Fur Flying? Eyes Watering? Your Pet Could Have Allergies

As September settles in around Liberty Township, Ohio, families enjoy crisp walks, football games in the yard, and the beauty of changing leaves. But for some pets, the fall season brings more than cozy moments. Environmental allergens like weed pollen, grass pollen, and mold spores from damp leaves can create a perfect storm of symptoms. Pets may suddenly develop itchy skin, irritated ears, watery eyes, or behavioral changes that signal something deeper than just quirky seasonal behavior.

At Liberty Veterinary Hospital, we regularly diagnose and treat allergic flare-ups that appear during seasonal transitions. Understanding the triggers, symptoms, and treatment options early can help prevent these issues from escalating into more complex health concerns.

Why Pet Allergies Are More Than Just an Itch

While a little scratching might not seem serious, chronic allergic reactions often result in inflammation that weakens the skin barrier and opens the door to other health problems. Left untreated, seasonal allergies can lead to:

  • Secondary skin infections due to excessive scratching or licking
  • Recurring ear infections that can cause pain and long-term hearing damage
  • Eye injuries, including corneal ulcers, from pawing at itchy or irritated eyes
  • Paw conditions like interdigital furunculosis, caused by licking and chewing between the toes
  • Changes in behavior such as restlessness, irritability, or disrupted sleep

These complications affect more than just your pet’s well-being. They can also impact your home life through increased cleaning demands, unpleasant odors, and emotional stress for the family.

What Causes Seasonal Allergies in Pets?

Pet allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to otherwise harmless substances. In seasonal cases, the most common culprits are pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. This immune response causes inflammation, primarily affecting the skin and ears, although the respiratory and digestive systems can also be involved.

The condition, known as atopic dermatitis, can affect any breed or species, but certain dogs such as Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs, and Terriers are more prone to developing allergic tendencies due to genetic factors. Cats are also susceptible, though their symptoms may be more subtle.

Environmental allergies can occur at specific times of year or year-round, depending on the triggers. If allergens are consistently present indoors, pets may show chronic symptoms without any seasonal relief.

How to Spot the Signs

Recognizing the signs early allows for faster intervention and more effective treatment. Unlike humans, pets rarely exhibit seasonal allergies through sneezing alone. Instead, symptoms often appear on the skin or in the ears.

Watch for the following:

  • Persistent licking, chewing, or scratching at the same areas
  • Red, bumpy, or inflamed skin, including sudden welts or hives
  • Bald spots or recurrent hot spots, especially on the paws, belly, or underarms
  • Head shaking, ear scratching, or discharge with a foul odor
  • Watery eyes, nasal discharge, or sneezing
  • Hiding, restlessness, or noticeable changes in mood or behavior

These signs can develop gradually or seem to appear overnight. Either way, it is important to seek care before symptoms worsen or lead to secondary infections.

How We Diagnose Allergies at Liberty Veterinary Hospital

Accurate diagnosis is essential to long-term allergy control. During your visit, we perform a thorough evaluation of your pet’s skin, ears, medical history, and environment. Depending on the symptoms, we may recommend:

  • Skin cytology or culture to identify parasites or secondary infections from bacteria or yeast
  • Allergy testing, either through blood tests or intradermal skin testing, to pinpoint environmental triggers
  • Food elimination trials, if food sensitivities are suspected
  • Seasonal pattern review, to determine whether symptoms align with pollen surges or indoor exposures

Our AAHA-accredited status reflects our commitment to the highest standards in veterinary diagnostics. Learn more about what it means to choose an AAHA-accredited hospital for your pet’s care.

Treatment Options: From Immediate Relief to Long-Term Management

Managing allergies effectively requires a combination of therapies tailored to your pet’s specific triggers and symptoms. At Liberty Veterinary Hospital, we approach allergy treatment with a mix of short-term symptom relief and long-term immune system support.

Topical Therapies

Topical products offer targeted relief for irritated skin and ears. These include:

  • Medicated shampoos that reduce inflammation and remove allergens from the coat. For best results, they should remain on the skin for 10 minutes before rinsing.
  • Sprays, wipes, and mousses that allow localized treatment between baths, especially on the paws or underarms.
  • Ear cleansers that prevent the overgrowth of yeast and bacteria. This guide to ear cleaning offers a helpful walkthrough.

To make bathing less stressful, consider using a licky mat for pairing bath time with a favorite treat. Regular professional grooming appointments at Liberty Veterinary Hospital can also reduce allergen buildup and make at-home care easier.

Medications

Depending on severity, we may prescribe:

  • Antihistamines for mild reactions
  • Short-term corticosteroids to calm severe flare-ups
  • Targeted therapies, such as Apoquel or Cytopoint, which control itch without many of the side effects associated with steroids
  • Immunotherapy (allergy shots or oral drops), which help desensitize the immune system over time

We carry many of these medications through our in-house and online veterinary pharmacy, making it easier to access trusted products.

Nutrition and Supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids are often recommended to reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. If food is suspected as a contributing factor, we may suggest a trial with a hydrolyzed or limited-ingredient diet. Learn more about the role of nutrition in allergic pets.

Parasite Prevention

Even one flea bite can intensify allergic reactions. Year-round parasite prevention is a critical part of any allergy treatment plan. All pets in the household should be protected consistently to avoid exposure.

What You Can Do at Home

Small changes at home can dramatically reduce allergen exposure and help your pet stay more comfortable between visits. We recommend:

  • Keeping pets indoors when pollen counts are high
  • Wiping your pet’s paws and underside after walks
  • Vacuuming frequently and washing pet bedding weekly
  • Using HEPA filters in your HVAC system to trap airborne allergens
  • Bathing weekly with vet-approved shampoos

For additional advice, check out these home allergy tips for pet owners.

Routine preventive care is also a key component of long-term allergy management. Come visit us and let us explain the value of twice- yearly wellness visits in detecting and managing allergies early.

Preparing for Your Appointment

To help us get a full picture of your pet’s condition, please bring the following to your visit:

  • A detailed log of symptoms, including dates and suspected triggers
  • Photos or videos of any scratching, chewing, or visible skin changes
  • A list of all current medications, supplements, treats, and food

These details allow us to tailor treatment more precisely. If you’re ready to get started, you can request your appointment online or contact our team with any questions.

Common Questions About Pet Allergies

Are allergies contagious?
 No. Environmental allergies are individual responses and cannot be transmitted between animals or people.

Can cats get seasonal allergies?
 Yes. Cats may show signs such as sneezing, watery eyes, or over-grooming, which can be mistaken for upper respiratory infections or behavioral issues.

Will my pet outgrow allergies?
 Unlikely. Most pets do not outgrow allergies, but their symptoms can be well-managed with consistent care.

Can I give human allergy medication to my pet?
 Do not give any human medications unless specifically directed by a veterinarian. Some common over-the-counter drugs can be harmful or even toxic to pets.

Relief Starts with the Right Care

At Liberty Veterinary Hospital, we understand how allergies can disrupt both your pet’s comfort and your family’s routine. With accurate diagnosis, customized treatment, and compassionate care, we can help your pet feel better- this season and every season after.

If your pet is showing signs of allergies, schedule an appointment today. Let’s work together to bring your pet the relief they deserve.