Managing Seasonal Allergies in Dogs: An Unexpected Source of Relief

The first day of spring in my neighborhood is a sight to behold. Blossoms burst into color, birds return with their morning songs, and everyone emerges from their winter hibernation—including our furry friends. As I write this, I'm buried in snow. But we can dream, can't we?

While spring feels refreshing to us, it can mean sneezing, scratching, and seasonal allergies in dogs. I know this all too well. My terrier Pixie loves to dart through freshly blooming fields, only to come back sneezing and scratching like she’s just run through a pile of fleas.

So, managing dog allergies is a vital skill I've had to learn as a doting dog mom of 3. Natural remedies for dog allergies are on my to-do list.

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

When people get seasonal allergies, it's a sight and sound to we can't ignore. Often, they're complaining about the pollen, sneezing with extra volume, and making sure others know how miserable they are.

Dogs don't try to put on a show for sympathy. Instead, they show us in more subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) ways. It's up to vigilant dog parents like you and me to stay aware, looking for:

  • Frequent scratching, licking, or chewing at paws or other areas.
  • Redness or excessive discharge. A clear discharge may indicate an allergic response.
  • Frequent sneezing. Just like us, dogs sneeze to clear allergens from their system.
  • Hot spots. These irritated patches of skin can develop from excessive scratching or licking.
  • Ear infections. If your dog’s allergies are chronic, you might notice head shaking or smelly ears.

Pixie, for instance, always seems to go for her paws when her allergies flare. Her frequent paw-licking couldn't be ignored.

I'd give her a meaty beef marrow dog bone, and she couldn't stop for a moment to enjoy a chew session.

Common Triggers for Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

When it's springtime, love is in the air. But that's not all. There's also pollen. Grass, tree, and weed pollens can wreak havoc on sensitive pups.

And many dogs also experience fall allergies too. These can be due to:

  • Mold. Damp or decaying leaves provide the perfect breeding ground for mold spores.
  • Dust Mites. A year-round allergen that worsens as dogs spend more time indoors.
  • Flea Bites. Some dogs are allergic to flea saliva, leading to intense itching even from a single bite.

Then, these contaminants may get tracked into their resting area. Now, inside or out—they can't get away from it.

For Pixie, spring is the worst season because of pollen and grass allergens. Keeping track of when the symptoms start can help you identify the cause and reduce their exposure.

Natural Remedies for Dog Allergies

Here are some of the home remedies that have really worked well for us:

1. Baths with Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo

Regular baths with oatmeal or hypoallergenic shampoo can help wash away allergens trapped in your dog’s fur. For Pixie, a soothing bath weekly during the spring season really helps.

If you don't bathe your dog regularly, know it gets easier and faster. Doing it weekly may sound like a lot now. But it can be all of 10 minutes on a Saturday—especially if you spend a little time training them to sit calmly while you work

2. Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3s are healthy fats and great for the immune system. Dogs who have allergies often have an overactive one. Supporting immunity doesn't "boost it," as they often say in marketing; it "balances it", helping it deliver a more measured response to irritants.

Omega 3 is also considered an anti-inflammatory fat. It can reduce inflammation (overactive immunity) in the brain, heart, digestive tract, and skin, helping Pixie's body better manage allergens.

I love single-ingredient dog treats, like those from K9 Connoisseur. They give Pixie a dose of omega 3s without exposing her to unnecessary additives, preservatives, or sugar.

3. Quercetin

This is like nature's "Benadryl". It's a flavinoid (which is a compound that gives a distinct taste to plants).

This flavinoid is an antioxidant that can reduce the histamine response and, in turn, allergy symptoms.

Quercetin is found in berries, apples, cherries, red lettuce, and asparagus, just to name a few.

And yes, you can feed your dog each of these within a balanced diet. Just get rid of the seeds first.

4. Beta-Carotene

Beta-carotene (which our bodies turn into Vitamin A) is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.

It's found in many orange and yellow foods like pumpkin, carrots, butternut squash, and sweet potato. I personally make sure I eat orange food every day. And I also give these foods to my dogs in edible pieces.

5. Coconut Oil (Topical)

This is a natural moisturizer that you can apply to itchy spots, especially after a bath. It helps the body retain moisture and can act as a temporary barrier.

Coconut also has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that can help the skin heal.

6. Improving Nutrition

In humans, many common allergic conditions like atopic dermatitis have been directly linked to the diet. Nutrients give cells what they need to do their jobs. And when nutrition is lacking, things can get out of whack—impacting dog health.

So, allergy relief for dogs can undoubtedly come from better nutrition. I supplement my dogs' all-kibble diet with single-ingredient dog bones and treats.

These whole-food dog treats contain collagen protein, omega 3, Vitamin A, B vitamins, Vitamin E, and minerals that can be lacking in an all-kibble diet. Managing dog allergies becomes easier when I seek natural remedies for dog allergies from the inside out.

Pixie and Bruno love the grass-fed beef marrow bones and organ meat treats I buy from K9 Connoisseur.

Avoiding Allergy Triggers to Find Allergy Relief for Dogs

Here are just a few things I do during the allergy season to reduce Pixie's misery:

  • Clean Paws After Walks. I keep a cloth by the front door and wash it several times a week.
  • Vacuum Frequently. Keeping floors clean reduces exposure to dust mites and other indoor allergens that make it through the doors and windows.
  • Wash Bedding Regularly. Allergens can collect in dog beds. So I frequently wash bedding in PIxie's crate (or, as we call it, her "den") with a gentle detergent.
  • Limit Outdoor Time During High Pollen Hours. Early mornings and evenings tend to have the highest pollen counts. I know this makes it harder for those who work outside the home during the middle of the day. But if you have the luxury to move that first walk to late morning, this has certainly helped Pixie.
  • Dog Training. Look! Pixie loves those flower fields. It's hard to keep her away. But we try to only do field runs on the day she gets a bath. This requires some discipline. So I had to train her to "come" and "stay" when she tries to run into the field on the wrong day. If you'd like to learn how to get your pup to consistently sit, stay, wave, and more, this Free 7-Day Dog Training Challenge is something you'll enjoy.

Does your pup suffer from allergies? What tips have worked for you? Let’s swap stories on social media!

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