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Labor Day weekend brings the promise of cool, autumnal breezes and some long-awaited relief from the sweltering summer temperatures. Unfortunately, seasonal changes may also be a trigger for pets with allergies, potentially causing some serious discomfort! In fact, no matter what the season or weather, many pets can suffer from allergies, just like humans. Dogs and cats may develop allergic reactions to a variety of factors — most commonly pollen in the air, trees/plant life, or certain meat proteins.

While springtime has traditionally been considered “allergy season” — most plants flower or bud in spring, spreading pollen everywhere — pet allergies may happen in any weather, and for many pets, sudden shifts in temperature or humidity can provoke a flare up of symptoms. With changing climate patterns bringing overall warmer temperatures and seasonal unpredictability, “allergy season” can actually occur any time of year.

In humans, we typically associate allergies with sneezing, runny nose/eyes, itchiness, and in more severe cases hives, rashes, or swelling throughout the body. For the most part, this is comparable to how allergies present in dogs and cats. You may notice your dog repeatedly scratching their ears or a particular area on their belly; if there’s no skin discoloration or redness/debris in the ears, this may be a more minor reaction that may subside without treatment. Watery eyes and clear nasal discharge are other minor symptoms that don’t necessarily require a doctor’s visit unless they seem to be causing your pet discomfort.

However, like in humans, allergies can cause a variety of secondary conditions and ailments that are more serious. The most typical issue we see at the clinic is dermatitis, or skin inflammation, where repeated scratching due to constant itching (pruritis), or direct contact with an allergen, causes redness and swelling. As we all know, this can be very uncomfortable, and pets can sometimes scratch until their skin breaks, leading to infection. Affected areas can also become crusty, raw, and scabby — at this point, veterinary intervention is needed.

Ear infections are also very common with allergies. If you notice your pet scratching at their ears, shaking their head, or if you detect a bad odor, this could indicate infection. Left untreated, ear infections can become chronic and lead to more serious problems such as hematomas (blood-filled swelling in the ear flap).

Gastrointestinal signs can also occur, particularly in pets allergic to certain food proteins. These pets may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and general digestive upset. Over time, if left unresolved, this can lead to weight loss, poor coat quality, and decreased energy.

What Can You Do?
The first step is identifying what your pet is allergic to. This can be tricky, as there are many potential triggers. Your veterinarian may recommend allergy testing, either through blood tests or intradermal skin tests. Sometimes, a food elimination trial is suggested to determine if diet is the cause.

For environmental allergies, limiting exposure to allergens can help. Wiping down your pet’s paws and coat after going outside, using air filters indoors, and frequent bathing with medicated shampoos can reduce allergen load.

Medications may also be prescribed. Antihistamines, steroids, or newer therapies like Apoquel and Cytopoint are commonly used to manage itching and inflammation. For food allergies, switching to a hypoallergenic or hydrolyzed protein diet can often resolve symptoms.

The Bottom Line
Allergies in pets are common and can range from mild to severe. The good news is that with proper diagnosis and management, most pets can live comfortable, happy lives. If you suspect your pet has allergies, don’t wait — schedule a veterinary appointment to get them on the path to relief.