If your dog suddenly seems itchier in the fall, you are not imagining things.
Seasonal changes can affect pets too. Dogs and cats may experience skin irritation, itching, licking, ear problems, or other symptoms that become more noticeable at certain times of year.
The challenge is that itching can have many causes.
What looks like a simple seasonal allergy may also involve fleas, an ear infection, a skin infection, food sensitivity, or another medical concern.
Understanding what you are seeing is the first step toward helping your pet feel more comfortable.
What Do Allergies Look Like in Pets?
Pets do not always experience allergies in the same way people do.
Instead of primarily sneezing or having watery eyes, many dogs develop skin and ear symptoms.
You may notice:
- frequent scratching
- licking or chewing the paws
- rubbing the face
- red or irritated skin
- hair loss
- recurring ear irritation
- head shaking
- changes in skin odor
- sores or irritated areas from repeated licking
Cats may also itch, groom excessively, develop hair loss, or develop irritated areas of skin.
Why Does My Dog Lick Their Paws So Much?
Paw licking is a common reason pet owners ask about allergies.
Environmental allergens can come into contact with the feet when pets walk through grass, leaves, and outdoor areas.
But allergies are not the only possible explanation.
Pain, injury, infection, irritation, or other skin problems may also lead a pet to lick their paws.
If licking becomes frequent, causes redness, or continues for an extended period, it is worth having your pet evaluated.
Can Fall Allergies Cause Ear Problems?
Yes, allergies and ear problems can sometimes occur together.
Pets with underlying allergies may be more prone to irritation that creates an environment where ear infections develop.
Signs of an ear problem may include:
- head shaking
- scratching at the ears
- redness
- discharge
- odor
- sensitivity when the ears are touched
Ear problems can become painful, so repeated head shaking or scratching should not be ignored.
A veterinary exam can help determine whether the problem involves inflammation, infection, allergies, or another cause.
Could Fleas Be Causing the Itching?
Absolutely. Fleas are easy to overlook, especially if you never see one.
Some pets are particularly sensitive to flea bites and may become extremely itchy after only limited exposure.
Flea prevention can remain important beyond the summer months, depending on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.
When a pet comes in for itching, considering parasites is an important part of figuring out the cause.
How Do Veterinarians Figure Out Why a Pet Is Itching?
There is not always one test that immediately provides the answer.
Your veterinarian may start with a physical examination and questions about your pet’s history.
Helpful information includes:
- when the itching started
- where your pet scratches or licks most
- whether the problem happens every year
- whether there have been changes in food
- current flea and parasite prevention
- whether other pets in the home are itchy
- whether there are changes in the ears or skin
- what treatments have already been tried
Depending on what your veterinarian finds, additional testing may be appropriate.
The goal is to understand what is driving the problem rather than simply quieting the itch temporarily.
Why Does My Pet Keep Getting Skin or Ear Infections?
Sometimes infection is the primary problem.
Other times, an underlying issue such as allergies contributes to repeated irritation, and that irritated skin becomes more vulnerable to secondary infection.
This can create a frustrating cycle.
The pet itches.
The skin becomes damaged.
An infection develops.
The infection makes the pet even itchier.
If the underlying cause is not addressed, the problem may keep returning. That is why recurring ear or skin problems deserve a closer look.
Should I Change My Pet’s Food if They Are Itchy?
Not necessarily.
Food allergies can occur, but environmental allergies, parasites, infections, and other causes may produce similar symptoms.
Changing foods repeatedly without a clear plan can make it more difficult to understand what is actually happening.
If a food-related problem is suspected, your veterinarian can help determine whether a structured diet trial or another approach makes sense for your pet.
Can I Give My Pet Something at Home for Allergies?
It is best to speak with your veterinary team before giving medications or trying new treatments.
The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the itching, your pet’s health history, and whether infection or another problem is present.
A medication that helps one pet may not be appropriate for another.
Even if a product temporarily reduces itching, it may not address the underlying reason your pet is uncomfortable.
When Should I Schedule an Appointment?
You do not have to wait until your pet is miserable.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice:
- persistent scratching or licking
- red or broken skin
- hair loss
- repeated ear problems
- sores
- significant changes in skin odor
- discomfort when touched
- symptoms that continue to return
- itching that interferes with sleep or normal activities
The earlier the cause is identified, the easier it may be to prevent the cycle of itching and irritation from becoming more severe.
Helping Your Pet Feel More Comfortable This Fall
An itchy pet is an uncomfortable pet.
While seasonal allergies may be part of the explanation, itching can have many different causes. The most helpful approach is to look at your pet’s symptoms, history, lifestyle, and physical exam together.
If your dog or cat is scratching, licking, developing ear problems, or showing other changes in their skin this fall, contact Evergreen Veterinary Hospital to schedule an appointment.