HELP! Summer Allergies
Friends of the Dog
Friends of the Dog
Ever feel like you walk outside and straight into a cloud of pollen, dust, any other allergy triggers? Welcome to summer allergy season! While we humans can pop an antihistamine and power through, our dogs don’t have it quite so easy.
If you’ve noticed your pup scratching nonstop, licking their paws raw, sneezing more than usual, or shedding up a storm, they might be dealing with seasonal allergies too, and do ensure your flea and tick prevention is still working.
Spotting the Signs of Summer Allergies in Dogs
Dogs experience many of the same allergic reactions humans do — but instead of runny noses and itchy eyes, it often shows up on their skin. Here’s what to watch for:
How to Help Your Dog Feel Better
Just like humans, there’s no magic cure for seasonal allergies, but there are plenty of ways to help your furry friend feel more comfortable.
1. Ask Your Vet About Allergy Medications
Some over-the-counter antihistamines are safe for dogs in the right dose. Always check with your vet first — dosage depends on your dog’s size, age, and overall health.
Common vet-approved options include:
💡 Pro tip: If your pup reacts to pollen every year, start giving allergy medication early in the season, but do check with your vet first — prevention works better than reaction!
2. If you want to tackle the Itch Without Pills
Prefer a more natural or hands-on approach? Try these soothing strategies:
3. When to Call the Vet
If your dog’s itching becomes constant, their skin looks red or infected, or they develop open sores or repeated ear infections, it’s time for a vet visit.
Your vet may prescribe a stronger allergy medication, medicated shampoo, or even short-term steroids to calm inflammation.
Paw Note
As we mention above, please discuss the use of any anti-allergy meds with your vet before dosing. Many of the anti-allergy meds mentioned above, have a product for dogs and cats.
Watching your dog itch and scratch is no fun — for either of you. With a bit of care and consistency, you can keep those summer allergies under control and help your pup get back to tail-wagging, zoomies, and belly rubs for fun — not relief.
If you’ve noticed your pup scratching nonstop, licking their paws raw, sneezing more than usual, or shedding up a storm, they might be dealing with seasonal allergies too, and do ensure your flea and tick prevention is still working.
Spotting the Signs of Summer Allergies in Dogs
Dogs experience many of the same allergic reactions humans do — but instead of runny noses and itchy eyes, it often shows up on their skin. Here’s what to watch for:
- Constant scratching, biting, or chewing at their skin or coat
- Red, irritated, or inflamed skin (especially on their belly, paws, or armpits, and some dogs on top of hindquarters)
- Excessive shedding or thinning hair
- Licking or chewing paws until they’re pink or raw
- Scooting or licking around the rear area
- Frequent ear infections, red or waxy ears
- Coughing, sneezing, or wheezing (more common in cats and short-nosed breeds)
How to Help Your Dog Feel Better
Just like humans, there’s no magic cure for seasonal allergies, but there are plenty of ways to help your furry friend feel more comfortable.
1. Ask Your Vet About Allergy Medications
Some over-the-counter antihistamines are safe for dogs in the right dose. Always check with your vet first — dosage depends on your dog’s size, age, and overall health.
Common vet-approved options include:
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine). According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the standard dose for Benadryl is 2–4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, or 0.9–1.8 milligrams (mg) of Benadryl per pound. Therefore, a simple and practical dose is 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of your dog's weight, given two to three times a day
- Claritin (loratadine) — Never give Claritin-D! Loratadine, also known by the brand name Claritin, is an antihistamine medication that can treat allergy symptoms. This medication was designed for humans, but in some cases, you can also give your dog loratadine—with approval from a veterinarian.
- Zyrtec (cetirizine) - Cetirizine is considered safe for most dogs. Speak with your vet first to ensure this medication is appropriate for your dog. It is important to only use products that contain cetirizine as the sole active ingredient and avoid human combination products that contain other ingredients that may be toxic to animals.
- Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine) - Chlorpheniramine maleate, commonly known as Chlor-Trimetron® or Chlor-tabs®, is a type of antihistamine drug most commonly used to control itching or as a mild sedative in dogs and cats. It is categorized as a first-generation antihistamine.
- Generic versions of any of the above
💡 Pro tip: If your pup reacts to pollen every year, start giving allergy medication early in the season, but do check with your vet first — prevention works better than reaction!
2. If you want to tackle the Itch Without Pills
Prefer a more natural or hands-on approach? Try these soothing strategies:
- Regular baths: A gentle, oatmeal-based pet shampoo can rinse away pollen and soothe itchy skin. Make it fun — treats and toys in the tub can help.
- Quick wipe-downs: If a full bath isn’t doable, wipe your dog’s coat and paws with a damp cloth or fragrance-free pet wipes after walks. This helps remove allergens before they spread.
- Flea & tick prevention: Flea bites can make allergy symptoms worse. Keep your dog protected year-round.
- Pet-safe sprays or creams: Anti-itch sprays, aloe-based gels, or hydrocortisone creams (made for pets only) can calm flare-ups fast.
- Omega-3 supplements: Fatty acids from fish oil can help reduce inflammation, promote healthy skin, and keep your dog’s coat shiny.
- Local honey (for dogs only): Some owners swear by giving their dog a tiny daily spoonful of local honey to help them build tolerance to local pollens. It’s not scientifically proven, but it’s a tasty, harmless experiment!
- Another home remedy is Rooibos tea that many owners swear by. Simply boil the kettle, add a Rooibos tea bag to the cup, and let it steep for about 10 minutes. When cool, using a cotton pad or ball, dip into the cold tea and sponge gently over the itchy area. You may find that placing in the fridge to cool a bit more is helpful.
- Limit outdoor time on high-pollen days: Check your local pollen forecast. Try walking early in the morning or after rain when pollen counts are lower.
3. When to Call the Vet
If your dog’s itching becomes constant, their skin looks red or infected, or they develop open sores or repeated ear infections, it’s time for a vet visit.
Your vet may prescribe a stronger allergy medication, medicated shampoo, or even short-term steroids to calm inflammation.
Paw Note
As we mention above, please discuss the use of any anti-allergy meds with your vet before dosing. Many of the anti-allergy meds mentioned above, have a product for dogs and cats.
Watching your dog itch and scratch is no fun — for either of you. With a bit of care and consistency, you can keep those summer allergies under control and help your pup get back to tail-wagging, zoomies, and belly rubs for fun — not relief.
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