Hay fever in dogs: spot the signs

Didn’t know hay fever in dogs was really a thing? In fact, around one in 10 are said to suffer. Here’s what to look out for to see if this could be what they’re experiencing.

Hay fever season is a blight for many, with one in four struck down with it every year. But hay fever can also target our beloved pets – 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, reveals the symptoms. “A dog’s hay fever is usually due to an allergic response to environmental triggers like pollen. Unlike people, they don’t tend to show csneezing and watery eyes as their main signs. Instead, symptoms are often skin-related, and can be subtle at first. Because the changes can be gradual and seasonal, it’s easy to miss patterns until the signs become more persistent.”

What are the symptoms?

Look out for increased licking of paws, mild redness between paws, rubbing their face along furniture, and recurrent ear irritation. “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.”

“You should also focus on reducing the itchiness and protecting the skin barrier to keep your dog comfortable during a flare up. Regular bathing with a veterinary-recommended shampoo can help remove allergens from the coat and calm skin. Omega-3 supplementation may also help over time. For dogs prone to ear flare-ups, regular checks and early treatment at the first sign of redness can prevent more painful infections from developing.”

What medicine works?

“Antihistamines can be used in dogs, but their effectiveness is variable and generally mild,” continues Emma. “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.”

Then there’s the surprising long-term after-effects that can arise. “Ongoing allergic inflammation can lead to secondary complications, while repeated scratching and chewing damages skin and increases the risk of bacterial and yeast infections. These infections can then become recurrent and more difficult to control over time. Chronic ear inflammation may also lead to thickening of the ear canals and long-term structural changes, if not treated appropriately. And bear in mind that persistent discomfort also affects a dog’s behaviour and overall quality of life, with them possibly becoming restless or withdrawn.”

What else should be considered?

Think of the impact hay fever has on dogs with pre-existing conditions. “Those with chronic ear disease can 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. But don’t automatically think a dog’s change in behaviour or new ailment they develop is hay fever, as it could be a parasitic or infectious causes, which need to be ruled out by a vet.” 

So the next time you complain of itchy eyes or a runny, just remember your dog could be suffering, too.