Is Your Dog Sneezing More? Signs of Spring Allergies & Tips for Relief

Spring is in the air—and if you have an outdoorsy pup, you may observe a less cheerful change. One minute, they’re bounding through the yard, and the next, they’re sneezing, licking their paws, scratching like crazy, or shedding worse than ever. If this sounds familiar, your furry friend might be dealing with seasonal allergies. Like humans, dogs can develop allergic reactions to environmental triggers, especially during springtime when pollen and other allergens are abundant.

But don’t worry—your dog doesn’t have to suffer through the season. With a little awareness and some proactive steps, such as using indoor grass potty pads for dogs, you can help soothe their symptoms and make the great outdoors fun again.

So, Dogs Have Allergies?

Yes! Much like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies, and spring can be tough on sensitive pups.

An allergy occurs when a dog’s immune system overreacts to usually harmless substances. These substances, known as allergens, can trigger a reaction when inhaled or ingested or when they come into contact with your dog's skin. The severity can range from mild discomfort to more serious, even life-threatening reactions.

Dog allergies are surprisingly common and can be triggered by anything from environmental factors like pollen, mold, and dust mites to specific foods, grooming products, and even fleas. Seasonal allergies in dogs are often linked to the time of year and may flare up during spring, when allergens are most abundant.

Common Allergens That Trigger Spring Allergies in Dogs

A dog’s immune system can become hypersensitive to common environmental allergens, leading to various symptoms. When allergen levels spike—like they often do in spring—your dog’s immune response can kick into overdrive.

Here are some common spring allergy triggers for dogs:

• Pollen from trees, grasses, weeds, and flowering plants

• Mold spores, often found in damp soil or decaying vegetation

• Dust mites and storage mites

• Flea bites and flea dirt

• Lawn fertilizers and pesticides

Even short bursts of time outside can lead to a flare-up in dogs with seasonal allergies.

Common Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs

Diagnosing allergies in dogs typically requires a visit to the vet. Your vet may review your dog’s medical history, perform a physical exam, and recommend allergy testing, such as blood work or intradermal skin tests. Accurate diagnosis is essential for creating a personalized treatment plan.

Watch for these common symptoms of seasonal allergies in dogs:

• Itchy skin—often around the paws, ears, belly, and groin

• Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing

• Red or inflamed skin

• Hair loss or bald patches

• Chronic ear infections

• Watery eyes or nasal discharge

• Respiratory issues—sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing

• Gastrointestinal issues—vomiting or diarrhea

If your dog starts showing any of these symptoms, especially in the spring months, allergies may be the culprit.

Allergic Dermatitis in Dogs

Allergic dermatitis is one of the most common reactions to allergens in dogs. It usually results in itchy, inflamed skin and can be caused by environmental triggers, food allergies, or flea bites. One specific form, flea allergy dermatitis, occurs when a dog has an allergic reaction to flea saliva. This condition is often easier to diagnose—if fleas are found on your dog and symptoms improve after using a flea preventative that kills fleas before they bite, it's a strong indication of a flea allergy.

Affected dogs may constantly scratch, lick, or chew at specific parts of their body, leading to secondary skin infections if left untreated. Managing allergic dermatitis often requires avoiding triggers and using topical or oral treatments prescribed by your vet.

Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition linked to environmental allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites. Dogs with this condition may experience ongoing discomfort and require long-term management. If your dog is frequently itchy with recurring ear infections or skin inflammation, atopic dermatitis could be the reason.

Severe Reactions and the Importance of Diagnosis

While most environmental allergies cause mild to moderate symptoms, some dogs can experience severe reactions. Anaphylactic shock is a rare but life-threatening allergic response that can cause difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, sudden weakness, or collapse. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial in such cases.

Early and accurate allergy testing can help identify the specific allergen, allowing you to tailor your dog’s treatment plan and avoid unnecessary suffering.

Managing Spring Allergies in Dogs

As pet parents, managing spring allergies in dogs is about reducing exposure to allergens and soothing symptoms through proper care. With a combination of environmental management, medications, and even specialty products, you can help your pup stay comfortable.

Avoiding Common Allergens

The first step to treat seasonal allergies is to avoid triggers whenever possible:

• Wash your dog’s bedding regularly in hot water

• Use HEPA filters in your home to trap airborne allergens

• Bathe your dog weekly with a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo

• Wipe down your dog’s coat and paws after outdoor walks

• Mow the lawn regularly to reduce pollen exposure

Home Remedies for Dogs' Seasonal Allergies

These simple practices can help relieve your dog’s symptoms and keep allergens out of the house:

• Vacuum often with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter

• Keep windows closed during high pollen days

• Use air purifiers in common areas

• Wash floors and surfaces with pet-safe cleaning products

• Clean your dog’s ears weekly to prevent buildup

Use Dog Grass Pee Pad to Limit Outdoor Time

If your dog suffers from seasonal allergies, limiting their outdoor exposure—especially on high pollen days—can really help. Grass pee pads for dogs, like Gotta Go Grass, provide a natural-feeling, convenient bathroom option indoors or on balconies. It’s especially helpful if you’re treating seasonal allergies by reducing contact with grass, pollen, and other outdoor allergens.

Additionally, consider adjusting your dog’s walk routine. Changing their walk times to early mornings or evenings, when pollen levels tend to be lower, can help reduce exposure to allergens. If your dog’s allergies are more severe, alternating walks with time indoors on grass pee pads ensures they have a consistent, allergy-free potty space during flare-ups.

Plus, the grass pee pad is an excellent potty-training tool for dogs that need a consistent indoor space when allergy symptoms flare up.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Schedule a visit with your vet if your dog shows signs of allergies, such as chronic scratching, red skin, or ear infections. Don’t wait until symptoms get worse. Veterinarians may recommend several treatment options, including:

• Antihistamines to reduce inflammation and itching

• Anti-inflammatory steroids for more severe reactions

• Hypoallergenic shampoos to wash allergens off the skin

• Immunotherapy or allergy shots to desensitize your dog over time

It’s important to remember that seasonal allergies in dogs don't resolve without treatment. Left untreated, they can worsen and significantly affect your dog’s quality of life.

Final Thoughts

Seasonal allergies can make springtime uncomfortable for your dog, but with the proper care, your pup can return to enjoying the sunshine. From recognizing dog allergy symptoms early to using helpful tools like grass pads for dogs, you can take proactive steps to relieve your dog's discomfort.

When in doubt, always consult your vet for guidance and allergy testing. A well-managed allergy plan means fewer flare-ups and more tail wags all season.