Seasonal Allergies in Dogs & Cats

You know how irritating seasonal allergies can be, but did you know your pets can be just as bothered? While your allergies may cause sneezing, coughing and watery eyes, dogs and cats typically experience itchiness instead.

Causes of seasonal allergies in dogs and cats

The culprits behind seasonal itch may include any environmental allergens that your pet is exposed to on walks or outdoor playtime. These allergens can also simply waft in through open windows in the spring, summer and fall months. Seasonal allergens may include:

Trees (e.g., spruce, cedar, ash, oak)
Grasses
Flowering plants (e.g., aster, daisy, chamomile)
Weeds (e.g., ragweed)

If your pet experiences allergy symptoms year-round, food allergies are certainly a possibility, but they may still have environmental allergies. Year-round environmental allergens include:

Mold and mildew
Dust mites

Symptoms of seasonal allergies in dogs

Symptoms of seasonal allergies in dogs often include scratching, face rubbing and licking or chewing paws. Symptoms in cats and dogs are most common in the spring, summer and fall.

Your veterinarian can use skin testing to identify the specific cause of your pet’s allergy; however, unlike food allergies, environmental allergies are tough to avoid, so your best option is to control the symptoms instead.

Can cats have seasonal allergies?

Absolutely! Cat seasonal allergies may show up as hair loss, scabs or excessive grooming. It’s not just a dog problem—cats can be just as uncomfortable with seasonal allergies. Just like with dogs, your veterinarian can use skin testing to help identify the cause of your cat’s allergy. But because environmental allergens are hard to avoid, managing the symptoms is often the most effective approach.

Treatment for seasonal allergies in dogs and cats

Seasonal allergies in cats and dogs can be frustrating for pet owners to manage, but luckily, there are several ways to provide treatment.

Anti-itch medications, such as Apoquel^® Chewable (dogs only)

Your veterinarian can recommend one of several medications that relieve the itch, helping your dog stay comfortable through allergy season. Oclacitinib (Apoquel^®) is an oral medication that’s among a new generation of highly effective anti-itch medications for dogs, blocking the itch right at its source, quickly and safely.

Lokivetmab (Cytopoint^®) is another anti-itch medication (dogs only)

Cytopoint^® is injectable, which takes effect within one to three days and lasts for one to two months.

Immunosuppressing medications, such as Atopica™ (dogs and cats)

Atopica™ is an oral medication that can take around a month for effects to be seen and is intended for long-term allergy control.

Veterinarian-approved shampoos

Frequent bathing with a hypoallergenic shampoo can be soothing to itchy, inflamed skin. Some shampoos are available over the counter, while others may require a prescription. Bathing also removes allergens from the skin and coat. Your VCA care team is happy to recommend a specific shampoo for your pet. Surprisingly, treatment for seasonal allergies in cats may also include bathing too!

Topical ointments and mousses

Topical ointments aim to directly soothe the skin and reduce itchiness. Ingredients will vary but may include things like oatmeal, topical anesthetics and topical steroids. Your veterinarian can help you determine if a topical treatment is a good option for your pet’s seasonal allergies.

Allergy shots

In some cases, it may be possible to desensitize your pet to the offending allergens through a series of "allergy shots" or allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT). To receive allergy shots, your pet would need to undergo testing with a dermatologist to determine what your pet is allergic to. Improvement can take six months to one year, so pets taking allergy shots often receive other treatments in the meantime.

Omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil

Omega-3 fatty acids are often used in combination with other treatments for dogs and cats with itchy skin due to seasonal allergies. These fatty acids are important components of cells and are thought to improve the skin barrier. Options include capsules and liquids. Get a specific dosing recommendation from your veterinarian.

Steroids

Steroids like prednisone or prednisolone might be prescribed short-term for severe allergy cases. Steroid use increases hunger, thirst and urination. Long-term steroid use may weaken the immune system, cause Cushing’s disease and contribute to diabetes. Because of the dangerous long-term effects of steroids, systemic steroids should only be used for short-term control of symptoms.

Antihistamines are often used, but they’re not as effective for dog and cat seasonal allergies compared to other treatments. You will also want to make sure that your dog is on regular parasite prevention that controls fleas and ticks to ensure these parasites don’t contribute to the itch. If your pet is showing signs of itching and discomfort, speak with your veterinary health care team. They can assess if the itch is from environmental allergies or another problem such as flea allergies, food allergies, skin infections or mites.

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