skin Health From the Inside Out 

Skin health starts internally, which is why nutrition and supplements can play a huge role in managing allergies.

One product many pet parents reach for during allergy season is the Nootie Allergy & Immune supplement. These supplements are designed to help support healthy skin, immune function, and normal histamine responses in both dogs.

The Nootie supplements contain ingredients like:

  • Colostrum - which binds to pollen and releases anti-inflammatory proteins called cytokines, overall helps reduce histamines

  • Quercetin- targets common skin related symptoms of allergies 

  • Chaga & Reishi Mushrooms - contain Triterpenes that soothe respiratory symptoms, also mediates the immune system to avoid overreaction

  • Probiotics - gut health and immune healthy tend to go hand-in-hand

 

One option we often recommend for cats is Super Snouts Super Shrooms. This supplement comes in a powder form and contains several functional mushrooms that support healthy immune function and overall wellness.

Some of the beneficial mushrooms found in Super Shrooms include:

  • Turkey Tail 
  • Reishi 
  • Lion's Mane
  • Shiitake
  • Maitake

These mushrooms are rich in compounds called beta-glucans, which help support healthy immune system function. Beta-glucans are complex polysaccharides that interact with immune cells throughout the body. Rather than simply "boosting" the immune system, beta-glucans modulate immune function, meaning they help support a healthy and balanced immune response. 

What makes allergy supplements especially helpful is that they support pets internally instead of only addressing surface symptoms. Since allergies often affect the skin and immune system, combining topical care with internal support can help pets stay more comfortable throughout allergy season.

Some pet parents also find benefits from probiotics, goat milk, or digestive supplements since gut health and immune health are closely connected.

Seasonal allergies are incredibly common for many pets, spring and summer can be genuinely uncomfortable. The good news is that early support, proper skin care, and reducing allergen exposure can make a huge difference in your pet’s quality of life. Combining topical treatments with supplements is great since it helps balance their immune response inside and out!