September means longer days, warmer weather and the beginning of spring across Australia. But for some of our pets, it can also mean the beginning of itchy season.
Just like us, cats and dogs can react to allergens in their environment. As pollen counts rise and grasses and plants begin to flourish, you may notice your pet scratching, licking or grooming more than usual.
As a Vet, this is something I commonly see as the weather warms. And while the occasional scratch is completely normal, persistent itching is worth paying attention to.
What causes seasonal allergies in pets?
Seasonal allergies occur when your pet’s immune system overreacts to something in their environment. Common triggers can include:
• Grass, tree and plant pollens
• Certain plants and flowers
• Mould spores
• Dust mites
• Other environmental allergens
Unlike food allergies or some environmental allergies that can cause problems throughout the year, seasonal allergies tend to flare at particular times. For many Australian pets, spring is when those tell-tale signs start appearing.
What should you look out for?
Allergies don’t always look the way we expect. In pets, itchy skin is often a much bigger feature than the runny nose and sneezing we associate with hay fever in people.
Keep an eye out for:
• Scratching more than usual
• Licking or chewing the paws
• Red, irritated or inflamed skin
• Recurrent ear problems or head shaking
• Hair loss or areas of thinning coat
• Excessive grooming, particularly in cats
• Rubbing the face or body
• Occasionally, watery eyes or sneezing
Cats can be particularly good at hiding skin irritation. Sometimes the first thing you’ll notice is overgrooming, thinning fur or small scabs through the coat, rather than seeing your cat actively scratching.
Another very subtle sign I often notice in cats is twitching or rippling of the skin and coat along their back. It can be easy to overlook, but in some cats it may be an early clue that their skin is feeling irritated or uncomfortable.
And itching isn’t simply annoying.
I can think of few things worse than feeling like your skin is crawling, being unable to get comfortable and having your sleep repeatedly disturbed because you’re itchy.
Our pets can experience that same discomfort, but they can’t tell us what’s keeping them awake or making them miserable. That’s why persistent scratching, licking, overgrooming or other subtle changes shouldn’t simply be dismissed.
Comfort matters. Sometimes these small changes are your pet’s way of telling you that something isn’t quite right.
Is it definitely an allergy?
Not necessarily.
One of the most important parts of treating an itchy pet is working out why they’re itchy in the first place.
Fleas and other parasites, skin infections and other underlying conditions can cause very similar signs, so it’s important not to assume that an increase in scratching is simply a seasonal allergy.
That’s why I recommend speaking with your Vet rather than assuming spring allergies are the culprit.
What can you do at home?
If your pet is prone to seasonal allergies, a few simple changes can help reduce their exposure to environmental allergens.
Wiping paws and coats after time outdoors can help physically remove pollen and other allergens from the coat and skin, reducing ongoing exposure. Keeping bedding clean, vacuuming regularly and maintaining consistent parasite prevention are also worthwhile.
For cats, particularly indoor cats, think about the environment close to the ground too. Dust, fragrances and other airborne irritants can matter, especially around the places where they sleep, play and toilet.
And if your pet is already itchy, don’t wait until they have scratched or groomed themselves raw. Early veterinary attention can help get them comfortable sooner and reduce the risk of secondary skin and ear infections developing.
My Vet tip for spring
Don’t dismiss a sudden increase in scratching, licking or overgrooming as “just something they do.”
Your pet’s skin is telling you something.
With spring just beginning, September is a great time to pay a little more attention to your pet’s skin, coat, ears and paws.
Notice what’s normal for them. And more importantly, notice when something changes.
If they’re scratching more, grooming differently, twitching their skin or simply don’t seem as comfortable as usual, have a chat with your Vet.
Sometimes a small itch is the first sign that your pet needs a little extra help.
By: Dr Tanya Phillips Veterinarian & Founder, Best Fur Forward. ACA Veterinary Representative. Published: September 2026 ACE Newsletter
