Helping Dogs Cope with Seasonal Allergies (Without Reaching for Steroids)
Every summer, the same story unfolds. The grass grows, flowers bloom — and your dog won’t stop scratching.
If your dog seems more irritated, itchy, or uncomfortable as the seasons change, you’re not alone. In fact, seasonal allergies are one of the most common reasons UK dogs visit the vet between May and September.
And it’s not just about itching. Red eyes, sneezing, inflamed paws, ear infections, and digestive changes are all part of the picture. But before you resort to prescription meds or repeated steroid courses, it’s worth understanding what’s actually happening inside your dog — and what natural strategies can help.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies in Dogs?
Most seasonal symptoms in dogs are triggered by an overactive immune system. When your dog breathes in or absorbs environmental allergens like:
- Grass and tree pollen
- Mould spores
- Insect saliva (e.g. fleas or midges)
- Dust and airborne irritants
…their immune system can go into overdrive, treating harmless things as threats. This creates inflammation in the skin, ears, gut or respiratory tract — the visible signs we associate with “allergies”.
Think of it like this: the immune system is a fire alarm. Allergies are what happens when it goes off every time a fly lands on the window.
How to Spot the Signs Early
Seasonal allergy symptoms can appear suddenly — but they usually build up quietly. Here’s what to watch for:
- Frequent paw licking or chewing
- Red, itchy ears or chronic ear infections
- Watery eyes or sneezing fits after walks
- Itchy armpits, groin or belly (sometimes with red skin)
- Excessive scratching with no fleas
- Upset stomach or loose stools in summer months
These symptoms tend to worsen on high pollen days or after walks through long grass. If your dog shows a pattern, it’s likely seasonal.
Do Dogs Get Hayfever?
Technically, yes — although in dogs, seasonal allergies often show up more as skin and gut issues than as sneezing or runny noses.
Some dogs do react to airborne allergens like tree pollen, grass and even certain flowers. If your dog seems “off” in summer and fine in winter, it’s worth investigating.
Can Supplements Help with Seasonal Allergies?
Yes — when used consistently and in the right context. The goal of supplementation is not to suppress the immune system (like steroids) but to support balance and reduce overreaction.
Look for supplements that include:
- Colostrum – helps modulate immune response without switching it off
- Quercetin – a natural antihistamine found in apples and plants
- Turmeric – reduces inflammation in skin and joints
- Probiotics – support the gut-skin axis and reduce systemic irritation
Important: These are not instant fixes. Results typically take 2–4 weeks, but when used daily, they can prevent symptoms from becoming unmanageable.
Other Natural Ways to Help Your Dog This Summer
Supplements work best alongside daily habits that reduce allergen exposure and inflammation triggers. Try these:
- Wipe paws and bellies with a damp cloth after walks — this removes pollen and grass residue
- Use a dog-safe moisturising spray or balm to soothe inflamed skin and reinforce the skin barrier
- Give regular baths with hypoallergenic shampoo — no more than once per week
- Hoover more often during peak pollen season
- Switch to a cooling mat or elevated bed to avoid contact with warm, reactive grass
When to See a Vet
If your dog’s skin is broken, infected, or they’re scratching to the point of distress, speak to your vet. They may need antibiotics or antifungals to settle things down before you begin a maintenance routine.
But if the symptoms are mild or seasonal, a natural supplement strategy may help you avoid repeat prescriptions and keep your dog happier in the long run.
→ View supplements designed to support seasonal skin and immune health
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