Seasonal Allergies in Pets: Helping Your Pet Through the Itchy Seasons

As spring and fall settle into Wichita, Kansas, many pet parents at Village Animal Hospital start noticing familiar signs—scratching, head shaking, licking at paws, or mysterious red patches. If your dog or cat seems extra uncomfortable this time of year, seasonal allergies may be to blame.

We understand how frustrating and heartbreaking it can be to see your pet struggle with symptoms that seem to appear out of nowhere. The good news? With the right support and treatment, your pet can find relief—and we’re here to help guide you every step of the way.

Understanding Seasonal Allergies in Pets

Seasonal allergies, also known as atopic dermatitis, are caused by an exaggerated immune response to environmental allergens. While humans often experience sneezing and itchy eyes, pets usually show symptoms through their skin, ears, and behavior.

Common Culprits in Kansas

  • Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
  • Mold spores (especially in damp, shaded areas)
  • Dust mites that flourish indoors

Some pets are more sensitive than others. Genetics, underlying health, and skin barrier integrity all influence how allergies develop.

Why Allergies Deserve Attention

Mild itching may seem harmless at first—but if left untreated, allergies can lead to:

  • Hot spots and chronic skin infections
  • Painful ear infections
  • Behavioral issues (restlessness, irritability, sleep disruption)
  • Ongoing inflammation that affects your pet’s overall well-being

Addressing allergies early prevents these secondary issues and helps your pet feel better faster.

How to Spot the Signs

Skin & Coat Clues

  • Persistent scratching, licking, or chewing
  • Red, inflamed skin or rashes
  • Hair loss or thinning coat
  • Hot spots or scabbing
  • Odor due to yeast or bacterial overgrowth

Ear Infections

  • Head shaking or scratching
  • Red, smelly ears with waxy discharge
  • Sensitivity when touched

Less Common Respiratory Signs

Some pets, especially cats, may sneeze, cough, or show mild nasal discharge during high pollen seasons.

What Happens Without Treatment

Allergies don’t go away on their own—and they usually get worse over time. What starts as seasonal itching can turn into:

  • Year-round discomfort
  • Thickened, leathery skin
  • Chronic infections that require more and stronger medications
  • Reduced quality of life for both pets and their humans
  • Huge financial expense for testing and treatment of the secondary infections

That’s why we recommend addressing symptoms proactively, not reactively.

Diagnosing Seasonal Allergies

At Village Animal Hospital, our diagnostic process is designed to get to the root of the issue:

  • Physical exam of the skin, coat, and ears
  • Cytology (microscopic evaluation of skin or ear samples)
  • Skin scrapings to rule out parasites
  • Allergy testing (intradermal or blood-based) to identify triggers
  • Food trials, if food sensitivities are suspected

Every step helps us create a customized treatment plan that fits your pet’s needs and your lifestyle.

Treatment Options: Building Relief in Layers

No single treatment works for every pet. Instead, we focus on a layered approach:

1. Avoid the Allergens (When Possible)

  • Limit outdoor play during peak pollen hours (morning/early evening)
  • Wipe down paws and belly after walks
  • Keep windows closed during high pollen days
  • Use HEPA air filters and regular cleaning indoors

2. Topical Therapies

  • Medicated shampoos to soothe and remove allergens
  • Leave-in sprays or mousses with antimicrobial or anti-itch ingredients
  • Ear cleaners to prevent infections

Learn more about topical allergy treatments

3. Systemic Medications

  • Antihistamines (work for some, not all)
  • Corticosteroids (short-term use to stop flare-ups)
  • Apoquel or Cytopoint to target allergic itch with fewer side effects
  • Atopica for longer-term immune modulation

4. Immunotherapy

  • Custom allergy shots or oral drops to desensitize the immune system over time
  • Ideal for long-term control in moderate to severe cases

5. Treat Secondary Infections

Bacteria and yeast thrive on inflamed skin. Antibiotics, antifungals, and ear treatments may be part of the plan.

6. Nutrition & Skin Health Support

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil) to reduce inflammation
  • Hypoallergenic diets for pets with food-related sensitivities
  • Supplements like biotin or vitamin E for skin repair

Explore how nutrition supports itchy pets

What You Can Do at Home

Daily Tips That Make a Big Difference:

  • Wipe your pet’s paws after being outside
  • Vacuum and wash bedding regularly to reduce indoor allergens
  • Avoid heavily perfumed products around your pet
  • Use hypoallergenic wipes for gentle in-between care
  • Monitor your pet’s skin daily—catch flare-ups early

Regular home care helps reduce the intensity and frequency of allergy flares.

Preparing for Your Vet Visit

The more info you can share, the better we can help. Bring:

  • A list of symptoms with dates/seasons noted
  • All current medications and supplements
  • Photos of rashes or ear discharge
  • Any recent food or treat changes
  • Questions about your pet’s quality of life

Together, we’ll build a plan that works for both of you.

FAQs

Can my pet “grow out” of allergies?
 Not usually. Allergies often worsen with age, though symptoms may change over time.

Are seasonal allergies contagious?
 No—your pet’s immune system is reacting to the environment, not spreading illness.

Can indoor pets still have seasonal allergies?
 Yes. Allergens can enter through windows, on clothing, or be tracked inside on paws.

Are natural remedies helpful?
 Omega-3s and oatmeal baths can help, but always check with your vet before trying supplements or herbal products.

We’re Here for the Long Haul

At Village Animal Hospital, we’re committed to helping your pet stay happy, healthy, and comfortable—even during allergy season. Whether you’ve seen mild symptoms or your pet is deep in a flare-up, don’t wait. The earlier we can step in, the more options we have.

Schedule an appointment or https://pets-doctor.com/team/ to talk through your concerns. We’re here to make itchy seasons more manageable—for both of you.