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Can dogs get hay fever? Symptoms to watch out for and how you can treat your pet for a few pounds
The UK is enjoying a hot summer this year, with some areas hotter than the Mediterranean this week. But as temperature levels climb, so do pollen levels which can dampen the summer mood.
The Met Office issued a warning of 'very high' pollen levels for the majority of the country, which will likely worsen sufferers' symptoms.
While 10 million people are affected by the seasonal allergies, your dogs can also be just as irritated.
Here or the tell-tale signs of hay fever in dogs, and how you can help ease your pups symptoms for just a few pounds.
Hay fever doesn't just affect humans, 1 in 5 dogs may experience symptoms during the summer months
Can dogs get hay fever?
Hay fever is a common allergy during the summer months not just for humans but for dogs too.
According to Pets at Home, up to 10% of dogs in the UK suffer from hay fever-like symptoms to some degree.
These are known as 'environmental allergies' or 'pollen allergies' which is part of a broader allergic condition.
Although pollen allergies in dogs are much less common than allergies to fleas or dust mites, hay fever is prevalent in dogs in the summer months.
What are the hay fever symptoms in dogs?
Hay fever symptoms in dogs look different to the symptoms human experience, but usually occur during the same months between March to September.
Victoria Kerr, pet nutritionist at Naturo said: 'When affected by hay fever, a dog’s body reacts by releasing histamines to help combat pollen during an allergic reaction.
'This can lead to some uncomfortable symptoms such as inflammation, irritation, and itchiness.'
The Met Office issued a list of symptoms to look out for during the summer months.
- Licking and biting their paws
- Excessive scratching
- Redness of the skin, especially around the ears, eyes and in between paws
- Shaking their head
- Rubbing their ears or muzzle
- Tired or lethargic, particularly on days when the pollen count is high
Which dogs are more likely to get hay fever?
Like humans, hay fever can affect any type of dog, although some breeds are more likely to suffer than others and the severity will vary.
This is due to some breeds being predisposed to allergic skin disease known as atopy.
According to the veterinary manual these include:
- Scottish Terriers
- Wirehaired Fox Terriers
- West Highland White Terriers
- Boston Terriers
- Chinese Shar-Peis
- Shih Tzus
- Dalmatians
- Lhasa Apsos
- Labrador retrievers
- Golden retrievers
- Boxers
However, any type of dog can develop allergies which may require long-term management.
Dalmatians are among the dog breeds most susceptible to allergies, however any type of dog can develop hay fever symptoms
How to treat hay fever in dogs
There is currently no cure for hay fever in dogs or humans and, just like any illness, your vet is your first point of call.
Dr Anna Foreman, in-house vet at Everypaw said: 'Unfortunately, most cases will not be able to be managed without the use of medication from vets.'
There are some cost-effective ways to manage your pet's symptoms, Ms Foreman advised using a chlorhexidine-based shampoo regularly to help support the skin.
DoyxoS3 Pyo and Clorexyderm shampoo can be purchased on Amazon for just under £14, when applying the shampoo should be left in place for 5-10 minutes before being washed off.
She added: Skin and coat supplements with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, such as YuMOVE skin and coat care itching oil, are great to add to an atopic dog’s diet to help to support the skin barrier.
However, this may be a more costly method as coat supplements can reach prices of up to £30.
Ms Foreman also advised pet owners to pay close attention to their dogs diet, and suggested a hypoallergenic diet to combat skin diseases.
'Many foods claiming to be hypoallergenic are actually not – Hills, Royal Canin and Purina all have prescription hypoallergenic diets which work well to control allergies to protein types.'
If this is out of your budget, Ms Foreman suggested putting your dog on a diet of lesser-used protein such as venison, duck and white fish.
How can I help my dog with hay fever
Once your vet has recommended the correct treatment paths, there are some ways to relieve your dog's hay fever symptoms.
Ms Kerr advised to regularly groom your dogs, she said: 'To help prevent symptoms of hay fever in your dog you can wipe down or wash your dog’s coat after walks to remove pollen that may be stuck and ensure you groom your dog regularly during pollen seasons.'
Washing their bedding frequently is also a good way to remove any stray pollen.
Walking your dog at night or early mornings, when the pollen count is low, is another way to avoid pollen intake.