Just like people, pets can suffer from seasonal allergies—and their symptoms are often more than just a minor itch. For dogs and cats, environmental allergens like pollen, dust, mold, or grasses can cause intense itching, skin infections, hot spots, and ongoing discomfort.

At Homestead Animal Hospital, we take allergic conditions seriously. With early intervention and a customized care plan, we can help your pet feel more comfortable and reduce the chance of flare-ups throughout the year.

How Seasonal Allergies Affect Pets

Seasonal allergies, also called atopic dermatitis, are immune responses triggered by allergens your pet encounters in their environment. These reactions most often occur in the spring, summer, and fall, but some pets may experience symptoms year-round.

Common environmental triggers include:

  • Tree, grass, or weed pollen
  • Mold spores
  • Dust and dust mites
  • Fleas and flea dirt
  • Indoor allergens like dander or fabric fibers

While some pets have true food allergies, most itchy pets are reacting to environmental allergens.

The AKC offers a helpful overview of dog allergy symptoms and treatments.

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies in Pets

Symptoms can vary by pet, but common signs include:

  • Excessive scratching or licking, especially of paws or belly
  • Red, irritated skin or hot spots
  • Recurrent ear infections or head shaking
  • Hair loss or thinning coat
  • Chewing or licking at the feet
  • Hives or raised welts
  • Skin odor or secondary infections
  • Scooting or rubbing against furniture or the floor
  • Behavioral changes due to discomfort (agitation, anxiety, or decreased playfulness)

In some cases, these symptoms can also resemble other skin conditions. A proper diagnosis is essential to effective treatment.
 Read more about allergic dermatitis and pruritus from the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Diagnosing Seasonal Allergies

At Homestead Animal Hospital, we use a step-by-step approach to rule out other causes and determine the most effective treatment plan.

Diagnostic Steps:

  • Comprehensive physical exam and skin evaluation
  • Discussion of your pet’s daily environment, habits, and lifestyle
  • Ruling out fleas and food allergies through flea control trials and elimination diets
  • Skin scrapings, cytology, or cultures to check for bacterial or fungal infections
  • Allergy testing (intradermal or serum) may be recommended in chronic or complex cases

Some pets may have both environmental and food allergies, so a multi-pronged diagnostic process is key.

Treatment Options for Seasonal Allergies

Managing allergies is not one-size-fits-all. The best results often come from combining multiple therapies tailored to your pet’s unique needs.

1. Topical Therapies

Medicated shampoos, sprays, and mousses can:

  • Remove surface allergens
  • Soothe inflamed skin
  • Prevent or treat infections

We often recommend frequent bathing during peak allergy seasons, especially for pets who spend time outdoors.
 Read more about the role of topical therapy in allergic dermatitis from DVM360.

2. Laser Therapy

Laser therapy uses low-level laser light to reduce inflammation and promote healing in damaged or irritated tissues. It’s effective for:

  • Hot spots
  • Ear infections
  • Chronic itch zones

It’s non-invasive, safe, and often part of a long-term care plan.
 Learn more from AAHA: Laser Therapy for Pets
 Explore how laser therapy works

3. Veterinary-Recommended Grooming

Regular grooming keeps your pet’s coat clean and allergen-free. We recommend:

  • Brushing to remove pollen and debris
  • Regular baths with hypoallergenic or medicated shampoo
  • Routine ear cleaning, especially in floppy-eared breeds

Why grooming is essential for pets — ASPCA
 How to clean your dog’s ears — Cornell University

4. Nutritional Support

A strong skin barrier starts with good nutrition. Your vet may recommend:

  • Prescription skin diets
  • Omega-3 fatty acid supplements
  • Probiotics to support immune health

See how nutrition helps itchy pets from OVC Pet Nutrition

5. Parasite Prevention

Fleas can exacerbate seasonal allergies. Even a single bite may trigger a reaction in sensitive pets. Year-round parasite prevention is critical.
 Why year-round parasite prevention matters — AAHA

6. Medications for Itch and Inflammation

Based on the severity of symptoms, we may prescribe:

  • Antihistamines: helpful in mild cases
  • Steroids: for short-term flare-ups
  • Apoquel or Cytopoint: long-term, targeted itch relief
  • Antibiotics or antifungals: to treat secondary infections

Your vet will customize medications based on your pet’s age, health, and lifestyle.

When to Call the Vet

You should contact us if your pet is experiencing:

  • Constant scratching or licking
  • Persistent skin redness or swelling
  • Recurring ear infections
  • Foul skin odor
  • Noticeable hair loss or skin scabs
  • Behavior changes linked to discomfort

Contact our team for an evaluation.

Compassionate Allergy Care in Mechanicville, NY

At Homestead Animal Hospital, we understand how disruptive seasonal allergies can be for your pet—and for your household. That’s why we take a thorough, customized approach to diagnosis and treatment. From topical therapy to nutritional support and advanced laser care, we offer comprehensive solutions that work.

Meet our veterinary team and let us help your pet find relief from allergy symptoms all year long.

Your pet doesn’t have to suffer through allergy season. Let’s work together to provide lasting comfort and care.