As spring arrives and pollen fills the air, many pets begin to experience seasonal allergies—often in ways that look different from human symptoms. Instead of sneezing, the most common sign in dogs and cats is itchiness. Pets may lick or chew their paws, scratch their sides and belly, or—in the case of cats—over‑groom to the point of thinning fur.

You may also notice red or irritated skin, especially on the paws, ears, muzzle, or belly. Some pets develop “hot spots,” which are painful patches caused by constant scratching. Ear irritation is another common clue, shaking the head, pawing at the ears, or noticing an odor can all signal allergy‑related inflammation.

Additional symptoms can include excess shedding, dry or flaky skin, and mild sneezing or coughing during peak pollen days. Some pets also show subtle behaviour changes, like restlessness or avoiding touch due to discomfort.

Seasonal allergies in pets can be managed through a combination of specialty diets, soothing grooming practices, supportive supplements, and proper tools. Feeding pets skin‑ and allergy‑supportive foods—especially those with omegas, limited ingredients, or probiotics—helps reduce inflammation from the inside out. Regular baths with gentle, hypoallergenic shampoos wash away pollen and calm itchy skin, while the right grooming tools, like de‑shedding brushes and paw wipes, remove allergens trapped in fur and reduce irritation. Adding supplements such as omega‑3s, probiotics, and skin‑support chews can further strengthen the skin barrier and improve comfort during high‑pollen seasons, giving pets well‑rounded support against seasonal flare‑ups.

With a little extra care, your pet can enjoy spring comfortably—itch‑free and happy to be outside again.

Stop by your local Feeds’n Needs and chat with our pet experts—they’ll help you find the perfect allergy‑support products for your dog or cat.

Lifetime: For Dogs https://www.lifetimepetfood.ca/en-ca/dog-products/   https://www.lifetimepetfood.ca/en-ca/cat-products/
For Cats – https://www.lifetimepetfood.ca/en-ca/cat-products/

ACANA: Recipe for Dogs https://www.acana.com/en-CA/find-the-right-recipe?animal=dog

Recipe finder for Cats https://www.acana.com/en-CA/find-the-right-recipe?animal=cat

Tropiclean: Dog & Cat – Medicated Itch Relief Shampoos https://tropiclean.com/collections/shampoo/products/tropiclean-oatmeal-tea-tree-medicated-itch-relief-shampoo-for-pets

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