Welcoming Autumn
If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know that I love autumn. The colours, the crisp walks, the smell of woodsmoke in the air – it’s one of my favourite times of year to be outdoors with my dogs. But I’ve also noticed that each year, as the leaves start to fall, one or two of my dogs become a little itchier, their paws red from licking or their ears more sensitive than usual.
Just like us, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies – but one thing I was surprised to learn recently is that autumn brings its own set of triggers.
What causes Autumn allergies in dogs?
When we think of allergies, most of us picture spring pollen. But autumn has plenty of irritants too. The main culprits include:
Mould and Mildew
The piles of damp leaves we love to crunch through are paradise for dogs – but they can harbour mould spores that irritate skin and lungs.
Dust Mites
As the heating goes on, dust mites thrive. Dogs that spend more time indoors may start itching as a result.
Pollen
Late-flowering weeds like ragweed continue releasing pollen well into autumn. Sensitive dogs may sneeze, scratch or develop watery eyes.
Fleas
Even in cool weather, fleas remain active. Flea saliva is one of the most common dog skin irritation causes.
Signs your dog might have seasonal allergies
It’s not always obvious that your dog’s discomfort is allergy-related. Some signs I’ve noticed in my own pack over the years include:
Persistent scratching or chewing.
Red, inflamed skin, especially around paws, armpits, and belly.
Ear infections or head shaking.
Watery eyes or sneezing.
Behavioural changes such as restlessness, licking at night, seeming “out of sorts”.
Digestive upset.
If you see these symptoms cropping up each autumn, there’s a good chance your dog is reacting to seasonal triggers.
How to help dogs with Autumn allergies
Over the years, I’ve found that small changes make a big difference:
Grooming: Brush regularly, rinse muddy paws, and wipe coats down after walks.
Cleaning: Vacuum often, wash bedding at 60°C weekly, and keep damp areas dry.
Routine checks: Keep ears clean and dry: floppy-eared breeds like my spaniels are especially prone to infections.
Exercise adjustments: Avoid areas heavy with mouldy leaves if your dog reacts badly.
Nutrition and skin support
I’ve seen first hand the vital role that diet plays in health and wellbeing – including skin and coat. Certain nutrients can really help if your dog struggles with seasonal allergies:
Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids: abundant in ingredients like oily fish, offal and green-lipped mussel, which helps to reduce inflammation and support skin health.
Antioxidants like blueberries and seaweed – strengthens the immune system.
High-quality protein without fillers – avoids unnecessary triggers.
That’s part of the reason why we developed James & Ella’s recipes the way we did. All of our diets are rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, and free from artificial additives, while our Air-Dried and Freeze-dried Treats are brilliant for training without adding hidden irritants. You can learn more about our ingredients here.
When to Seek Veterinary Advice
While many cases of dog itchy skin in autumn can be managed at home, there are times to see your vet. Go sooner rather than later if:
The itching is constant or severe
Your dog develops sores, hot spots, or hair loss
Ear infections keep recurring
Your dog seems unusually lethargic or unwell
A vet may recommend medication, allergy testing, or specialist shampoos to help.
My Own Autumn Routine
With six dogs, managing allergies is part of life. My routine each autumn looks something like this:
Daily coat checks after muddy walks
Paw rinses in warm water to wash off spores and pollen
Adding omega-rich toppers to meals
Keeping bedding fresh and dry (not easy when you’ve got soggy retrievers piling in!)
These small steps make a big difference, and mean that my dogs can still enjoy long autumn walks without too much discomfort.
In Summary: Do Dogs Get Autumn Allergies?
Absolutely, and I’ve seen it first-hand. While autumn is a season of beauty, it can also bring challenges for sensitive dogs. By spotting the signs early, making small changes at home, and supporting them with the right nutrition, you can help your dog stay happy and comfortable through the season.
And if you notice your dog scratching more than usual this autumn, give them an extra brush, a fresh bath, and maybe some of our Limited Edition Autumnal Pork & Pumpkin Spice Treats!
Until next time,
James x
