12 Signs Your Dog Has Pollen Allergies

If your furbaby is sneezing, has watery eyes or is itchy and scratching, it could be that they have pollen allergies. 

Have a chat with your vet to eliminate all other possibilities and to discuss the chance that they have hayfever, so that together you can create an action plan to ease your dog’s symptoms. 

There are several ways that you can help your furbaby, including treatment of symptoms and the avoidance of irritants. A test conducted by a veterinarian will confirm any allergies, with home remedies or prescribed options available.

Hay Fever in Dogs

Yes, it is possible for your furbaby to have hay fever, just like people can. If you think your pooch is suffering from dog pollen allergies, then a dog allergies guide can provide some helpful tips to identify season pet allergies in dogs. 

Identifying if your dog has skin allergies and what causes them can be tricky. A veterinarian will be able to provide insight through various tests and help with treating the symptoms of both environmental allergies and treating food allergies in dogs as well.

Although it can be harder to treat pollen allergies, we do have some tips on how to manage them.

When Is the Worst Time for Dog Pollen Allergies?

Pollen allergies tend to be at their worst in the spring and summer and can last through until the beginning of autumn. 

Pollen comes from grass, weeds, flowers or trees, with tree pollen starting earlier in the year and grass pollen becoming heavier throughout the summer. 

12 Common Signs Your Dog Has Pollen Allergies

Dog pollen allergy symptoms could be one of the possible causes of your furbaby sneezing a lot. There are several common symptoms of dog allergies, so if your dog is experiencing any of the following issues, we recommend setting a date with a veterinarian to get to the bottom of the cause. 

1. Hives

Otherwise known as urticaria, hives are characterised by raised red welts and are a sign of an allergic reaction. 

They can be very itchy and can appear anywhere on the body, but usually around the head, neck, stomach and legs. 

2. Red puffy eyes

Red and swollen eyes can be painful and are also known as blepharitis. It can be confused with conjunctivitis, or be a symptom of other conditions, so make sure you take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. 

3. Scratching

If you notice that your furbaby is scratching a lot, then it could be a sign of an allergic reaction. Do make sure you have eliminated other potential reasons such as fleas or dry skin.

4. Excessive licking of own body parts

Constant licking, particularly between the toes, chewing and licking of the rear end and inner thighs are common signs of an allergic reaction. 

5. Loss of hair

This is one of the biggest indicators of an allergic reaction, particularly to food and environmental factors, such as pollen or dust. 

6. Inflammation of dog ears

Red, itchy and inflamed ears are a sign of an allergic reaction. Your furbaby may also be susceptible to frequent ear infections if they suffer from an allergy.

7. Rubbing face constantly

The face can become swollen, itchy and irritated due to an allergic reaction and your dog may rub its face constantly as a result. 

8. Discharge from the eyes

Allergic conjunctivitis results in discharge that can be clear and watery or be a thick discharge that is white, yellow or green-tinged. 

9. Shaking of the head

Your furbaby will shake its head when its ears are itchy. If they have an ear infection or are reacting to an allergen, their ears can become itchy. 

Excessive head shaking should be looked into by a veterinarian. 

10. More than normal sneezing

Consistent sneezing that is accompanied by other respiratory distress symptoms (wheezing or coughing) or other common allergic reaction signs, maybe an allergy indicator.

11. Inflamed skin

A painful or itchy skin rash can be a sign that your furbaby has come into contact with an allergen.

12. Moist eczema skin

Itchy and when scratched can lead to open sores, this wet eczema is often also referred to as hot spots and needs to be treated.

How to Treat a Dog with Pollen Allergies

Some of these home remedies for a dog with skin allergies can be effective dog pollen allergy treatments. Ensure that you consult a veterinarian to identify other prescribed dog grass allergy treatment options available if milder courses of action don't seem to be helping. 

Antihistamines

Before giving any medication to your pet, consult a veterinarian. Antihistamines help with reducing the symptoms of seasonal allergies but it's always best to check before giving your furbaby any. 

Use sensitive skin shampoo during bathtime

Sensitive skin shampoo or oatmeal baths can soothe itchy and irritated skin and remove any of the potential allergens that they have come in contact with. 

Wash their bedding regularly

Allergens can be brought inside by your pet on their coat or paws. Washing their bedding often, as well as wiping down their collars, harnesses and other equipment with dog-friendly wipes can reduce their exposure. 

Add an immune support supplement to their diet

The best food for a dog with allergies can be supplemented to boost their well-being. A daily immune support supplement like our Tripe Booster is a great option as an allergy is an immune response. 

A fish oil supplement tastes great and can help with dry, itchy skin. 

Take your furbaby to the vet if symptoms persist

Don’t leave your furbaby to suffer through their seasonal symptoms unnecessarily. Talk to a vet for further options and for clarity to help them enjoy their best life. 

A Quick Check a Day Keeps the Allergies Away

There are quite a few common symptoms of seasonal allergies, so if you are noticing changes to your dog’s well-being as the seasons change, they may have a pollen allergy. 

Having an allergic reaction is nothing to wag a tail over, so it’s important to identify and work on a treatment plan to ease the discomfort of symptoms. 

Itchy skin is a common symptom, but can also be a sign of fleas as well. Scratch off all other potential reasons why your dog is scratching with a flea treatment guide for pet owners before talking to a vet about allergy testing.