Why is my pet so itchy in summer? Common allergies in cats and dogs

Long walks, garden playtime and sunny afternoons are some of the best parts of summer for pets and their owners. However, warmer weather can also bring a rise in allergy symptoms for both cats and dogs.

From pollen and mould spores to increased flea activity, many pets experience seasonal allergy flare-ups during the warmer months. If your pet seems itchier than usual, develops skin irritation or starts excessively grooming, allergies could be to blame. 

While allergies can occur year-round, many environmental allergens become more prevalent during spring and summer, making symptoms more noticeable during hot weather.

Why are pet allergies worse during summer?

Summer creates the perfect conditions for many common pet allergens.

Warmer temperatures can lead to:

• Higher pollen levels from grass, trees and weeds
• Increased exposure to dust and mould spores
• Greater flea activity
• More time spent outdoors among potential allergens
• Increased skin irritation caused by heat and humidity

Pets with existing allergies may experience worsening symptoms during warm weather as their exposure to environmental triggers increases.

What are the common allergy-causing substances (allergens)?

The most common environmental triggers include pollen, mold spores, dust, and storage mites. The most common food triggers are chicken, dairy and beef.

Flea allergies are caused by a response to the flea saliva when it bites your pet. Contact allergies tend to result from substances like certain fabrics, washing powder and other cleaning products. 

Symptoms of allergies in dogs

Allergies are fairly common in dogs. Up to 10% of dogs in the UK have atopy (environmental allergies). Food allergies are less common but are still seen regularly. 

The signs of atopy usually start between 6 months and 3 years old, and they can be seasonal or all year round. Food allergies can start at any age. 

The symptoms of allergies tend to mostly affect the skin and ears. The most common sign is itching - also known as the medical term pruritus. 

Itching may present as scratching, licking, or biting excessively. Other signs include red skin, rashes, ear infections and hair loss. It’s not just the skin that is affected by allergies. 

Symptoms of allergies in cats

Allergies in cats can look slightly different but commonly affect the skin.

Watch out for:

• Excessive grooming
• Persistent scratching
• Hair loss
• Skin irritation or rashes
• Ear infections
• Scabs or sore patches
• Inflamed skin
• Increased restlessness or discomfort

Cats suffering from flea allergies may develop severe itching and skin inflammation around the neck, back or tail area.

Respiratory symptoms

Dogs may have gastrointestinal or respiratory signs too. These include vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. In some cases, you might notice your dog is quieter and more lethargic than normal. 

Anaphylactic shock is life-threatening but fortunately, quite rare in dogs. It tends to be related to insect stings or bites. The symptoms of this include a swollen face, excessive drooling, vomiting, breathing difficulties and collapse. Dogs showing these symptoms need emergency vet treatment. 

How to help pets with summer allergies

While allergies cannot usually be cured, they can often be managed successfully with the right approach.

1. Wipe paws and coats after walks

Pollen can cling to fur, paws and skin after outdoor adventures.

Using a damp cloth to wipe your pet after walks can help remove allergens before they irritate the skin. This is particularly helpful for dogs that enjoy walks through grassy areas

2. Stay on top of flea prevention

Because fleas are most active during warmer weather, maintaining year-round flea protection is essential.

If one pet has a flea allergy, all pets in the household should remain protected to reduce the risk of infestations.

3. Wash bedding regularly

Regularly washing pet bedding can help reduce exposure to dust, pollen, skin cells and other allergens that accumulate around the home.

4. Keep your home clean

Vacuuming carpets, soft furnishings and pet sleeping areas can help reduce allergen levels indoors.

Dusting regularly may also help limit exposure to dust mites and other airborne irritants.

5. Support skin health

Vet-recommended diets, fatty acid supplements and topical products such as shampoos or mousses may help support the skin barrier and reduce irritation caused by allergies.

Are certain breeds more likely to have allergies?

Certain dog breeds have a higher susceptibility to allergies compared to others:

• Breeds including Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Chinese Shar-Peis, English Springer Spaniels, Boxers, Hungarian Vizslas, Basset Hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, West Highland White Terriers, Bull Terriers, French Bulldogs, and Bichon Frise’s have demonstrated are more likely to develop environmental allergies.
• Breeds including Labradors, West Highland White Terriers, French Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, and Irish Setters are at a higher risk of food allergies.

Diagnosing allergies in cats and dogs

Diagnosing allergies in pets can be challenging and often requires patience. Because the symptoms of allergies can be similar to those caused by other health conditions, vets will usually start by ruling out other possible causes.

Skin tests may be carried out to check for parasites such as fleas or mites, as well as bacterial or fungal skin infections. In some cases, blood and urine tests may also be recommended to help build a complete picture of your pet's health.

If a food allergy is suspected, your vet may suggest a diet trial. This typically involves feeding your cat or dog a novel protein or hydrolysed diet exclusively for six to eight weeks to see whether symptoms improve.

There are also allergy tests available, including blood tests and intradermal skin testing. Intradermal testing, which involves placing tiny amounts of suspected allergens just beneath the skin, is often considered one of the most reliable methods for identifying environmental allergies.

Treating and managing allergies in cats and dogs

Successfully managing allergies usually requires a combination of approaches. Depending on the cause of your pet's symptoms, treatment may include dietary changes, supplements, topical treatments, parasite control and prescription medications.

Diet

Diet can play an important role in allergy management, even when food allergies have been ruled out.

Many specialist pet foods are formulated to support skin health and help strengthen the skin's natural barrier. These diets often contain increased levels of omega fatty acids and carefully selected protein sources.

Pets diagnosed with food allergies are commonly started on a novel protein or hydrolysed diet. In some cases, these diets may be fed long-term, while other pets may eventually be able to transition onto alternative foods under veterinary guidance.

Topical treatments

Topical products can help soothe irritated skin and support skin health.

For dogs, medicated shampoos and mousses may be recommended to help manage mild skin infections, greasy skin and irritation.

For both cats and dogs, vets may also recommend products designed to support skin health, reduce inflammation and improve overall comfort. Regular ear cleaning with vet-approved products can help reduce the risk of recurring ear infections in pets prone to allergies.

Supplements

Nutritional supplements can be beneficial for some pets with allergies.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids may help support the skin barrier and reduce inflammation, while probiotics can be useful for pets experiencing digestive upset alongside allergy symptoms.

Your vet will be able to advise whether supplements are suitable for your cat or dog.

Flea allergy management

Pets with flea allergies require strict, year-round flea prevention.

Even a single flea bite can trigger significant itching and irritation in pets that are sensitive to flea saliva. All pets in the household should be kept up to date with flea treatments to minimise the risk of reinfestation.

If fleas are present in the home, your vet may recommend treating the environment as well as your pet. Household flea sprays can help eliminate adult fleas, eggs and larvae, and some products may also help reduce dust mites.

Pets experiencing allergy flare-ups may require short-term anti-itch medication or antibiotics if secondary skin infections develop.

How to help at home

There are several simple steps pet owners can take to help reduce exposure to allergens and keep their pets comfortable:

• Wash your pet's bedding regularly
• Clean food and water bowls frequently
• Vacuum carpets, rugs and soft furnishings often
• Dust your home regularly to reduce allergens
• Avoid heavily scented cleaning products, sprays and air fresheners where possible
• Avoid smoking indoors
• Groom your pet regularly and check for any signs of skin irritation, redness or hair loss
• Wipe your dog's paws and coat after walks to remove pollen and outdoor allergens
• Regularly check cats and dogs for signs of fleas

Prescription medications

Some allergy treatments are only available through your vet.

Prescription parasite treatments may be required to protect against certain mites and skin parasites, while anti-itch medications can help pets with moderate to severe allergies feel more comfortable and prevent excessive scratching, licking and skin damage.

These medications are available in a range of forms, including tablets, spot-on treatments, injections, sprays and creams. Your vet will recommend the most appropriate option based on your pet's symptoms and individual needs.

When to consult a vet

Our Joii vets help pets with allergies every day, they can help recommend the best food, supplements, and topical products for your pet. They are available 24 hours a day for advice. 

When do you need to see a vet in practice?

• Any pet with frequent itching, where it’s not controlled with topical products and it’s interrupting their normal routine.
• Any pets with widespread areas of inflamed, scabby, or moist skin all over the body.
• Any pets that have suspected mange.
• Any pets with thick, swollen ears or ears that have yellow/green discharge. 

What to expect

If your pet has been diagnosed with flea, food, or environmental allergies, it unfortunately means long-term treatment.

Regular vet checks - at least every 6 months - are essential to keep on top of the symptoms and avoid the development of secondary infections.

Allergies cannot be prevented or cured, but they can often be well managed so that your cat or dog can live normal, happy lives.