11 May Understanding seasonal allergies in pets

Understanding seasonal allergies in pets

At Wolfe Vets in London, we regularly see pets struggling with allergies. Many dogs and cats actually have allergies all year round, but symptoms often become much worse in spring and summer when pollen levels rise, and pets are exposed to more grasses, plants, and environmental allergens. Just like people can suffer from hayfever during certain times of the year, pets can also experience seasonal flare-ups of underlying allergies. 

This means a pet who normally has mildly itchy skin or occasional ear irritation may suddenly begin scratching more, licking their paws excessively, or developing recurrent ear infections during allergy season. Even in autumn and winter, indoor allergens such as dust mites and mould can continue to trigger symptoms, which is why allergies in pets are often an ongoing condition that benefits from regular monitoring and management. Allergies can affect pets in many ways, but the most common signs we see involve the skin and ears.

While occasional itching may not seem serious, untreated allergies can quickly lead to painful skin infections, chronic ear problems, and significant discomfort for your pet. Understanding the signs early and seeking veterinary advice can make a huge difference to your pet’s quality of life.

What causes allergies in pets?

Just like people, dogs and cats can react to substances in their environment. These allergens trigger an overreaction in the immune system, leading to inflammation and irritation.

Some of the most common allergens include:

• Grass and tree pollen
• Dust mites
• Mould spores
• Fleas
• Certain foods or proteins
• Cleaning products or household chemicals

Seasonal allergies are particularly common in spring and summer, although some pets experience symptoms year-round.

Did you know?

• Pets often develop allergies through their skin, not by sneezing: Unlike humans, dogs especially tend to show allergies as itchy skin, paw licking, and ear infections rather than classic hayfever symptoms.
• Ear infections are frequently allergy-related: Many owners think ear problems are separate conditions, when they’re actually one of the biggest indicators of underlying allergies.
• Urban pets can still suffer badly from pollen allergies: Even in London, pollen levels can be surprisingly high due to parks, gardens, and airborne particles travelling long distances.
• Some pets become itchier after rain: Why? Pollen and mould spores can settle into grass and damp environments.

Signs your pet may have allergies

Allergies rarely look the same in every pet. Some animals develop itchy skin, while others experience repeated ear infections or excessive licking.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent scratching or itching
• Red or inflamed skin
• Excessive licking or nibbling of paws
• Hair loss or bald patches
• Recurrent ear infections
• Head shaking or ear scratching
• Skin odour or greasy coat
• Rashes around the tummy, paws, or face

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important not to ignore them. Allergies tend to worsen over time without treatment.

Behaviour is also a language 

Many owners don’t realise behaviours can indicate allergies.

You could include things like:

• Scooting
• Face rubbing on carpets
• Rolling excessively after walks
• Sleeping poorly due to itching
• Becoming irritable or restless

Chronic ear problems are one of the most common conditions we see

Many pet owners are surprised to learn that chronic ear problems are often linked to allergies.

Inflammation caused by allergies creates the perfect environment for yeast and bacteria to grow inside the ear canal. Pets with allergic ears may:

• Shake their head frequently
• Scratch at their ears
• Have red, hot to the touch or swollen ears
• Develop a bad smell from the ears
• Show sensitivity when the ears are touched

Repeated ear infections can become painful and difficult to manage if left untreated. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term damage to the ear canal.

Skin allergies in dogs and cats

Skin allergies are another very common issue, particularly in dogs. Allergic pets often develop itchy, inflamed skin that can quickly become infected through constant scratching and licking.

Areas most commonly affected include:

• Paws
• Belly and groin
• Armpits
• Face and muzzle
• Around the tail

Some pets develop “hot spots”: a painful, inflamed patch of skin that appears suddenly and worsens rapidly.

Treatment may include:

• Anti-itch medication
• Ear or skin treatments
• Flea prevention
• Dietary trials
• Allergy management plans
• Advice on reducing environmental triggers

Every pet is different, so managing allergies often requires an individual approach.

Seasonal allergies: Why symptoms flare up in Spring & Summer

As the weather warms up, pollen levels increase dramatically across London parks and green spaces. Pets who are sensitive to grass, weeds, or tree pollen may begin showing symptoms such as:

• Increased itching after walks
• Paw licking
• Ear flare-ups
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing or skin irritation

Bathing paws after walks, regular grooming, and early veterinary support can all help reduce flare-ups during allergy season.

Why regular check-ups matter

Allergies are rarely “one-off” conditions. Many pets require ongoing monitoring to keep symptoms under control and prevent secondary infections.

This is why regular veterinary consultations are so important, especially during peak allergy seasons.

At Wolfe Vets, we understand that repeated visits for allergy flare-ups can become stressful for both pets and owners, and often costly. That’s why we offer the Wolfe Pack Membership!

The Wolfe Pack Membership

Our Wolfe Pack Membership is designed to give pet owners peace of mind while helping pets stay healthier throughout the year.

One of the biggest benefits of our Wolfe Pack is unlimited consultations, meaning you can bring your pet in for a veterinary check-up and advice without worrying about additional consultation costs. This can be especially valuable for pets with ongoing allergy issues, where regular monitoring and early treatment can prevent problems from becoming more serious, and so that our team can track changes over time. 

Whether your pet is dealing with itchy skin, recurring ear infections, or seasonal allergy flare-ups, the Wolfe Pack Membership helps ensure they get the care they need, when they need it.

When to book an appointment

If your dog or cat is showing signs of allergies, early treatment can make a significant difference to their comfort and long-term health.

At Wolfe Vets, our experienced team can help diagnose the cause of your pet’s symptoms and create a personalised treatment plan to keep them happy, healthy, and itch-free all year round.

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