September means spring in Cape Town. The days are getting warmer, the flowers are blooming, the grass is growing  – and for some of our dogs, unfortunately, the itching is starting.

If your dog seems to be scratching, licking their paws or rubbing their face more than usual, seasonal allergies could be to blame.

Just like us, dogs can react to things in their environment. Pollen, grass, plants, mould and other seasonal allergens can trigger an allergic response, leaving them feeling incredibly itchy and uncomfortable.

Is your dog showing any of these signs?

Allergies don’t always look the same in every dog, but some of the common signs we see include:

• Lots of scratching, licking or chewing
• Constantly licking or nibbling their paws
• Red or irritated skin
• Rubbing their face
• Recurrent ear infections or itchy ears
• Hair loss or sore patches
• A change in the smell of their skin or ears
• Restlessness because they just can’t seem to get comfortable

Sometimes it starts quite subtly – perhaps your dog is just licking their paws a little more than normal. But before long, that licking and scratching can become a vicious cycle, causing further irritation and sometimes secondary yeast or bacterial infections.

And remember, not every itchy dog has allergies. Fleas, mites, infections, food allergies and other skin conditions can cause very similar symptoms, which is why getting the right diagnosis is so important.

What you can do to help manage itchy skins at home

If your dog is itchy and you’re waiting for your veterinary appointment, there are a few things you can do to help keep them more comfortable.

Give those paws a rinse
After walks, especially through grass and flowers, gently rinse or wipe your dog’s paws. You can also wipe down their legs, tummy if they’ve been rolling around outside. This helps remove some of the pollen and other allergens sitting on their coat.

Keep them clean
A bath can help wash allergens away from the skin. If we’ve previously recommended a medicated or veterinary shampoo for your dog, use it as directed. Otherwise, avoid using human shampoos or heavily fragranced products, as these can make irritated skin even more uncomfortable.

Try to stop the licking and scratching
We know this is easier said than done. Unfortunately, the more a dog scratches or licks, the more damaged and inflamed the skin becomes. Keeping nails short and using a comfortable recovery collar when necessary can help prevent them from making things worse while you wait to see us.

Keep parasite prevention up to date
Flea bite allergy can cause extreme itching and can look very similar to other allergies. Up to date flea and tick control is an important part of managing an itchy dog.

Please don’t give human medication without checking first
Some medications that are perfectly safe for us can be unsuitable or even dangerous for our pets. Always check with your vet before giving your dog medication for itching.

The good news? There are lots of ways we can help

Your dog doesn’t have to spend spring feeling miserable and itchy – chat to us. There are a range of treatments available to help manage allergic skin disease, and we can tailor the approach to suit your individual dog.

Depending on the cause and severity of the allergies, treatment may include itch-relieving medication such as oral tablets or injections, medicated shampoos and creams, treatment of secondary skin or ear infections and, for pets who struggle throughout the year, longer-term allergy management. This can include supporting the skin barrier with regular skin care, the correct diet and supplements rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and essential fatty acids (EFAs), which can help support healthy skin and coat and improve the skin’s natural barrier function over time.

With the right combination of treatment, skin care and nutrition, we can help keep those itchy paws, scratchy skin and allergy symptoms under control – helping your dog feel their best.