Spring is right around the corner, arriving on Thursday, March 20. The new season ushers in daffodils, Easter and lighter nights, but Scots are also bracing for the dreaded arrival of hay fever.
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. But it’s not just humans who are affected – dogs can also suffer from allergies to weed, tree, or grass pollen.
As the weather changes and temperatures rise, many pet owners become more alert to the signs that their furry friends may be struggling with hay fever or other allergies.
That’s why dog experts at Harringtons have revealed the signs of hay fever in dogs and the best solutions, including changing their diet to help with hay fever and other food allergy symptoms.
Signs and solutions for hay fever in dogs
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Generalised itching, scratching, chewing skin
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Red, irritated skin and rashes
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Sneezing
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Loose stools (diarrhoea)
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Itchy, watery eyes
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Licking paws
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Runny nose
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Head shaking
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Itchy paws
If your dog has any of the above signs and you think they are suffering with hay fever, owners can take various precautions to help relieve hay fever symptoms this allergy season.
This includes limiting your dog’s exposure to allergens by keeping your dog indoors during peak pollen times, typically early morning and late afternoon and avoid walks in areas with high pollen counts, such as grassy fields.
Wiping your pooch down after walks to remove pollen and other allergens they may have picked up is helpful, as is using an air purifier in the areas where your dog spends the most time to help reduce airborne allergens.
Bathing your dog regularly can remove allergens from their coat and skin, which can help prevent irritation and itching, and ensuring your dog stays hydrated to help keep their skin healthy, which can reduce irritation.
Otherwise, antihistamines or other allergy medications prescribed by your vet can help relieve symptoms like itching, sneezing, and watery eyes. Or consider a hypoallergenic diet – If your dog has food allergies that may be exacerbating their hay fever, try switching to a hypoallergenic or grain-free diet under your vet’s guidance.
If you’re considering the latter, Harringtons’ Resident Pet Nutritionist, Sarah McNamara, explained: “Switching to a grain-free/hypoallergenic diet can help dog owners understand if the cause is diet or environmental.”
A grain-free and hypoallergenic diet might help with hay fever by reducing irritation from food sensitivities, bettering immune system regulation, and improving skin and coat health, according to the expert.
McNamara went on: “A grain-free and hypoallergenic diet is unlikely to completely resolve hay fever symptoms in dogs but it can certainly help if there is also a dietary sensitivity or intolerance.
“As well as changing up your dog’s diet, you may still need to manage airborne allergens with medications or environmental changes, such as keeping your dog indoors during high-pollen seasons or using air purifiers.”