August 19 2026
Allergy Season Isn't Over: Why Fall Can Be One of the Worst Times of Year for Itchy Pets
Autumn Allergies:
When most people think about seasonal allergies, they picture blooming flowers and spring pollen. But for many pets, allergy season is far from over when autumn arrives. In fact, late summer and fall can be some of the most challenging months for allergic dogs and cats.
As temperatures cool and leaves begin to fall, a different set of environmental allergens becomes more prevalent. Common fall triggers include:
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Ragweed pollen: One of the most significant fall allergens, ragweed releases large amounts of pollen from late summer through the first frost.
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Weed pollens: Plants such as sagebrush, lamb's quarters, mugwort, and other weeds continue pollinating well into autumn.
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Mold spores: Damp leaves, decaying vegetation, and moist soil create ideal conditions for molds to thrive. Pets playing in leaf piles or spending time outdoors can be exposed to high concentrations of airborne mold spores.
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Dust mites: As homes are closed up and heating systems begin running, indoor allergen levels can increase, contributing to ongoing skin irritation in sensitive pets.
Unlike people, pets often don't show allergies primarily as sneezing or watery eyes. Instead, allergies frequently appear as:
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Itching and scratching
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Paw licking and chewing
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Ear inflammation that can turn into ear infections
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Red, irritated skin
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Recurrent skin infections
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Hot spots
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Hair loss
These symptoms are often driven by inflammation and a compromised skin barrier, making nutritional support an important component of long-term management.
A Nutritional Approach to Fall Allergy Support
An evidence-based approach to allergy management extends beyond symptom control and focuses on supporting the skin's natural defenses.
TruBenefits® Omega helps provide EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids that support a healthy inflammatory response and skin health. Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important because many allergic pets have an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory fatty acids. Research shows that omega-3 helps support skin health and a normal inflammatory response in dogs and cats.
TruBenefits® Cutaneo complements this approach by providing three natural forms of highly absorbable vitamin E to help restore and strengthen skin barrier function. Dogs with atopic dermatitis have been shown to have lower vitamin E levels, and evidence shows supplementation has been associated with improvements. TruBenefits® Cutaneo is also recommended to help suppport normal skin comfort during seasonal challenges.
Closing Takeaway
Fall may bring football, cooler weather, and colorful leaves, but it also brings a new set of allergy challenges for pets. By recognizing common autumn allergens and supporting skin health from the inside out, veterinarians and pet owners can help dogs and cats stay comfortable through the changing seasons.