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Hayfever, is an allergic reaction to pollen in the air, which most commonly presents itself during spring and summer. In general, an allergy to pollen is much less common for dogs compared to an allergy to fleas or dust mites; however, in order to find out the cause of the allergy for certain your dog would need an allergy test.
When dogs inhale pollen in the air, their immune system may overreact, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms.
The symptoms of hayfever in dogs are usually different to those that a person would experience and similarly the severity of these vary from dog to dog.
Identifying hayfever in dogs symptoms is the first step in managing this condition. While your dog may not experience all of these, some of the most common signs of hayfever are listed below.
One of the primary symptoms is itching, especially around the face, paws, and belly. You may notice that your furry friend starts to scratch excessively or rub against furniture to relieve the itch.
The constant scratching can lead to red, inflamed and raw patches of skin which can be quite painful. Excessive itching from your dog can also in some cases lead to bald patches.
Frequent and repeated sneezing can also be common as dogs react to inhaled irritants. The sneezing is not actually a true allergic reaction to pollen but is caused by direct irritation of the sensitive nasal lining.
A clear, watery discharge from the nose can be another indicator of sensitivity to pollen.
It’s important to remember that your dog doesn’t have to exhibit all of these symptoms in order to suffer from hayfever. Most commonly, your four-legged friends suffer with irritated skin; however, if you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine if hayfever is the cause.
“Dogs can feel the effects of hayfever just as much as humans can!”
Generally hayfever is a seasonal allergy that occurs when pollen becomes more prevalent in the air, usually spring and summer. For a dog with hayfever, the pollen reacts to their immune system and causes inflammation in the lining of their nose and eyes. This is when they start to present some of the systems mentioned above.
Hayfever in dogs can develop at any age and is not limited to dogs that live around a lot of green spaces. There are certain dog breeds that are more susceptible to hayfever, which includes:
Once your dog has been diagnosed with hayfever, there are several treatment options available that can help manage the symptoms and improve your dog’s quality of life. Unfortunately, there is no way to completely cure the allergy; however, these treatments can help to ease the symptoms on a daily basis.
If you suspect that your dog may be suffering from hayfever, arrange a pet health check with our practice and we can assist you in diagnosis and then finding the best treatment option.
Just like in humans, antihistamines can help reduce allergic reactions in dogs. It’s crucial to use medications specifically prescribed by a veterinarian for your pet, as not all human antihistamines are safe for dogs.
These newer medications are often more effective than antihistamines but are only available on prescription so we would need to see your pet before these can be dispensed.
These are reserved for those dogs with the most severe symptoms as they can lead to side effects. However in the short term they can be very useful in relieving symptoms. Again these are prescription only medicines.
These are shampoos, sprays, and creams designed to soothe itchy and inflamed skin and can provide immediate relief. Regular bathing with hypoallergenic shampoos can also help remove allergens from your dog’s coat. Similarly to antihistamines, make sure that these are recommended or prescribed by your veterinarian.
Minimising your furry friend’s exposure to allergens can also make a significant difference. Try to keep windows closed during high pollen seasons, use air purifiers, and clean your dog’s bedding regularly especially if they have been out and about in green areas.
Keeping the grass short in your garden can also help, in addition to washing and grooming your dog regularly when the pollen count is high. Generally, pollen counts are lower early in the morning and later in the evening, so you could also consider walking them around those times of the day.
Recognising the symptoms of hayfever in dogs and understanding the causes are essential steps in managing this condition. With the right treatments and environmental adjustments, your dog can enjoy a comfortable, itch-free life!
If you suspect your dog is suffering from hayfever, don’t hesitate to consult with our veterinary team for personalised care and advice. Get in touch with Kensington Veterinary Care for more guidance and advice on hayfever in dogs.
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