Spring Allergies in Pets: What's Triggering Them and How to Help
Spring allergies affect millions of pets each year, leaving owners frustrated and searching for answers. How do you stop the itching? What will finally give your pet relief? We’re here to answer those questions, explain why allergies happen, and offer realistic solutions to help your furry family member get through the season comfortably.
How do I know my pet has spring allergies?
Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance like pollen as a threat. In response, it fights off the perceived intruder, triggering symptoms such as a runny nose, skin rashes, increased itching, paw licking or chewing, ear infections, watery or red eyes, and frequent sneezing. Most pets will show noticeable signs that something is off, but reactions can range from mild to severe.
Some pets may experience subtler, more internal symptoms that are harder to spot. If you have a sensitive pet, small changes like a decreased appetite or restless pacing could signal an allergy flare-up rather than another health issue. When in doubt, a visit to the veterinarian can help rule out other causes and confirm whether allergies are to blame.
What causes spring allergies in pets?
The most common culprits are pollen, trees, grass, and insects. Fleas and ticks also become more active in spring and can trigger allergic reactions of their own. In some pets, particularly those who have experienced repeated or severe flea infestations, even the dander left behind by fleas can cause ongoing skin reactions. Possible triggers for allergies are not limited to these examples but can be the cause for many.
With so many possible triggers and no simple way to identify the exact source, what can you do? The answer lies in strengthening your pet’s natural defenses.
What can you do?
Two key systems protect your pet from outside irritants: the immune system and the gut. Supporting both can help reduce the severity of allergic reactions.
Colostrum is a natural source of antibodies that supports your pet’s immune system, particularly at the gut. It also acts as a prebiotic, supporting gut health so your pet’s body can respond more appropriately to outside irritants. Quercetin is a natural compound that helps calm the histamine response responsible for itchy, red skin. Licorice root has long been valued for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties and can help the body manage the stress of allergy season.
These three ingredients, along with other beneficial vitamins and minerals, are found in our Allergy, Itch & Immune Chews for Dogs. Alongside a quality supplement, regular bathing to remove allergens from your pet’s coat, routine exercise, and a balanced diet can all significantly improve your pet’s resilience throughout allergy season.
Sources:
Lindsey Veterinary Care. (March 2025). Seasonal allergies in dogs and cats: Causes, symptoms, and relief. https://lindseyvetcare.com/news/seasonal-allergies-in-dogs-and-cats-causes-symptoms-and-relief
American Kennel Club. Allergies in dogs: Signs, symptoms, treatments. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-allergies-symptoms-treatment/
Satyaraj E, Reynolds A, Pelker R, Labuda J, Zhang P, Sun P. (2013). Supplementation of diets with bovine colostrum influences immune function in dogs. British Journal of Nutrition, 110(12), 2216–2221. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23773360/
Chua KY, Snyder GD, Tashkin DP, Roth MD. (1991). Effect of inhibitors on histamine release from mast cells recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage in basenji-greyhound and mongrel dogs. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1707583/
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Licorice root: Usefulness and safety. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root
