Why is my dog‘s skin itchier at certain times of year?

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The short answer!

Seasonal itching typically relates to environmental allergens like pollen, grass, or mould spores that peak during spring and summer. Some dogs also react to dust mites, which get worse in warm, humid conditions.

Seasonal patterns help identify triggers. Dogs with atopic dermatitis (a chronic skin condition, believed to be present in around 10% of the total dog population (2)) often show flare-ups tied to specific times of year, even when the underlying sensitivity exists year-round (1).

Spring/Summer

Tree, grass, and weed pollens surge during warmer months. Unlike humans with hay fever, dogs don't primarily inhale allergens - pollen can settle on their skin during walks, triggering localised reactions. You'll typically see scratching around paws, face, ears, and belly where contact is greatest. Mould spores also increase in damp, warm conditions.

Autumn/Winter

While outdoor allergens decline in autumn and winter, indoor triggers like dust mites and storage mites (found in dry dog food) can worsen as homes are heated and ventilation reduces. Some dogs improve in winter simply through reduced outdoor exposure; others maintain year-round symptoms with seasonal intensification.

Vets use these patterns diagnostically. Flare-ups starting in April and resolving by October suggest grass pollen sensitivity. Year-round itching with summer worsening points to multiple triggers - perhaps dust mites as baseline, with pollen adding extra itch.

References

  1. Olivry T, DeBoer DJ, Favrot C, et al. Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: 2015 updated guidelines from the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals. BMC Vet Res. 2015;11:210. Available from: https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-015-0514-6
  2. Drechsler Y, et al. Canine Atopic Dermatitis: Prevalence, Impact, and Management. Front Vet Sci. 2024;11:1448401. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10874193 

This content is for general information only and does not replace veterinary advice. Supplements and nutritional products are not licensed veterinary medicines. Always speak to your vet before making changes to your dog’s diet, supplements, or care routine.

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owners also ask

How can I tell if my dog‘s itchy skin is allergies or something else?

Allergies typically cause symmetrical itching - both paws, both ears - with redness but no visible parasites. Other causes like fleas, mites, or infections often show asymmetrical patterns, visible bugs, or crusty/weeping lesions.

Can supplements help with my dog's itchy skin?

Some supplements may help support skin comfort as part of a wider care plan. Omega-3 fatty acids show the strongest evidence, while probiotics and antioxidants have emerging support for managing chronic itching.

How long does it take for supplements to help my dog's itchy skin?

Expect gradual improvement over 4-8 weeks rather than overnight changes. New skin cell turnover can take ages, and supplements need to build up in tissues before anti-inflammatory effects become noticeable. Probiotic effects tend to show after 3-4 weeks.