Spring Allergies in Dogs and Cats: Signs, Causes & Relief Tips

Does your dog sound a bit sniffly, or has your cat started scratching up a storm? With spring flowers blooming and pollen floating in the air, it’s not just humans who get the allergy blues — our furry friends can, too. Spring allergies in dogs and cats are surprisingly common here in New Zealand, and the signs may not always be obvious. At Petdirect, we get pets, and we’re here to help you learn what to look for and how to make allergy season more manageable for your pet.

What Causes Spring Allergies In Pets?

Just like us, pets can develop allergies to seasonal triggers like pollen, mould spores, grasses, and even dust mites. In New Zealand, spring is a peak time for airborne allergens, which may affect pets when they breathe them in or when allergens come in contact with their skin. These allergies are typically environmental and aren’t contagious, but they can cause plenty of discomfort for your pet.

Common Allergy Symptoms In Dogs And Cats

Allergy symptoms can vary, but here are a few tell-tale signs that your pet may be dealing with spring allergies:

• Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing their paws
• Red, inflamed, or scabby skin
• Watery eyes or discharge
• Frequent sneezing or sniffing
• Ear shaking or recurring ear infections
• Hair loss or patchy coat

In cats, these symptoms may be a bit more subtle. Indoor cats can still be affected, since allergens can creep inside on clothes or other pets. If your feline friend starts grooming more obsessively or seems uncomfortable, it could be time to investigate further.

Helping Your Pet Find Relief

If you suspect your pet has allergies, talk to your vet first. They can help rule out other conditions and may suggest treatments that range from medicated or smoothing shampoos to allergy medication or dietary changes. You can also make a few simple changes at home to help soothe your pet’s symptoms:

• Wipe their paws after outdoor walks to reduce contact with allergens
• Use air filters and clean bedding regularly
• Try bathing with a gentle pet shampoo to wash off allergens
• Consider skin and coat supplements to support a healthy barrier
• Check out calming essentials for anxious or stressed pets

For more targeted options, our range of dog allergy care products can help address both skin irritation and internal imbalances.

Is It Allergies Or Something Else?

Allergy symptoms can sometimes look like flea bites, food allergies, or even skin infections. It’s important to keep your pet protected from fleas and worms year-round to rule out other causes of itching. If your pet's symptoms persist or become severe, always follow up with your vet for a proper diagnosis.

Choosing The Right Nutrition

Nutrition plays a big role in managing allergies. High-quality, nutrient-rich food can support your pet's immune system and skin health. Brands like Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Pro Plan offer formulas designed with sensitive skin and digestion in mind. You can explore more allergy-friendly options in our Science Health Nutrition collection.

Brighten Their Spring With Less Sniffle And Scratch

While spring allergies aren’t fun for your pet (or for you), with the right support and care, they don’t have to put a damper on the season. Petdirect is here to help with expert advice, quality products, and easy shopping for everything from dry food to soothing skin and coat solutions. Don’t forget to sign up for Pet Perks to earn rewards while looking after your furry family's health.

Let’s make spring comfortable and tail-wag-worthy. Because at Petdirect, We Get Pet.