Seasonal Allergies in Dogs: Symptoms and Natural Ways to Support Comfort

Summer (one of our office Frenchies) starts scratching as soon as the warm months hit. GiGi's skin flares up on and off all year. And Lola, my first Frenchie, was allergic to just about everything.

Seasonal allergies are something we've lived with across multiple dogs for years. I know what's coming because it happens every single year.

If your dog does something similar, and the itching seems to follow the seasons, you're almost certainly dealing with environmental allergies. Here's everything I've learned about managing them.

What are seasonal allergies in dogs?

Seasonal allergies (also called atopic dermatitis or atopy) happen when your dog's immune system overreacts to environmental allergens that are harmless to most dogs. Pollen, grass, mould spores, dust mites. Things that are simply in the air or on the ground.

Unlike humans, who tend to get hay fever symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes), dogs with seasonal allergies mostly show it through their skin. The allergens trigger inflammation, and the inflammation causes itching. Lots of itching.

It's one of the most common health issues in UK dogs, and it's becoming more recognised every year.

The symptoms to look for

Seasonal allergies tend to follow a pattern. The symptoms appear or worsen during certain months and ease off in winter.

The most common signs:

• Paw licking and chewing, especially between the toes (this is often the first thing owners notice)
• Itchy ears, sometimes with recurring ear infections
• Red, irritated belly and armpits (the areas where skin is thinnest and most exposed)
• Face rubbing on carpet, furniture, or the ground
• Watery or red eyes
• Sneezing (less common than in humans, but it does happen)
• Nibbling at the flanks, legs, or base of the tail
• Hot spots (raw, weeping patches from excessive licking or scratching)

The key clue is the timing. If these symptoms appear in spring or summer and improve through winter, seasonal allergies are very likely.

When does allergy season hit in the UK?

In the UK, the main allergy triggers follow a seasonal pattern:

• February to April: tree pollen (birch, oak, ash)
• May to July: grass pollen (this is the big one for most dogs)
• June to September: weed pollen and flowering plants
• Autumn: mould spores peak as leaves decay
• Year round (but worse in winter): house dust mites, especially in centrally heated homes

Most dogs with seasonal allergies react to grass pollen, which is why May through July tends to be the worst period. But some react to multiple triggers, which can stretch the “season” from early spring right through to late autumn.

Summer is worst through June and July (she lost her eye in 2025 and still doesn't let anything slow her down, but her skin really struggles in the heat). GiGi's flare ups are less predictable. Lola reacted to almost everything, all year round. Every dog is different.

Which breeds are most affected?

Seasonal allergies can affect any breed, but some are genetically more predisposed:

• Labradors and Golden Retrievers are among the most commonly affected
• French Bulldogs and Bulldogs (between Summer, GiGi, Cliff, and Lola, I can personally confirm this several times over)
• Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels
• West Highland White Terriers (notoriously allergy prone)
• Boxers
• Dalmatians
• Staffordshire Bull Terriers
• Cockapoos and other Poodle crosses (the curly coat holds allergens close to the skin)

If your dog is one of these breeds and the scratching follows a seasonal pattern, environmental allergies are the most likely explanation.

How are seasonal allergies diagnosed?

A vet can usually make a clinical diagnosis based on the pattern of symptoms, their timing, and the areas affected. In some cases, they may recommend:

• Intradermal skin testing (considered the gold standard): tiny amounts of common allergens are injected just under the skin to see which ones cause a reaction
• Blood tests for allergen-specific antibodies (less reliable than skin testing, but less invasive)
• An elimination process to rule out food allergies, parasites, and other causes first

If your dog's itching is mild and clearly seasonal, your vet may not need to do allergy testing straight away. But if symptoms are severe, year round, or not responding to management, testing helps identify the specific triggers.

Natural ways to support comfort

There's no cure for environmental allergies. They're a lifelong tendency in dogs who have them. But there's a lot you can do to reduce the burden and keep your dog comfortable.

Reduce allergen exposure

• Wipe paws and belly after every walk. Pollen collects on the coat, especially the paws and underbelly. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes a surprising amount.
• Avoid long grass during peak pollen. Walk on pavements or shorter grass when the pollen count is high.
• Walk early morning or evening. Pollen counts are typically lower at these times.
• Wash bedding weekly on a hot cycle to remove dust mites and pollen that's been brought inside.
• Hoover regularly, especially if you have carpets.

Support the skin barrier

A healthy skin barrier is your dog's first line of defence against allergens. You can support it by:

• Bathing with a gentle, pH balanced dog shampoo to remove allergens without stripping natural oils. Our natural shampoo range is designed for exactly this. Don't over bathe though (once a week at most during a flare up).
• Using a conditioner to help restore moisture and strengthen the coat. Our conditioning range helps with this.
• Feeding a quality diet with adequate omega fatty acids, which support skin health from the inside.

Support from the inside

The immune system drives the allergic response, and around 70% of the immune system is housed in the gut. Supporting digestive health can help the body respond more proportionately to environmental triggers.

Our Environmental Harmony range was formulated by qualified herbalists specifically for dogs who struggle with seasonal sensitivities. It's designed to support the body's natural comfort through the months that are hardest.

Everything is made in small batches here in England with human grade ingredients. Trusted by over 400,000 dogs.

Keep ears clean and dry

Allergic dogs are prone to ear infections because the inflammation extends to the ear canal. Regular, gentle ear cleaning can help keep things comfortable. Check and clean the ears weekly during allergy season, and dry them thoroughly after swimming or bathing.

Our Ear Comfort range is a good option for maintenance between vet visits.

When to see a vet

Please see your vet if:

• The skin is broken, bleeding, infected, or developing hot spots
• Your dog is scratching intensely and nothing is helping
• Ear infections keep recurring
• The symptoms are year round rather than seasonal (this suggests a different or additional cause)
• Your dog is a puppy or senior with new symptoms
• You want to discuss allergy testing or prescription management options

This is for gentle, everyday support. If symptoms are severe or your dog is clearly distressed, your vet comes first. I'd always rather say that than have you managing something at home that needs professional help.

Living with a seasonally allergic dog

It's not always easy. There are mornings when GiGi's skin is flaring up and Summer's itchy dog spray is the first thing I reach for before my cuppa, and I feel like nothing I do is enough. But over the years (and many, many dogs), I've found that the combination of reducing exposure, supporting the skin, supporting the gut, and staying consistent makes a genuinely noticeable difference.

It's about management, not miracles. And the dogs who do best are the ones whose owners stick with a routine through the whole season, not just when symptoms flare.

You're already here reading this, which tells me you're that kind of owner.