Hay fever in dogs is a type of allergy, just like in humans. However, the symptoms in dogs tend to be quite different, so it may not always be obvious to owners. Hay fever is a reaction to different types of pollen in the air that are present in the spring and summer.

Hay fever can affect dogs at any age, but it most commonly starts at a younger age. The signs of hay fever are due to a reaction of the immune system. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for hay fever in dogs, but it can usually be managed well with medication and lifestyle changes.

What is hay fever in dogs?

Hay fever occurs when allergens, mostly pollens, come into contact with the body via the skin or through inhalation. The immune system reacts to these allergens to get rid of them, and this is what causes the symptoms.

• Dogs can develop an allergic reaction to the pollen from grass, trees and weeds.

• The most common symptom of hay fever in dogs is itching, and the most common areas affected are the paws, face, tummy, armpits and groin.

• Hay fever is usually mild and easy to treat, but some dogs can be more severely affected and need prescription medication to ease the symptoms.

• Hay fever only occurs when the pollen count is high during spring and summer, so if your dog is showing signs during winter, it’s likely that they have a different type of allergy.

• It’s best to speak to a vet if you suspect your dog has hay fever, as the symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions.

Hay fever can cause discomfort. However, the signs can often be managed well with appropriate treatment. Our Joii vets are available 24 hours a day. Call us now if you have any questions about how to treat hay fever.

Symptoms of hay fever in dogs

The most common symptoms of hay fever in dogs are:

• Itching: which can present as scratching, rubbing, or biting excessively at areas of the skin. The most commonly affected areas are the paws, eyes, ears, armpits, tummy and groin.

• Red, inflamed, thickened and flaky skin

• Hair loss and bald patches

• Lethargy

• Infections of the ears, skin and eyes due to excessive scratching or rubbing

• Sneezing and runny eyes and nose are less common in dogs with hay fever but some dogs do show these signs.

Are some dogs more at risk of hay fever than others?

There’s research that shows some dog breeds are more prone to hay fever; these include Dalmatians, Setters, Terriers and Retrievers.

How is hay fever diagnosed in dogs?

Hay fever in dogs can be tricky to diagnose, as the symptoms are similar to many other conditions. There is no specific test for hay fever. It’s a case of ruling out other common conditions and assessing the response to treatment.

Your vet may recommend the following:

• Skin tests, such as scrapes, swabs or a biopsy

• A diet trial to test for a food allergy

• Blood and urine tests

• Allergy tests: these are usually blood tests or intradermal skin tests

How do vets treat hay fever in dogs?

The treatment of hay fever depends on its severity. Dogs that are uncomfortable and very itchy will usually need prescription medication to reduce the signs.

Prescription treatment may include:

• Antihistamines

• Anti-itch medications, such as steroids

• Antibiotics for secondary infections

• Ear and eye treatments

• Immunotherapy

How to help at home if your dog has hay fever

There are many ways to help at home if your vet has diagnosed your dog with hay fever. If the symptoms are severe, your dog will need prescription medication too, but the following can all help reduce their discomfort:

• Shampoos and mousses to keep the skin healthy and reduce irritation

• A special skin diet, such as Hills Prescription Diet Derm Complete. This food is specially formulated to support skin health.

• Antibacterial skin wipes

• Skin supplements

• Eye drops

• Ear cleaners

Antihistamines are occasionally used for hay fever in dogs. However, there are only some types that are suitable, and the dose will depend on your dog’s weight. Never give your dog human medication without speaking to your vet; some can be extremely toxic.

Tips on how to prevent hay fever in dogs

Unfortunately, hay fever in dogs is not preventable. There’s a theory that dogs with less exposure to different allergens when they are younger may be more susceptible to developing hay fever, but this is not yet proven.

Is my family at risk of catching hay fever?

Hay fever in dogs is not contagious to other animals or humans.

Tips on how to live with a dog with hay fever

Unfortunately, hay fever in dogs is not curable, but many dogs diagnosed with it can live a normal, happy life. You can help at home during the high-risk months by reducing exposure to pollen.

You can do this by:

• Cleaning your dog's coat and paws after being outdoors to remove pollen from their coat

• Frequent brushing at home

• Regularly washing their bedding

• Vacuuming and dusting the house regularly

• Keep the grass in your garden cut short

• Keeping the windows in your home closed when pollen counts are high

• Walking at times of the day when pollen counts are lowest, usually morning and evening

• Walking in areas that tend to have lower pollen risk, such as at the beach

• Keeping your dog up to date with parasite preventatives to reduce extra skin irritations

When should you be worried about hay fever in dogs?

Your dog should see a vet in practice if:

• They are constantly scratching themselves

• They have any areas of swollen or infected skin

• They require prescription medication to reduce itching, which includes antihistamines

Call us and speak to one of our Joii vets if:

• You have any questions about home treatment of hay fever in dogs, this includes what shampoos, wipes and ear cleaners to use.

• You have questions about what diets to use to help with allergies

• You want more advice on hay fever in dogs