Allergy Season and Your Dog: How Grooming Can Help

Just like humans, dogs can suffer during allergy season—itchy skin, watery eyes, sneezing, and even digestive issues. While it might be easy to overlook the signs or confuse them with general discomfort, seasonal allergies in dogs are very real—and very treatable. One of the best and most natural ways to help manage your dog’s symptoms? Regular, professional grooming.

Let’s dig into why grooming isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good, too.

🌸 The Link Between Allergies and Skin Irritation

Allergens like pollen, mold, dust mites, and grasses cling to your dog’s coat and skin. If your dog spends time outside (and let’s be honest—they should!), they’re bringing all those irritants back in with them. For dogs with sensitivities, this can lead to:

• Excessive licking or chewing
• Hot spots and inflamed skin
• Itchy ears and red eyes
• General restlessness or discomfort

Over time, untreated allergies can even lead to infections or chronic skin issues. That’s where grooming comes in.

🛁 How Grooming Can Help

1. Bathing Removes Allergens

Regular bathing with a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo helps wash away allergens before they can irritate your dog’s skin. Specialty shampoos—like oatmeal-based or medicated varieties—can soothe already-inflamed skin and offer instant relief.

Pro tip: Ask your groomer about adding a deep-conditioning treatment or a soothing skin rinse during allergy season.

2. Brushing Keeps the Coat Clean and Tangle-Free

Daily or weekly brushing (depending on your dog’s breed) helps remove loose hair and dander that can trap allergens close to the skin. It also stimulates natural oils that protect your pup’s coat and promote healthy skin.

3. Ear Cleaning Prevents Secondary Infections

Allergic reactions often show up in the ears. Regular ear cleaning helps prevent yeast buildup and infections, especially for floppy-eared breeds like Cocker Spaniels or Labradoodles.

4. Paw Care Matters

Dogs pick up a lot through their paws—pollen, pesticides, lawn chemicals, you name it. Professional grooming includes trimming the hair between paw pads and gentle cleaning, which can help prevent your dog from licking and ingesting allergens.

🐶 Grooming as Preventative Health Care

Routine grooming not only helps your dog look and feel better during allergy season—it also gives your groomer a chance to spot issues early. That includes:

• New rashes or hot spots
• Dry, flaky skin
• Unusual lumps or changes in coat texture

Catching these signs early means you can work with your vet to adjust care before problems worsen.

🌿 Bonus Tip: Keep Your Home Allergy-Safe

Along with grooming, you can help your dog by:

• Wiping down paws after walks
• Washing bedding weekly
• Running an air purifier in high-traffic areas
• Using pet-safe floor cleaners

Final Thoughts

Grooming is more than just a luxury—it’s a first line of defense during allergy season. With the right grooming routine, you can ease your dog’s symptoms, reduce allergens in your home, and help your pup feel calm, comfortable, and healthy all season long.

If your dog has been scratching more than usual, rubbing their face, or licking their paws constantly, it might be time for a spa day—with a purpose. At The Spaw, our expert team specializes in soothing, allergy-aware grooming services that help your dog feel their best, inside and out. Whether it’s a gentle bath, paw care, or skin-soothing treatment, we’re here to make allergy season easier—for both of you.