Can dogs get hay fever?

Hay fever in people is characterised by a runny nose, sneezing, itchiness – nose, throat and eyes. It can spoil your time outdoors and, if you have noticed any of these symptoms in your furry companion, then it is possible that they are suffering with hay fever too, that is, allergies to outdoor pollens.
 

There are some breeds that are more likely to develop dog hay fever than others including: 

• West Highland White Terriers 

• French Bulldogs 

• Pugs 

• Poodles 

• Dalmatians 

• Irish Setters 

• Schnauzers 

Whilst you can’t do anything to prevent hay fever completely, some research suggests that exposing your puppy early on to a variety of grasses, plants and trees could help them to be less likely to develop signs of dog hay fever later in life.

There are many symptoms of allergies in dogs: 

• Licking or biting their paws 

• Excessive scratching 

• Itchiness and redness of the skin, especially around the eyes, ears, mouth, armpits, abdomen, legs, groin, paws and around the bottom 

• Shaking their head 

• Rubbing their ears or muzzle 

• Tired or lethargic, particularly on days when the pollen level is high 

• Sneezing 

• Recurring skin or ear infections 

• Keep the grass in your garden cut short. 

• Use Ocryl® to wipe your dog’s face after each walk as this can help to remove any pollens and is mild enough to use in and around the eyes. Also wipe over fur, skin and paws. 

• Try to take walks early morning or later in the evening as pollen counts will generally be lower at these times. 

• Regularly wash any bedding to remove allergens, generally once a week would be recommended. 

• Regular grooming. A good daily brush might help to remove pollen that is clinging to their fur and keeping long haired dogs trimmed short could help reduce pollen problems. 

• Regular washing. A weekly full-body bath, and washing the paws after walks, can help to get rid of any lingering pollen, your vets can help recommend a good hypoallergenic shampoo. 

• Vacuum regularly to help keep your house pollen free. 

• Essential fatty acids supplements can help with itchy skin. 

• Try to work out what pollens your dog is allergic to, this way you can avoid walking them in areas that might cause a flare up. Allergy testing can help with this. You may also be able to do this in a more general way based on the hay fever season (see below). 

This list may help you narrow down which pollen(s) your dog is allergic to: 

• Tree Pollen – usually late March to mid-May 

• Grass Pollen – mid-May – July 

• Weed Pollen – end of June – September 

 
If you believe that your pet may be suffering from hay fever, it is important to visit your vet to rule out any other potentially more serious conditions or other allergies.  Your vet can assess the severity, conduct tests and recommend the best course of treatment.