Seasonal Allergies in Dogs & Cats

Many people experience seasonal allergies, but did you know seasonal allergies can afflict our dogs and cats, too? Did you also know that the immunological response to the allergens, symptoms, treatments and management strategies can be similar in humans, dogs and cats, too? Let’s talk about seasonal allergies in our pets.

What is an immunological response?

When pets breathe in an allergen (dust, pollen, mold, etc.), or if they step on the mold or pollen in the outdoors and then lick it off, the immune system reacts by producing excessive histamine which causes your cat or dog to experience allergy symptoms. Common symptoms can include itching, hives, eye discharge, sneezing, hair loss and hot spots, among others.

What are the treatments?

Your veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate medical treatment for your pet’s seasonal allergies, however, there are also different management strategies you can employ that may help. Here are a few tips on things you can do to help manage your pet’s allergies:

  • Once the allergy season begins for your pet, you may want to switch your walking schedule to the evening when pollen levels are lower, compared to the early morning or late afternoon. 
  • Wipe your dog’s paws when they come in from outside so they aren’t licking off and ingesting the pollen. A warm wet cloth can be used, or there are commercial pet products that can be used.
  • Giving your pet once-a-week baths with a specially formulated oatmeal shampoo may help keep your pet’s irritation and itchiness under control. 
  • Gently wipe tear stains on their face with a warm, wet cloth.
  • Wash their bedding often with a scent-free laundry detergent to reduce the allergens in their environment.

In addition to seasonal environmental allergies, pets can also become allergic to indoor allergens, such as smoke, dust or even chemicals from laundry detergents. Essentially, many allergens that can trigger symptoms in humans can also affect our pets. The more frequent you employ these management strategies, the better able you’ll be to control their allergies, or at least make their experience as comfortable as possible.


Dr. Darcia Kostiuk is the senior veterinarian behind ACANA pet foods. She has over 20 years of veterinary experience and is the proud pet parent of Max, Ruby, Jinxi and Ember.