One of the most common ways that seasonal allergies can affect dogs is by causing irritation and inflammation in their ears. This can happen for a number of reasons, including exposure to allergens like pollen, dust mites, or grass––and can happen anytime, whether your dog is playing inside or outside!

When a dog is exposed to an allergen, their immune system reacts by releasing histamines and other chemicals, which can cause inflammation and itching in the ears. This can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Scratching or pawing at the ears
• Shaking the head or tilting it to one side
• Redness or swelling inside the ear canal
• Excessive wax buildup or discharge
• Foul odor or discharge from the ears 
• Tenderness around the affected ear
• Lethargy or other behavior changes (seeking isolation, etc.)
• Reduced appetite or difficulty chewing (generally on the side of the affected ear)

If left untreated, these symptoms can become more severe, potentially leading to ear infections or other health issues. In order to help them deal with symptoms, you’ll want to identify what kind of seasonal allergies affect your dog most. A grass allergy in dogs, dog dust mite allergy, or even a pollen allergy can all affect how you tackle dog ear allergies. 

Nobody wants to see dog ear allergies affecting their poor pup! If your dog is showing signs of seasonal allergies, there are a number of steps you can take to help relieve their discomfort. Here are some helpful tips for treating itchy ears at home:

You can use a gentle, pet-safe ear cleaner to remove any excess wax or debris caused by dog ear allergy triggers. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and avoid sticking cotton swabs or other objects inside the ear canal––save that job for your veterinarian! 

Ear cleaning should be done as frequently as needed to help remove allergens and environmental debris. If you’re not sure about how often to clean your dog’s ears, get your veterinarian's recommendation on the best frequency.