Did you know that 10% to 15% of dogs have seasonal allergies? Yes, you read that right. Pollen, dust, and grass — substances you'd typically consider harmless — cause adverse reactions in thousands of dogs, impacting their experiences outdoors (and sometimes indoors). 

Considering that pets need to spend time outside for their physical and mental well-being, keeping them indoors and away from outdoor environment allergens isn't really an option. 

So, how can you minimize the impact of environmental allergens on your furry friend without putting them in a "bubble?” This article will explore everything you need to know about environmental allergies in dogs — from symptoms to practical solutions. 

Dogs and humans have many similarities. Unfortunately, one of these is that we can all have environmental allergies.

As with humans, environmental allergies in dogs can result from various substances, including pollen, mold, dust mites, and certain grasses, like alfalfa and Bermuda grass. These allergens trigger an overactive immune response in dogs, resulting in symptoms like itchy skin and inflammation, which can cause a lot of discomfort.

Some dog breeds, like Retrievers and Terriers, are more predisposed to developing allergies due to genetics. Also, if one or both of your pet's parents have allergies, there's a chance yours may get them, too. Unfortunately, environmental factors can exacerbate these issues and be extremely uncomfortable for your pet.

If your pet is high-risk, observe how they react outside and regularly inspect their skin to help you identify potential problems early on.

There are many causes of allergies and sensitivities in dogs. If you notice discomfort or flare-ups when they play outside or during certain times of the year, it may be an indication of seasonal allergies, meaning that pollen from trees, grasses, shrubs, flowers, and weeds is likely the culprit. 

On the other hand, if you notice a lot of scratching and skin inflammation, they may be hypersensitive to flea saliva. In fact, this allergy is incredibly common — there has been a 13% increase in flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) over the past decade. 

Dogs can also be sensitive to indoor allergens like:

• Dust and dust mites

• Mold spores and mildew (especially in humid climates)

• Skin dander from humans and other pets

• Ectoparasites like cockroaches 

• Chemicals in cleaning products

Much like humans, pets may also be allergic to other environmental factors like cigarette smoke, perfumes, and pesticides. 

As you can see, there's no shortage of substances that can trigger allergic reactions in dogs. If you suspect your furry friend has allergies, pay close attention to how they react in different environments to help identify what they may be reacting to. 

Allergy symptoms vary from dog to dog. Below are some of the most common symptoms to watch for.

Skin-related

These are the most common allergy symptoms and the easiest to notice. They include:

• Excessive itchiness, licking, or chewing

• Red, inflamed skin

• Bumps or hives on the skin

• Inflammation on the dog's skin — which can lead to fever if left untreated

• Moist dermatitis or hot spots

• Hair loss

Skin-related symptoms are common on the paws, armpits, and inner thighs — but don’t limit your inspections to these areas, as irritations can appear anywhere on your dog's body.

Respiratory

Respiratory symptoms are less common than skin-related ones, but it's still good to be aware of them. Some dogs display human-like allergy symptoms, such as:

• Sneezing

• Coughing or wheezing

• Runny nose

Other symptoms include watery eyes, ear infections, and skin odor. Some pets with environmental allergies might also show changes in behavior, like increased irritability or lethargy, due to discomfort. They may also display gastrointestinal problems like vomiting, bloating, and diarrhea, especially during acute exposure in peak allergy season.

Spending time outdoors is essential for a dog's physical health and mental stimulation. Simply locking them in the house isn’t a viable option, especially since indoor allergens can still trigger their allergies.

So, how do you give your pet the freedom to play around and have fun while minimizing allergen reactivity at the same time? Hygiene!

Regular grooming and bathing remove allergens from a dog's coat and skin, reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions. Some pet parents wipe down the entire dog, while others focus on parts that capture allergens, like the paws — both options are great.

There are several things to remember when bathing and grooming, though. First, you don't want to over-bathe your pet, as this can strip down natural protective barriers in their skin — a bath every other week or so is enough. Second, your dog may be allergic to some bathing products, so look for hypoallergenic shampoos without added dyes and perfumes to prevent reactions and soothe irritated skin. Also, a topical Omega 3 fatty acid can help repair the protective barrier if your dog is experiencing skin-related allergy symptoms, but this is something you may discuss with your vet first.

While you can't do much about the outdoors, you can do a lot to prevent exposure to common allergens inside your home.

Some ways to keep a clean, allergen-free home include:

• Regularly cleaning and vacuuming your space using unscented cleaners and detergents

• Minimizing the amount of carpets and rugs

• Installing HEPA filters

• Washing your dog's bedding regularly with unscented detergent

• Keeping windows closed during peak allergy season to prevent environmental allergens from entering and accumulating in your home

Vet-prescribed treatments may be an option if your dog has year-round or severe allergy symptoms. To alleviate discomfort, vets may recommend antihistamines like Benadryl (1mg per pound), but be careful not to use human antihistamines without consulting your vet, as they may have additional additives, like xylitol, that aren't healthy for dogs. A vet may also recommend steroids if your dog has an acute, severe inflammatory skin reaction.

As with any medication, play it safe and consult a vet before taking any action. They may conduct blood tests and skin testing (usually handled by a veterinary dermatologist) to get a clear picture of your dog's allergy symptoms. This way, they can recommend treatments and preventative vaccines that are best suited to your furry friend's specific needs.

Yes! The immune response starts in the gut. If your pup follows a diet that improves immune response, they are less likely to have adverse reactions when exposed to common environmental allergens. Let's take a deeper look at how diet helps with allergies:

Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your dog's diet can reduce adverse allergic reactions by strengthening the dog's skin barrier and immune system. Fish-based foods are a great option because they're rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have excellent anti-inflammatory properties.

Omega-3 fatty acids can also improve your dog's coat, increasing their ability to fend off environmental allergens.

We know what you're thinking — what do food allergens have to do with environmental allergies? While the two are different, food allergens can affect your dog's immune system, potentially exacerbating their environmental allergy symptoms.

Identifying foods or ingredients your dog is allergic to will require a little trial and error — the best way to do this is to put your pup on an elimination diet. To have an easier time determining food allergens and preventing adverse reactions, always choose foods that are naturally less allergenic (i.e., foods with fewer ingredients, fewer preservatives, etc.).

Improving your dog's diet is a great proactive approach to managing environmental allergies. However, finding the right foods among the thousands of options available in the market can be difficult.

Fortunately, The Honest Kitchen has you covered. Here are some foods that can support relief from itching, inflammation, hot spots, and other allergy symptoms:

If your dog is prone to food allergies, our Dehydrated Grain Free Fish Dog Food is a suitable option. Grain-free foods are good for dogs with sensitive stomachs, while the fish base gives your pup an extra boost of omega-3 amino acids. These amino acids can help reduce inflammation and maintain optimal skin health. 

If your dog prefers beef to fish, our Grain Free Beef Clusters Dog Food is an excellent alternative to our previous option. It's also grain free, so it's gentle on the digestive system. 

Beyond that, it's packed with whole food ingredients like lentils, peas, and apples, making it a nutritious, high-protein option that can improve your pup's overall health. The healthier your dog is, the better they can fight environmental allergies. 

As with humans, dogs can get tired of eating the same things over and over. So, giving them the same old biscuits as treats can get old. 

Lucky for you, we have just the right replacement — our Beef Bone Broth Bites.  They're incredibly delicious but also filled with fiber-rich ingredients like sweet potato and pumpkin. More fiber supports better digestive health, which could mean a better immune response to allergens. 

Our Perfect Form Digestive Supplement is another excellent choice for your dog's gut health. It contains fiber-rich ingredients such as plantain and fennel, which can help build immunity against allergens, minimize the severity of allergic reactions, and improve overall health.

Environmental substances like pollen, dander, and dust can cause serious dog allergy symptoms like skin rashes, inflammation, and diarrhea, affecting your pup's quality of life. You can protect your furry friend from these uncomfortable allergic responses by bathing them regularly, maintaining a clean environment, using vet-prescribed medications, and providing nutritious foods. 

The Honest Kitchen can help elevate your pup's diet by providing fiber and omega-3-rich foods. These ingredients can improve your furry friend's gut health, coat, and skin, as well as reduce inflammation, minimizing the impact of allergens. 

And the best part? All our products are human grade, so you never have to worry about additives that can exacerbate your dog's environmental allergies. 

Explore our collections today to find allergen-free, high-quality, nutrient-rich food for your dog!