Seasonal Allergies in Dogs: How to Nip Symptoms in the Bud

Spring in Arkansas not only brings beautiful blooms, but also pollen storms that affect humans and dogs alike! That’s right, itchy season is here – is your pooch feeling it? 

This time of year, the Hounds Lounge team sees a lot of seasonal allergies in dogs. Luckily, your woof’s allergy flare-ups can be treated easily! Our very own Dr. Katelyn Lang from our partner veterinary clinic, Healthy Life Pet Clinic, explains, “The most important thing to know about seasonal allergies in dogs is that it is something your veterinarian can help you manage!”

Hounds Lounge is here to help as well. Our staff is trained to notice signs of allergies during playtime or grooming – because sometimes a fresh pair of eyes (and hands) catches what you might miss at home. We love your pups like our own, so helping them stay comfurrtable and happy – whether they’re running in our play yards or snuggled up at home – is kind of our whole thing.

If you’re itching to help your pooch feel better, it’s time to nip their allergies in the bud! Let’s get you educated on seasonal allergies in dogs, including symptoms, causes, solutions and additional ways Hounds Lounge can help.

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Top Signs Your Dog is Suffering from Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies in dogs mainly manifest as skin problems! However, there are other symptoms. See all of them below.

• Constant scratching, licking or chewing – which can cause hair loss, patchy fur or hot spots
• Red, inflamed skin, especially on the belly, paws or armpits
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Irritated ears
• Anal gland problems – the booty scootin’ boogie is often a sign of seasonal allergies

These symptoms can cause dogs a lot of discomfort and can lead to bigger issues, like secondary bacterial or fungal infections. So, what causes seasonal allergies in dogs in the furrst place? Let’s get to the root of the issue, then we can dig into solutions!

What Causes Seasonal Allergies in Dogs in Arkansas?

The Natural State is true to its name! With all of our scenic views, tree-lined trails, sprawling fields, mountains, valleys, lakes and more, comes… allergens! Common environmental allergens in Arkansas are pollen from oak, pine and Bermuda grass; ragweed; and mold – especially after rainy spring days.

Dogs – and humans – who are hypersensitive to the allergens above will experience allergy symptoms during spring, when the allergens are in full bloom. What’s the science behind it? Dogs’ immune systems are triggered by the high levels of allergens, causing their immune systems to overreact and become inflamed. This inflammation leads to symptoms like itching and scratching. Ouch!

Favorite Central Arkansas spots like Pinnacle Mountain and the Big Dam Bridge, as well as NWA favorites Gulley Park and the Mt. Sequoyah Woods could be to blame for your dog’s seasonal allergies. Heck, even your backyard could be the culprit! But never fear… there are solutions for seasonal allergies in dogs that don’t involve staying indoors all spring long! We’ll get to those shortly.

Impawtant Note: Dog seasonal allergies are exactly that: seasonal! If your pooch suffers from allergy symptoms all year long, you have a different issue on your paws. They might be allergic to dust mites in the home or could be suffering from year-round atopic dermatitis. If your dog’s allergy symptoms extend beyond spring, talk to your vet. And, if you need a vet, give Healthy Life Pet Clinic a call!

Seasonal vs. Food Allergies: How to Tell the Difference

Food allergies are another reason your pooch may experience allergy symptoms year-round. Food allergies are caused by an immune reaction to specific ingredients in a dog’s diet, such as beef, chicken, dairy, wheat or soy. You can often tell the difference between seasonal allergies in dogs and food allergies by looking at the symptoms: Seasonal allergies mostly impact a dog’s skin, eyes and paws, whereas food allergies lead to digestive issues and chronic ear infections. 

If you suspect your pooch has a food allergy, we recommend working with a veterinarian to pinpoint the exact triggers so you can remove them from Fido’s diet. Just like humans, there’s allergy testing for dogs!

How to Treat Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

When it comes to treating seasonal allergies in dogs, you need professional guidance to determine a regimen that will be effective and safe for Fido. Furrst, work with your vet to confirm your pooch’s diagnosis. Then, follow their treatment plan! It could be as simple as giving your pooch an allergy pill every morning during spring.

According to Dr. Lang, “There are many products both over the counter and prescription based that help pets with seasonal allergies.” Below are common medicinal solutions:

• Anti-itch medication (Apoquel, Cytopoint)
• Medicated baths
• Supplements for skin health (like omega-3s)
• Over-the-counter antihistamines
• In more difficult cases, allergy shots (immunotherapy)

Medication isn’t the only option for treating seasonal allergies in dogs. You should also talk to your vet about good, old-fashioned grooming and bathing!

Grooming & Bathing – An Overlooked Allergy Solution

While some people might think grooming is purely aesthetic, it’s also a form of preventative health care! Regular grooming – even if that’s just baths at home – washes off allergens trapped in the fur and skin. Daily brushing removes pollen, dirt and dander from the coat, and haircuts help prevent allergens from sticking to a dog’s paws or belly. Overall, grooming reduces exposure to allergens and keeps a pooch’s skin healthy, which helps alleviate their allergy symptoms!

At Hounds Lounge, we can help out with all of your grooming needs. Our award-winning professional groomers offer baths, full-body haircuts, nail trims, ear cleanings, gland expressions, the FURminator and more. We also offer DIY dog washes if you want to scrub Fido yourself. All of these services get rid of allergens that may be clinging to your dog’s body, whether you can see them or not.

If your pooch’s seasonal allergies are particularly ruff, they likely need to be treated with grooming and some form of allergy medication. Extra itchy woofs deserve one of our personalized, luxury treatments, like a Healing Paws Pawdicure, a blueberry facial, or a mud bath for dry skin.

Hounds Lounge: Your Partner in Play and Health

At Hounds Lounge, we’re all about partnering with pet parents to help dogs feel their best, both mentally and physically. Seasonal allergies in dogs are no joke, and we want to help affected pooches ditch the itch so they can enjoy springtime in Arkansas!

If your pooch shows any of the seasonal allergy symptoms we discussed above, talk with your vet about implementing solutions, and go ahead and schedule a grooming appointment at Hounds Lounge! With pollen everywhere in sight, our spots will fill up fast, so don’t wait!

Have more questions about seasonal allergies in dogs? Reach out to Dr. Lang and her staff at Healthy Life Pet Clinic.