February has a way of making everything feel a little more affectionate, extra cuddles, cozy nights in, and more time noticing the small things. And for many pet parents, one of those “small things” is suddenly not so small: nonstop scratching, paw licking, head shaking, or that familiar ear smell that seems to come back again and again.
If your dog or cat is itchy this time of year, you’re not alone, especially here in Katy, Texas, where allergy triggers and parasites don’t always follow a neat seasonal calendar. The good news is that itching and ear infections aren’t problems you have to simply manage forever on your own. With the right approach, most pets can get real relief and fewer flare-ups. At Circle B Veterinary Hospital, we see many allergy-related visits, and we focus on finding the “why,” not just temporarily quieting the symptoms.
Pets can develop allergies much like people do, except instead of sneezing, many of them itch. Allergies may be caused by environmental triggers (like pollen, grasses, molds, and dust mites), food sensitivities, or even contact irritation from something in the home or yard. In winter and early spring, shifting weather patterns, lower humidity, and more time indoors can all contribute to skin irritation.
One important factor is the skin barrier. Healthy skin acts like a protective shield, keeping moisture in and irritants out. When that barrier is disrupted by dryness, inflammation, or infection, itching tends to snowball. Pets scratch, lick, or chew, which damages the skin further, which causes more inflammation, which leads to more itching. It’s a cycle, and it can be exhausting for both pets and their families.
You may notice signs like:
If these symptoms are popping up again, or never fully went away, it’s a strong sign that your pet needs more than a “quick fix.”
Ear infections are one of the most common ways allergies announce themselves. When allergies inflame the skin, that inflammation often includes the ear canals. Warm, moist ear environments can then become the perfect place for yeast or bacteria to overgrow. That’s why many pets with recurring ear infections also have underlying allergies, even if their skin looks mostly normal.
Ear infections can also be sneaky. Some pets show classic signs like head shaking and scratching. Others simply become grumpy about having their ears touched, hold one ear lower, or seem less interested in play. Cats may scratch around the face and neck, develop tiny scabs, or overgroom.
It’s tempting to try an over-the-counter ear product at home, but it’s not always safe or effective. Different infections require different medications, and using the wrong product can worsen irritation or delay healing. At Circle B Veterinary Hospital, ear evaluations often include looking deep into the ear canal and checking a sample under the microscope so treatment matches what’s actually happening.
In Texas, flea prevention isn’t just a summer thing. Fleas can be active during mild winters and warm spells, and they’re excellent at hiding. Even if you never see a flea, your pet can still be getting bitten, especially if there are wildlife visitors in the neighborhood or your pet spends time outdoors.
Here’s the tricky part: flea allergy dermatitis can look exactly like “regular allergies.” Some pets are hypersensitive to flea saliva, so even one or two bites can trigger days of intense itching. The pattern often shows up around the back half of the body, tail base, hind legs, and belly, but it can vary.
Because fleas can mimic allergies so well, consistent parasite prevention is a key part of any itch plan in Katy. It’s not about assuming your home has fleas; it’s about removing a very common variable that can keep symptoms smoldering.
When your pet comes in for itching or ear issues, the goal is to identify what’s driving the symptoms and how to stop the cycle. Your veterinarian will start with a thorough history, including when it began, whether it’s seasonal or year-round, what products you’re using, what foods and treats your pet eats, and whether other pets in the home are itchy.
From there, they may recommend targeted diagnostics, which could include checking ear debris under the microscope, evaluating the skin for infection, or screening for parasites. This step matters because “itchy” isn’t a diagnosis, it’s a symptom. Treating the symptom without identifying contributing causes is often why flare-ups keep returning.
Once the underlying picture is clearer, Circle B Veterinary Hospital can build an allergy management plan that fits your pet and your household. That plan may include treating secondary infections, calming inflammation, supporting the skin barrier, addressing environmental triggers, and ensuring parasite prevention is consistent and effective.
Allergy care isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it doesn’t have to mean your pet is miserable every season. The most successful plans usually combine immediate comfort with long-term control. That might look like using medication when flare-ups occur, choosing a consistent prevention routine, adjusting grooming and bathing strategies, and scheduling rechecks to stay ahead of recurring ear infections.
Just as important, allergy plans should be realistic. If a plan is too complicated, it’s hard to follow, and your pet suffers for it. Your veterinary team can help you choose an approach that matches your pet’s needs and your family’s routine, whether your pet is a year-round itchy dog, a cat with recurring ear problems, or a pup who only flares during certain months.If your pet is licking, scratching, or shaking their head again this season, you don’t have to wait until it becomes severe. Circle B Veterinary Hospital is here to help your pet feel comfortable and to help you feel confident about what’s causing the problem. Call today to schedule an itchy-skin or ear evaluation in Katy, Texas, and let’s get your pet back to feeling like themselves, happy, relaxed, and ready for all the love this season brings.