What Causes Dog and Cat Seasonal Allergies?
As we head into summer, we head into allergy season for many of our canine and feline BFFs! Seasonal allergies occur when your dog or cat’s immune system reacts excessively to the presence of harmless particles in their environment. Whilst this can result in respiratory issues or red, itchy eyes, skin problems are by far the most common thing you’ll see.
Frequent causes of spring and summer allergy symptoms in dogs and cats include tree, grass or flower pollen or fungal spores. Genetics are very important in determining which individuals will end up with allergies. For example, we know that around 50% of dogs born to parents with environmental allergies will also develop the condition [1].
Of course, you can’t change your pet’s genetics (anymore than I can change my genetic curse of starting to turn grey from my late twenties). And realistically you’re unlikely to prevent them from running into their triggers throughout summer. You can’t keep them in a sanitised, air-filtered bubble until winter, after all! So instead, allergy management focuses around improving skin barrier health and providing relief from symptoms through targeted products or, where necessary, veterinary intervention.
If your dog or cat are experiencing symptoms that could indicate allergies, it’s important to start with a The Net Vet consultation so that we can first consider and potentially rule out other possibilities. Not every itchy pet is an allergic pet! And some of these guys may need to be directed into your local veterinary practice for further investigations. But, to help you out once you’ve had that consultation and have a working diagnosis of allergies, let’s take a look at how over the counter products and home care can be helpful with management of symptoms.
Cat and Dog Seasonal Allergy Symptoms (and How to Help)
Problem: Compromised Skin Barrier
Dogs and cats who suffer with seasonal allergies have a skin barrier that is “leakier” than pets who aren’t affected. This means allergens are more easily able to penetrate below the skin surface where immune system cells live. These cells don’t like meeting foreign particles and can react aggressively! This is when you can see itch and redness.
Dr Daisy Recommends: YuMOVE Skin & Coat Care – Itching
Lots of great quality scientific research supports the idea that omega-3, omega-6 and vitamin E can be extremely helpful when it comes to improving skin barrier health, producing visible results in patients with seasonal allergies. Vitamin E actually has some direct anti-itch properties of its own, too – yay!
Problem: Foot Licking and Nibbling
Here’s one for the dog owners – I know you guys can relate! Allergens like pollen, grass, or mould are coming into contact with the skin pretty much all the time; especially on those puppydawg feet during walks or time spent enjoying outdoor activities. This triggers inflammation and itching, particularly between the toes and around the pads. Dogs will instinctively lick, chew, or nibble at the niggling itch. This behaviour can lead to further skin damage or infection if not addressed.
Dr Daisy Recommends: Douxo S3 Calm Pads
The Douxo S3 calm range contains scientifically backed levels of ophytrium, a purified natural extract of Ophiopogon japonicus or “Mondo grass”. This neat little compound acts across a variety of means to improve the skin barrier, help skin maintain more moisture, and to limit how well bacteria are able to “stick” to the skin. It also reduces inflammation, which in turn tends to reduce itch [2,3]
Use these pads to wipe your dog’s paws, focusing in-between their adorable little toes (and not forgetting in-between the pads on the bottom of their feet). Best used after walkies to reduce that nibbling.
Problem: Pustules
Pustules are a relatively common knock-on consequence of skin allergies (in dogs especially), and reflect the fact that bacteria have become involved. This is usually a consequence of scratching or licking of a skin barrier that was compromised to begin with, as we discussed earlier.
Because an overgrowth of bacteria is the root cause of pustules, we need to target the issue with a pet-safe product that provides an appropriately powerful antibacterial action.
Dr Daisy Recommends: Douxo S3 Pyo Shampoo
Douxo S3 Pyo Shampoo is formulated to treat that superficial bacterial overgrowth on the skin that can plague our allergic dogs and cats. It contains chlorhexidine (3%), an antiseptic that effectively kills bacteria on the skin surface, and ophytrium, which as we already mentioned helps restore the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
How often to use this shampoo, and how to long to leave it on for, varies from case-to-case so I recommend contacting one of us lovely lot at The Net Vet before starting use, and we’ll talk you through how best to use this product for your pet.
Problem: Itching and Scratching
Itching is the most upsetting symptom of seasonal allergies for pets and their owners; left unchecked, it can keep you and your four-legged friend awake at night, and increase the chances of your pet developing hot spots or skin trauma due to excessive scratching.
Whilst severe cases of itching absolutely warrant a vet visit, milder cases can be managed at home with appropriate products and care. Get in touch with us at The NetVet and we’ll help you make that call right.
Dr Daisy Recommends: Douxo S3 Calm Foam Mousse
In scientific studies, both owners and vets noticed marked improvement in itching in pets following the (extremely easy) application of this leave-on foam, which contains both chlorhexidine and ophytrium. Personally, I prefer not to use leave-on foams containing chlorhexidine for cats as this can be irritating to the oral mucosa (the inside of their mouths) when they groom themselves afterwards. If your cat will tolerate bathtime, consider the Douxo S3 Calm Shampoo instead.
Problem: Head Shaking
If your dog is shaking their head more, flapping those ears about or giving their head a good ole’ scratching on the regular, then I recommend starting out by contacting a The Net Vet vet on the app so that we can assess the best course of action. In some cases depending on symptoms, we might be suspicious of an ear infection rather than an allergy flare up, in which case, specific antibiotic or antifungal treatment may be necessary. That said: for general care of slightly itchy but otherwise healthy ears in summer, I recommend Otodine. And here’s why:
Dr Daisy Recommends: Otodine
Keeping your dog’s ear canals nice and clean can stave off infections, as bacteria and yeast LOVE moist, warm environments. What’s more, dogs with allergies can actually be hypersensitive even to normal, low levels of yeast, so mechanically flushing these yeast away can make a big difference to their comfort levels. Otodine will also flush out any pollen or other allergen particles that have landed in your dog’s ears, further reducing any itch.
Seasonal allergies can turn summer into a frustrating time for both pets and their owners – but with the right support, they don’t have to. By recognising the early signs of allergy-related skin issues and using targeted, evidence-backed products at home, you can make a big difference to your pet’s comfort and skin health.
Whether it’s soothing itchy paws, managing bacterial overgrowth, or maintaining a healthy skin barrier, there are effective, accessible tools to help. And remember – if you’re ever unsure or symptoms persist, speak to one of us at The Net Vet and we’ll help tailor a plan that works best for your pet.