Signs a dog has hay fever
The symptoms of canine hay fever are similar to those we suffer from as humans, and the animal can experience all of them, or just one of them. They can include:
• Itchy, irritated skin (this is also a common symptom of Dry Eye so be sure to check with your vet)
Which dogs are more likely to get hay fever?
Studies have shown that dogs who were not as exposed to the outdoors – including grass, trees and plants – in early life, could be more likely to suffer from canine hay fever, due to a lower tolerance.
According to Webbox, there are some dog breeds which are more likely to suffer from hay fever than others.
“Hay-fever can cause serious discomfort for our beloved pooches. As it is commonly associated with sneezing, many pet owners often dont realise that their dogs are suffering from seasonal allergies, which can worsen discomfort,” Leticia Fidalgo Buron, vet and technical manager at Webbox, says.
“Certain breeds are more predisposed to allergies, which can be due to various factors, such as the shape of their noses and the type of their coat. Although mixed breed dogs can suffer with allergies, science has shown that purebred dogs are more genetically prone to allergies.”
Can dogs get hay fever?
Hay fever in dogs can be an annoying and unpleasant issue for your canine best friend, interrupting their enjoyment of long summer days. Dogs love to sniff and explore outside and therefore, the symptoms can make life quite difficult. At Barking Mad Dog Care, the UK’s leading dog sitting service, we decided to take a closer look at the commonly asked question of whether dogs can really get hay fever and how to help them, if they appear to be suffering.
The Blue Cross, a large UK animal charity specialising in veterinary care, advises:
“Dogs can suffer from hay fever, just like humans. Whereas humans get itchy eyes, runny noses and sneezes, hay fever symptoms tend to show up in a dog’s skin, making them super itchy. Although there is no cure, you can manage your dog’s pollen allergy with topical treatment and medications from your vet.”
Hay fever is an allergic reaction caused by the body’s response to grass, tree or plant pollen in the air. It is common in the spring and summer and is a type of ‘atopy’ which is due to allergens, such as pollen, penetrating the skin.