Hay fever season is a blight for many, with one in four Brits struck down with it every year. Alongside the UK’s human population, hay fever can also target our beloved dogs – but not in the way you might expect.
Working with pet insurance brand Petgevity, Dr Emma Chandley, a vet with over 13 years of experience with small animals, is revealing the surprising symptoms of hay fever in dogs.
Dr Emma explains:“Hay fever in dogs is usually part of a broader condition we refer to as atopic dermatitis, which is an allergic response to environmental triggers such as pollen.
“Unlike people, dogs do not tend to show classic sneezing and watery eyes as their main signs. Instead, the symptoms are often skin-related and can be subtle at first. Because the changes can be gradual and seasonal, it is easy to miss patterns until the signs become more persistent.”
Although exact data isn’t tracked nationally, it is estimated that around 1 in 10 dogs may suffer from allergic dermatitis – a condition that includes seasonal pollen-triggered hay fever-type symptoms.
Symptoms of hay fever in dogs can include:
- Increased licking of paws
- Mild redness between the toes
- Rubbing the face along furniture
- Recurrent ear irritation
Dr Emma continues with advice for dog owners on how to manage their hay fever:
“Complete prevention is rarely possible because pollen exposure can’t be eliminated entirely. Management usually involves reducing allergen contact and controlling the immune response.
“Practical steps include wiping paws and underbellies after walks, rinsing off visible pollen during peak seasons, and washing bedding frequently. Avoiding freshly cut grass and walks during very high pollen counts may also help some dogs.
To keep your dog comfortable during a hay fever flare up, Dr Emma adds: “Focus on reducing the itchiness and protecting the skin barrier. Regular bathing with a veterinary-recommended soothing shampoo can help remove allergens from the coat and calm inflamed skin. Omega-3 supplementation may also support skin health over time.
“For dogs prone to ear flare-ups, regular ear checks and early treatment at the first sign of redness can prevent more painful infections from developing.”
On whether there are medications available for dog hay fever, Dr Emma said: “Antihistamines can be used in dogs, but their effectiveness is variable and generally mild. It’s not advised to use over-the-counter products without veterinary guidance, as dosing differs from humans and combination products can be unsafe.
“For dogs with moderate to severe symptoms, prescription medication may be required. In some cases, allergen-specific immunotherapy is considered, particularly when symptoms are long-standing.”
The vet continues, explaining why managing the symptoms of hay fever is so important for your dog’s long-term wellbeing as well as their immediate comfort:
Whilst hay fever is typically seasonal due to higher pollen counts during the spring and summer months in the UK, the vet says that hay fever can potentially have a lasting effect in dogs.
“Ongoing allergic inflammation can lead to secondary complications” says Dr Emma, and “repeated scratching and chewing damages the skin barrier increases the risk of bacterial and yeast infections. These infections can become recurrent and more difficult to control over time.
“Chronic ear inflammation may lead to thickening of the ear canals and long-term structural changes if not treated appropriately.
“Persistent discomfort also affects behaviour and overall quality of life. Dogs who are constantly itchy may become more irritable, restless, or withdrawn.”
She also states that “dogs with pre-existing medical conditions that affect the skin barrier, such as seborrhoeic disorders, may experience more significant symptoms because allergens can penetrate the skin more easily.
“Dogs with chronic ear disease can also appear to “suffer more” because allergic inflammation often targets the ears. Usually, it is underlying immune sensitivity and skin health that influences how strongly a dog reacts.”
“If an elderly dog suddenly develops new itching, hair loss, or skin inflammation, it is important not to assume it is hay fever. Hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, as well as parasitic or infectious causes, need to be ruled out by a vet.
Photo by Paul Buijs: https://www.pexels.com/photo/dog-with-a-red-leash-in-the-park-16591631/
