Springtime is beautiful at Fox Creek Farm: our fields turn green, flowers bloom, and the dogs race through the grass like kids on summer break. But along with the sunshine comes something less fun: allergies. And no, we don’t just mean us humans sneezing into tissues. Dogs get seasonal allergies, too, and when they do, it can turn your happy Doodle into an itchy, uncomfortable mess.

If you’ve ever watched your pup scratching like they’re auditioning for a flea circus, licking their paws nonstop, or sneezing their head off, you may have wondered if seasonal allergies are the culprit. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about what seasonal allergies look like in dogs, what causes them, and most importantly, how you can bring your pup some relief.

Signs of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Unlike humans, who usually get watery eyes, stuffy noses, and sneezing fits, dogs often show their allergies through their skin. Here are some of the most common signs we’ve seen at Fox Creek Farm and in the families who adopt our doodles:

• Itchy skin: Dogs will scratch, chew, or lick themselves, sometimes until the skin is red or irritated.
• Paw licking: One of the classic signs. If your doodle is obsessively licking or chewing their paws, it could be allergies, not just grooming.
• Ear problems: Seasonal allergies can make ears inflamed, itchy, or prone to yeast infections.
• Sneezing and watery eyes: Just like people, some dogs really do sneeze their way through spring pollen season.
• Hot spots: These are localized patches of inflamed skin that dogs just can’t leave alone. They pop up more often during allergy season.

We’ve had families call us in a panic when their puppy started licking their paws like crazy in April. A vet visit later, the diagnosis was seasonal allergies: pollen in the grass was the trigger.

What Causes Allergies in Dogs?

Dogs, just like humans, can be sensitive to things in the environment. Common culprits include:

• Pollen: From trees, grasses, and weeds.
• Mold spores: More common in damp seasons.
• Dust and dander: These can be worse indoors when windows stay closed.
• Insect bites: Fleas and mosquitoes can make allergy symptoms worse.

At Fox Creek Farm, our Doodles love bounding through fields, so pollen is usually the biggest offender here. We always tell families not to worry too much; seasonal allergies are common and very manageable with the right care.

Breeder Tips for Seasonal Allergies

We’ve learned a few tricks over the years to help our dogs stay comfortable during allergy season. Here are our best breeder-approved tips:

• Wipe them down after walks. A quick rub with cleansing towels on their paws and belly can help remove pollen before it causes irritation.
• Regular baths. Use a gentle, dog-safe itch relief shampoo to wash away allergens. Don’t overdo it, though, because too many baths can dry out their skin.
• Vacuum often. Allergens collect on floors and rugs. Keeping your home clean makes a huge difference.
• Check ears regularly. Allergies can lead to ear issues, so keep an eye (and nose) out for any changes. Use Ear Wash and Dry regularly to keep irritations at bay.
• Add Salmon Oil to their diet. A high quality salmon and pollock oil actually increases the itch threshold.  If you can stop the itching, you have won the war!

We once had a Bernedoodle who would sneeze five times in a row every time she ran through tall grass. After her family started wiping her down after playtime and giving her weekly baths, the sneezing practically disappeared.

Relief Options for Dogs with Seasonal Allergies

So what can you actually do to help? Here are some proven ways to bring your dog relief:

1. Supplements for Relief

A healthy diet is the foundation, but sometimes dogs need a little extra support during allergy season. At Fox Creek Farm, we’ve seen that adding the right supplements can really help calm itchy skin and make pups more comfortable. One option we’ve used with success is pawTree’s Allergy Support Plus Chews, which veterinarians and nutritionists developed to support the body’s natural ability to manage seasonal and food-related allergies. Since allergies are an immune system response, boosting the immune system is important.  Giving Immunoshroom is a great way to improve the immune system.

We like them because they’re simple for families to add into a daily routine, and dogs usually think they’re just a tasty treat. For some of our doodles, that little bit of added support has made paw-licking and scratching much less of an issue.

2. Grooming Support

Keeping your dog well-groomed helps minimize allergens. Brushing regularly removes pollen, dust, and debris from the coat. For our Doodles with curly coats, this also helps prevent matting, which can trap allergens against the skin.

3. Environmental Control

• Keep windows closed during high pollen days.
• Use an air purifier indoors if possible.
• Wash bedding frequently.

It may sound like a lot, but small steps really add up.

4. Vet Guidance

Sometimes seasonal allergies require medical help. Vets may recommend antihistamines, prescription medications, or medicated shampoos. If your dog’s allergies seem severe or aren’t improving, always check with your vet before trying anything new.

Breeder Experience: What Works Best

From our years of raising Doodles, here’s what we’ve found works best for managing seasonal allergies:

1. Balanced diet and daily supplements to support immune function.
2. Regular baths and wipes after outdoor play to remove allergens.
3. Close monitoring of ears and paws, since those are the “hot spots” for symptoms. Using pawTree’s Skin Support Plus at the first sign of a hot spot can stop it in its track.
4. Consistency: doing small things daily makes a bigger impact than trying big fixes once symptoms are severe.

We had one Goldendoodle pup who used to chew her paws raw every spring. After her family started her on pawTree’s Allergy Support Chews and made a habit of rinsing her feet after walks, her paws healed and the chewing stopped almost completely. Stories like that remind us how much small changes can help.

FAQ: Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Can dogs really be allergic to pollen like humans?
Yes! Dogs often show it through itchy skin, not just sneezing.

Do puppies get seasonal allergies?
They can. Sometimes symptoms start young, but often they show up as dogs grow older.

How do I know it’s allergies and not fleas?
Flea allergies usually cause intense itching around the tail and back. Seasonal allergies often show up in the paws, belly, and ears. A vet can confirm.

Can diet help with allergies?
Absolutely. High-quality diets and supplements help support a healthy immune system and reduce inflammation.

Should I give my dog human allergy meds?
Never without consulting your vet. Some human medications can be dangerous for dogs.

When should I call the vet?
If your dog’s symptoms are severe, don’t improve, or lead to skin infections, it’s time to get professional guidance.

Final Thought

Seasonal allergies may not be fun, but they’re nothing to panic about. With the proper care, your dog can breeze through spring and fall without all the itching, sneezing, and paw-licking drama.

At Fox Creek Farm, we’ve seen countless Doodles thrive with a bit of extra support during allergy season. Whether it’s wiping down after playtime, adding allergy support chews to their diet, or simply keeping an eye on those paws and ears, these simple steps can make all the difference.

So the next time your pup sneezes mid-fetch or starts nibbling their paws, take a breath. You’ve got this, and your dog will thank you with tail wags, cuddles, and plenty of allergy-free adventures.