Helping Your Pet Survive Spring Allergies

April 1, 2025 · For Pet Owners

If you have itchy, watery eyes and can’t stop sneezing, you aren’t alone. Spring allergy season is here, coating everything in pollen and clearing pharmacy shelves of antihistamines. Your pet can also be affected by spring allergies, but their signs may be a little different than what you experience. Keep reading to learn what triggers allergies in your four-legged friend and when you should seek veterinary care.

Common spring allergens in pets

Spring may bring sunshine and blooming flowers, but for many pets, it also brings allergens that can trigger itchy skin and other uncomfortable signs. Common culprits include:

Pollen — Tree, grass, and flower pollens are top offenders for pets during the spring. Pets can absorb pollen through their skin, inhale it, or ingest it when they groom. Sensitive pets typically experience itchy skin and chronic skin and ear infections.
Dust mites — Open windows and spring cleaning efforts can stir up dust mites, potentially irritating your pet’s respiratory system or sensitive skin.
Fleas — Spring’s warm temperatures increase flea activity, and a single bite can cause a significant reaction if your pet has flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). If your pet bites and scratches nonstop, fleas could be the problem.
Mold — Spring showers and warm temperatures can lead to mold growth indoors and out. Mold spores can trigger respiratory signs or skin issues in allergic pets.
Mayflies — Mayflies are mostly harmless to humans, but they can cause allergic reactions in sensitive pets. These flying insects swarm in large numbers during spring and early summer, especially near bodies of water. Curious pets who sniff or bite at mayflies may develop mild to moderate allergic responses, including itching, skin irritation, or facial swelling.
Stinging insects — Bees, wasps, and hornets become active in the spring and can cause painful and sometimes dangerous reactions in pets. A single sting may cause minor swelling or redness, but if your pet is allergic, they may experience hives, facial swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing.

Recognizing allergic reactions in pets

Allergies in pets can cause reactions ranging from mild seasonal itching to serious, life-threatening emergencies. Recognizing the signs is important so you can seek veterinary help when necessary. Common signs include:

Itchy skin — Pets affected by FAD and allergies related to pollen, dust mites, and mold most commonly exhibit signs such as constant scratching, licking, chewing, or rubbing.
Red, inflamed skin — You may notice red patches, bumps, or rashes.
Hair loss — Persistent itching can lead to bald patches or thinning fur.
Ear infections — Allergies often cause inflammation of the ears, leading to shaking, scratching, ear discharge, and odor.
Digestive issues — In some pets, allergies cause vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in appetite.
Swelling — Swelling around the eyes, lips, or face may indicate an allergic response.

When to seek emergency help for pet allergic reactions

Some allergic reactions, especially those caused by stinging insects, can progress quickly and become emergencies. Knowing when to seek emergency veterinary help could save your pet’s life. Call your family veterinarian or head to the nearest emergency hospital if your pet shows any of the following signs:

Difficulty breathing — Signs such as wheezing, open-mouthed breathing, and rapid, shallow breaths signal an emergency.
Facial swelling — Swelling around the eyes, muzzle, or throat is cause for concern.
Drooling or vomiting — If your pet drools excessively or vomits after an insect sting, they need emergency veterinary care.
Collapse or weakness — Fainting or extreme lethargy are red flags.
Seizures — Seizures may indicate a severe reaction or swelling affecting the brain.
Hives or rash — Hives that spread quickly or are seen in conjunction with swelling require emergency veterinary care.

If your pet shows signs of an allergic reaction, follow these steps:

Stay calm. Your pet can sense your stress, so don’t panic.
Head to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital and call ahead to let them know you’re on the way.
Don’t administer human medications because they could be toxic to your pet.

Treatment for severe allergic reactions in pets

If your pet experiences a serious allergic reaction, quick treatment is key. Potential treatments your pet may need include:

Antihistamines — Your veterinarian may administer medications to block the allergic response and reduce swelling and itching.
Steroids — Steroids help reduce inflammation and slow the immune system’s reaction.
Oxygen therapy — If your pet has trouble breathing, oxygen support using a face mask or oxygen cage may be necessary.
Intravenous (IV) fluids — Fluids help maintain blood pressure and hydration, especially if your pet is in shock.
Epinephrine — If your pet is experiencing anaphylaxis (i.e., a life-threatening allergic reaction), your veterinarian may inject epinephrine to quickly reverse symptoms such as swelling, low blood pressure, and airway constriction.