Help Your Pet Breeze Through Allergy Season – Here’s How

In Willow Grove, each season brings its own charm – and for some pets, its own set of allergy symptoms. Spring blossoms, summer grasses, and autumn leaves may be beautiful, but for pets with environmental sensitivities, they can be the start of nonstop itching, ear infections, and skin irritation.

At East Wind Animal Hospital, we understand how frustrating allergy season can be for both pets and their people. A dog constantly chewing their paws or scratching their ears isn’t just uncomfortable – they may also be struggling with infections, disrupted sleep, and even anxiety. This guide walks you through the causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention strategies for seasonal allergies, so you feel confident knowing how to help your pet feel better, faster.

What Are Seasonal Allergies in Pets?

Seasonal allergies, or atopic dermatitis, occur when a pet’s immune system overreacts to allergens in the environment. These may include:

  • Pollen (grass, trees, or weeds)
  • Mold spores
  • Dust mites
  • Flea saliva
  • Certain grasses or plants

Unlike food allergies or contact dermatitis, symptoms often come and go with the seasons. Some breeds – like Labs, Goldens, Bulldogs, Boxers, and Terriers – are especially prone.

How Can You Tell If It’s Allergies – Or Something Else?

Allergies often look like other skin or ear conditions, which is why a veterinary exam is essential. Common signs include:

  • Excessive scratching or licking (especially paws and belly)
  • Red, scaly skin or hives
  • Head shaking, ear odor, or recurring infections
  • Runny eyes, sneezing, or general irritability

Left untreated, these symptoms can quickly lead to infections, pain, and behavioral changes.

Why It Matters: The Risks of Leaving Allergies Untreated

Even mild itching can spiral quickly. A single walk through pollen-heavy grass can turn into a weekend of nonstop licking and chewing – and a painful hot spot by the time you get back from brunch.

Other complications include:

  • Hot spots or “moist dermatitis”: Moist, infected wounds that develop fast, especially in warm weather. Facial folds in flat-faced breeds are especially prone to developing infections.
  • Chronic ear infections: These can lead to hearing loss, and in severe cases, require surgical removal of the ear canal
  • Ear hematomas: Caused by constant head shaking, these internal bleeds in the ear flap are painful and often require surgical draining. More on hematomas
  • Corneal ulcers: Pets rubbing their itchy eyes can damage the eye’s surface – cones are key during flare-ups. Read more on treatment of ulcers.
  • Interdigital furunculosis: Painful inflammation between the toes from excessive licking

And finally, chronic discomfort affects behavior. Restlessness, withdrawal, or sensitivity to touch are common – especially concerning around children who may not recognize a painful spot.

Allergies Affect the Whole Household

When your dog is up all night licking their paws, or scratching loudly on the hardwood floor, nobody gets a good night’s sleep. The smell of yeasty feet or infected ears doesn’t help either.

And flare-ups are time-consuming. From cones and booties to medicated baths and paw wipes, allergy management can feel like a full-time job. But once a solid routine is in place, pets are more comfortable – and everyone at home breathes easier.

How East Wind Diagnoses Allergies

We know that no two allergy cases are exactly alike. That’s why our approach at East Wind Animal Hospital always starts with a thorough consultation. We begin by reviewing your pet’s full medical history, including any previous allergy flare-ups, infections, or dietary changes. We’ll also ask questions about seasonality, home environment, exposure to outdoor allergens, and flea control.

From there, we tailor a diagnostic plan that may include:

  • Skin scrapings or cytology to identify bacterial or yeast infections
  • Tape preps or swabs to look for mites or environmental debris
  • Allergy testing – either intradermal (skin testing) or serum-based blood testing – to identify specific allergens
  • Fungal cultures if ringworm or chronic yeast is suspected, and bacterial cultures for more severe or chronic infections.
  • Elimination diets to rule out food sensitivities (especially when symptoms persist year-round)

In many cases, pinpointing the exact allergen isn’t possible on the first visit. Allergy management is often a layered process – which means we’ll work with you over time to build a clearer picture of what your pet is reacting to. The more detailed your notes and observations, the better. Track things like flare-up timing, seasonal changes, new foods or treats, and even cleaning products in the home. These small insights can help guide a big-picture plan.

Allergy Treatments That Work

There’s no “one pill” for allergies – but with a tailored, multi-modal approach, most pets feel significantly better.

1. Environmental Management

Your pet doesn’t have to be outdoors for long to pick up pollen or dust mites. Wiping paws after walks, keeping pets indoors on high-pollen days, and using HEPA filters can make a big difference. Washing bedding weekly and vacuuming more often can also help reduce indoor allergens.

In some cases, full-body suits or booties are a helpful way to reduce exposure – especially for pets who break out after every trip to the park or backyard.

2. Topical Therapy

Topical therapy is often overlooked, but it can be a game-changer. Medicated shampoos, sprays, mousses, and wipes remove allergens from the skin’s surface and help reduce inflammation without systemic side effects.

Shampoos need time to work – ideally 10 minutes of contact. Be sure to work lather deep into the fur, especially around paws, armpits, and groin folds. Daily wipes between toes can help reduce licking, and rinsing your pet’s belly or feet after a walk can prevent allergens from setting in.

Cat parents: Yes, topical care applies to cats, too! Just be ready with towels, closed doors, and plenty of treats. Churu is a great option for low-mess treat dispensing.

3. Medications and Treatments

  • Antihistamines may help with mild symptoms, but they don’t work for every pet.
  • Corticosteroids are effective but should be used cautiously due to long-term side effects.
  • Apoquel offers fast relief for dogs and is often used daily during allergy season.
  • Cytopoint is a monthly injection that blocks the itch signal at the nerve level – especially useful for dogs with chronic flare-ups.
  • Cyclosporine (Atopica) is a daily oral medication that helps calm immune overreaction. It’s a great option for long-term cases that don’t respond to simpler treatments.
  • Immunotherapy (custom allergy shots or drops) is the only option that targets the root cause of allergies. It requires patience – results take several months – but can reduce reliance on other medications long-term.

Many pets benefit from a combination of therapies, which we’ll tailor based on severity, lifestyle, and your pet’s response.

4. Preventive Care

Last but not least- keep an e-collar on hand. A cone can be the best way to prevent an allergy flare up from turning into a skin infection by preventing your pet from licking and chewing. We know it’s miserable for everyone, but it can truly save your pet from causing much more serious medical issues.

When Allergies Become Urgent

Not all flare-ups can wait for a scheduled visit. An ear hematoma, red and itchy eyes, or rapidly spreading hot spot is painful – and it’s not something to sleep on. These may not be emergencies, but they do need to be seen the same day.

That’s why we offer Urgent Care at East Wind:

Urgent Care Hours:

  • Mon–Thurs: 10am – 8pm
  • Friday: 10am – 6pm
  • Saturday: 10am – 4pm
  • Sunday: Closed

We also offer in-house, non-critical hospitalization with 24-hour monitoring when needed..

Allergies Are Tough – But You Don’t Have to Navigate Them Alone

Managing allergies takes time, trial, and consistency. But it’s absolutely manageable – and the difference in your pet’s comfort (and your sleep) is worth it.

At East Wind Animal Hospital, we’ll guide you through each step with compassion, expertise, and a plan tailored to your pet’s needs.

Contact us to get started or request an appointment online. We’re here to help your pet feel like themselves again – no matter the season.