Have you noticed your dog sneezing, licking their paws all the time, or scratching like crazy? It makes you wonder—can dogs really get hay fever like people do?

Turns out, dogs can develop hay fever, but their symptoms often look a lot different from ours. Humans usually get itchy eyes and runny noses, but dogs? Their skin is often the first place you’ll see trouble.

Learning about these symptoms can help you catch problems early and keep your canine companion comfortable during allergy season. Some signs, like sneezing, runny noses, and red or flaky skin, are easy to miss—they just look like normal dog stuff sometimes.

It’s tricky to know when these changes are just a passing thing and when you should call your vet.

Key Takeaways

• Dogs can get hay fever, and itching or sneezing are common signs.
• Symptoms don’t always match what humans experience.
• Spotting these signs means you can help your dog feel better.

What Is Hay Fever in Dogs?

When your dog has hay fever, their immune system basically freaks out over pollen and other allergens. This causes itchy skin, sneezing, and a whole set of symptoms—especially in spring and summer.

Understanding Seasonal Allergies

Hay fever, or seasonal allergies, happens when your dog’s body treats harmless things like grass, tree, or flower pollen as threats. Dogs don’t always react the same way as people. Instead of sneezing a ton, many dogs mainly show itching, red skin, or lick their paws nonstop.

During peak pollen seasons, like spring and early summer, pollen levels shoot up and make symptoms worse. Pollen sticks to your dog’s fur and skin, which sets off the allergic reaction.

Common triggers include:

• Grass pollen
• Tree pollen
• Weed pollen

Your dog’s risk goes up if they spend lots of time outside. Hay fever in dogs isn’t rare, but some breeds seem more sensitive than others.

How Dogs Develop Hay Fever

When your dog breathes in pollen or gets it on their skin, their immune system sometimes mistakes it for danger. This triggers chemicals like histamine, which cause classic allergy symptoms.

Dogs start scratching, chewing at their paws, or rubbing their face because their skin feels itchy and irritated. Some dogs only get mild symptoms, like watery eyes or a runny nose. Others have more serious issues, including red spots, hair loss, or constant licking.

Repeated exposure to allergens can make symptoms show up even when pollen counts aren’t high. If your dog scratches more than usual or seems uncomfortable in spring, it might be a sign of seasonal allergies.

Common Physical Symptoms

If your dog starts to develop hay fever, you’ll notice changes in how they look and act. Watch for runny noses, watery eyes, and sneezing—these can really mess with your dog’s comfort.

Runny Nose and Nasal Discharge

One of the first things you might spot is a runny nose or nasal discharge. This might look like clear or slightly cloudy fluid dripping from your dog’s nostrils.

Sometimes, you’ll see them licking their nose more than usual. It’s not just a wet nose, either. Too much discharge can make your dog rub their face on the floor, furniture, or even your leg, just trying to get some relief.

While a little discharge is normal, frequent drips or sneezing are worth paying attention to. Dogs might get sore skin around their noses, and dried fluid or crusty patches mean your pet could use some extra care.

Watery Eyes and Eye Irritation

Watery eyes pop up a lot with hay fever in dogs. Their eyes might look glassy, red, or even a little swollen.

You’ll probably catch them pawing at their face, blinking more, or squinting. This happens because pollen and allergens easily reach sensitive eye tissues, especially if your dog loves sticking their head out the car window.

All that tearing is the body’s way of flushing out irritants, but it can make your dog pretty uncomfortable. Sometimes you’ll see redness and a light build-up in the corners of the eyes.

If you notice these things, keep your dog’s eyes gently wiped clean and watch for any signs that get worse. For more advice on eye symptoms, check out these common signs.

Sneezing and Respiratory Issues

Frequent sneezing is a big clue your dog’s reacting to pollen or something in the air. Some dogs sneeze in fast bursts, while others let out a few big sneezes.

Sneezing helps clear their nose but can also make things a little sore. You might hear your dog snorting or sniffing more than usual, and sometimes they’ll cough or wheeze, especially after running or when pollen’s thick in the air.

Unusual breathing sounds are worth noting. If your dog seems tired or less playful, especially with laboured breathing, don’t brush it off. Keep an eye on these symptoms and talk to your vet if things don’t improve.

Skin and Coat Reactions

When dogs get hay fever, their skin and coat often show it first. Many dogs develop red, flaky skin, bald patches, or just itch like crazy.

Paying attention to these changes helps you catch problems early.

Excessive Scratching

If your dog can’t stop scratching, hay fever could be the culprit. Itchy, irritated skin from airborne allergens like pollen sets off that urge.

You’ll see them rubbing their face, licking their paws, or using the couch to scratch where they can’t reach. Scratching too much can break the skin or cause sores, which sometimes get infected.

Restlessness is common, too, since itching can interrupt sleep and play. Look for patterns—like more scratching after walks or on high pollen days. For extra info, check this guide on spotting hay fever in dogs.

Hair Loss and Patchy Skin

Hair loss shows up when your dog keeps biting, licking, or scratching the same spot. Hay fever can leave bald areas, patchy skin, and thin fur, especially on the paws, belly, and face.

Sometimes, these areas look red or swollen. Patchy skin can get dry, flaky, or develop rashes, and you might spot discoloured skin where fur is missing.

If you notice uneven fur or sudden bald spots, don’t ignore it. Dogs with seasonal allergies often get red or flaky skin.

Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis

Hay fever can trigger chronic skin issues like eczema and atopic dermatitis. Eczema makes your dog’s skin sore and inflamed, sometimes with bumps, blisters, or crusty patches.

Atopic dermatitis shows up as constant itching, redness, and sometimes infections from all the scratching and chewing. These conditions can make your dog miserable.

It helps to spot dry, scaly, or moist patches early, since they can get worse quickly. Ongoing flare-ups or worsening skin mean your dog might need help for seasonal dog allergies. Treatment often involves baths, creams, or medication from your vet.

Behavioural and Emotional Changes

Hay fever doesn’t just mess with your dog’s skin and nose—it can change their mood and behaviour, too. Sometimes these shifts are the first thing you’ll notice.

Recognising these changes helps you support your dog through allergy season.

Irritability and Unusual Behaviour

Dogs with hay fever can get cranky or fussy. You might hear more barking or whining, and little things can make them restless.

Some dogs become sensitive to noise or touch, and might back away from being petted. Others get clingy or withdraw from the family and other pets.

Irritability might show up as snapping, growling, or guarding their space. These behaviours are just your dog’s way of coping with itchy skin or a runny nose.

Some even act a bit down or lose interest in play. If you see these changes along with sneezing or scratching, behavioural shifts may be linked to hay fever.

Lethargy and Low Energy

Lethargy is common in dogs with allergies. Maybe your dog naps more, skips walks, or just seems slow to get up.

They might lose interest in play or exercise. The combo of itching, sneezing, and general discomfort can really wear them out.

If your dog stays tired for days or doesn’t perk up after rest, there could be more going on than just a lazy day. Ongoing low energy, especially with other allergy symptoms, is worth mentioning to your vet.

Secondary Health Complications

Dogs with hay fever often deal with more than sneezing or itchy skin. As a pet owner, you’ll want to watch for secondary issues—these can make your dog’s life a whole lot tougher if you miss them.

Ear Infections and Head Shaking

Ear infections show up a lot when your dog has hay fever or atopic dermatitis. Allergies make their ears itchy, so you’ll probably see your dog shaking their head or scratching at their ears a ton.

All that shaking and scratching can mess up the skin inside the ear canal. You might notice redness, swelling, or even a funky smell.

You might notice your dog doing the following:

• Frequent head shaking
• Scratching at their ears
• Crying or whimpering when touching their ears
• Discharge or strong odour

If ear infections stick around, your dog gets even more uncomfortable. It’s best to get ear symptoms checked by your vet early, before things get worse.

For a deeper dive into these symptoms, check out this in-depth guide on dog seasonal allergies and head shaking.

Risk of Further Skin Infections

Dogs with hay fever often chew, lick, or scratch their skin way too much. That constant irritation can break the skin and mess up its protective barrier.

Bacteria and yeast sneak in once the skin’s damaged, leading to secondary skin infections. Not fun for anyone involved.

Look out for these signs:

• Red, swollen, or flaky skin
• Hot spots or bald patches
• Bad-smelling sores
• Your dog licking or biting one area repeatedly

Skin infections can spread fast and cause serious pain. Treat both the allergies and the infection to help your dog feel better.

Sometimes, conditions like atopic dermatitis get worse, so managing your dog’s skin is extra important. Here’s more about how itchy skin and secondary skin infections can complicate hay fever in dogs.

Differentiating Hay Fever from Other Allergic Conditions

Knowing the difference between hay fever, food allergies, and atopic dermatitis helps you spot problems sooner. It also means you can make better care choices for your dog.

Each allergy has its own set of symptoms and ways to deal with it. So, it’s worth knowing what to watch for.

Hay Fever Versus Food Allergies

Hay fever in dogs is usually triggered by stuff in the environment, like pollen from trees, grass, or weeds. You’ll often see sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, or scratching, especially during certain seasons.

Dogs tend to get worse when pollen counts are high or after walks in grassy places. Food allergies look different. If your dog has a food allergy, you might see skin problems like itching, but also digestive issues—think diarrhoea or vomiting.

Food allergies aren’t seasonal. They can happen all year, every time your dog eats a certain food. Picking the right dog food for allergies really matters for this.

Below is a quick comparison:

Comparing Hay Fever and Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is another allergic skin disease caused by things like dust mites or pollen. It usually shows up as constant itching, chewing, or licking—especially around the face, paws, belly, or ears.

Dogs with atopic dermatitis often have red, flaky, or thickened skin. Sometimes, skin infections show up too.

Hay fever hits the nose and eyes more. Dogs with hay fever might sneeze more, have watery eyes, and rub their nose a lot. Atopic dermatitis usually skips the nose and eyes.

If your dog scratches a lot or always has red skin, atopic dermatitis could be the problem. But if sneezing and runny noses are the main thing, especially when pollen is up, hay fever might be to blame.

For more on symptoms and differences, check out this guide to help you figure out what’s going on with your dog.

When to Seek Professional Help

Hay fever in dogs might look mild at first but can get worse quickly. Tackling serious symptoms and talking to a vet can really help your dog’s health.

Recognising Severe Symptoms

It’s tough to know when to rush to the vet, especially if your dog suddenly shows new or worsening symptoms. Sneezing and itchy eyes are common, but some signs mean things are getting more serious.

Look out for:

• Swelling around the face, eyes, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Intense scratching until the skin bleeds
• Open sores, lumps, or skin infections
• Signs of pain or exhaustion, like refusing walks or not eating

If you spot these, don’t wait. Severe reactions can spiral fast, and dogs can’t always let us know how bad it is. These signs go way beyond basic allergies and need quick action. Head to your vet right away for the best care.

Veterinary Diagnosis and Testing

When your dog shows allergy symptoms, the vet checks for hay fever but also looks for other causes. They’ll ask about your dog’s daily life, any triggers you’ve noticed, and changes in behaviour.

Vets do a physical exam, focusing on the skin, eyes, and breathing. Sometimes they’ll recommend allergy tests, like blood or skin tests, to figure out what’s going on.

Getting the right diagnosis matters because symptoms overlap a lot. Infections, fleas, or food allergies can look just like hay fever in dogs. Your vet can help you sort it all out, set up a treatment plan, and talk through ways to keep your dog comfortable at home.

Preventative Measures and Management

Helping your dog handle hay fever takes some changes at home, smart daily habits, and paying attention to their diet and grooming. These things work best together to keep your dog comfy and healthy.

Reducing Allergen Exposure

Cutting down on pollen exposure is one of the best ways to help dogs with hay fever. On days with high pollen counts, try to keep your dog indoors, especially early in the morning and late afternoon when pollen peaks.

Check local pollen forecasts on weather apps or websites. If you need to walk your dog, try to keep walks short and stick to paved paths instead of grassy or wooded spots.

When you get home, wipe down your dog’s paws and fur to get rid of any pollen. Wash bedding, toys, and any fabric your dog uses often to keep pollen out of your house.

If you have a garden, keep the grass short and pull tall weeds to help lower pollen exposure. An air purifier might also help keep indoor air cleaner.

For more tips, check out Purina’s guide on hay fever in dogs.

Dog Food and Dietary Adjustments

Your dog’s diet plays a big role in managing seasonal allergies. Some dogs do better with hypoallergenic dog food to lower the risk of reactions.

If your dog’s had food allergies before, talk to your vet about a custom diet plan. Adding supplements like omega-3 fatty acids can help keep skin healthy and lower inflammation from hay fever.

Foods rich in antioxidants, like blueberries or sweet potato, might help boost your dog’s immune system. Always introduce new foods or supplements slowly and check with your vet first.

Look for products made for dogs with allergies. A balanced diet helps your dog stay strong during allergy season. For more advice, see Forthglade’s advice for dogs with hay fever.

Home Care and Grooming Tips

Simple daily care goes a long way with hay fever. Regular baths with a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo help wash off pollen and soothe skin.

Wipe your dog’s coat, face, and paws with a damp cloth after walks. Brushing your dog every day helps get rid of fur, dirt, and allergens, plus it gives you a chance to spot any skin changes early.

Vacuum your dog’s space often with a HEPA filter and wash their bedding regularly. If your dog seems extra itchy, a cool compress can give quick relief.

Want more grooming ideas? Check out this Lily’s Kitchen article on hayfever and dog care.

Treatment Options for Hay Fever in Dogs

When your dog has hay fever, you just want them to feel better and less itchy. Treatment options include both medical treatments and practical steps at home, depending on your dog’s needs and lifestyle.

Medications and Veterinary Solutions

Usually, treatment starts with safe medications. Your vet might suggest antihistamines for pets, anti-itch meds, or allergy shots if your dog’s hay fever is really bad.

Sometimes, topical stuff like medicated shampoos, gentle wipes, or special creams help with itchy skin and redness. If your dog’s eyes or nose are irritated, your vet can give you pet-safe eye drops or a nasal spray.

In some cases, your vet might recommend regular ear cleanings or prescribe meds for skin or ear infections caused by scratching. For some dogs, a quick injection at the clinic can bring fast relief from tough symptoms.

For more details on veterinary treatments for seasonal allergies, check out PetMD’s page on dog seasonal allergies.

Developing a Personalised Treatment Plan

Every dog’s different, so a personalised treatment plan just makes sense. Your vet will check your dog’s symptoms, look at their environment, and consider daily routines.

Together, you can figure out ways to cut down on pollen—maybe early morning walks, keeping those windows closed, and regular baths or grooming. Try medicated shampoos or wipes after walks to get rid of pollen on your dog’s fur and paws.

Mowing the lawn more often helps, too. It’s smart to limit outdoor time when pollen counts are high.

Keep in touch with your vet and tweak treatments as your dog’s needs change through allergy season. For more tips on reducing pollen and setting up a daily care routine, check out the Pooch & Mutt guide on symptoms and treatment for dog hay fever.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hay fever in dogs doesn’t always look like it does in people. You might spot it on their skin, in their eyes, or in the way they breathe or act.

How can you tell if your dog is suffering from hay fever?

Your dog might scratch more than usual or chew at their paws. Red, runny eyes and a drippy nose are also typical signs.

Lethargy, sneezing, and even coughing can show up if pollen’s causing them trouble. More details on these symptoms are in this hay fever guide for dogs.

What natural remedies might help ease your pet’s hay fever symptoms at home?

Cleaning your dog’s paws and fur after they’ve been outside can help get rid of pollen. Keeping windows closed on high pollen days may also make a difference.

Some people use cool compresses on irritated skin or try air purifiers at home. Always check with your vet before starting anything new.

How does hay fever affect a dog’s breathing and what should you look out for?

Some dogs start to wheeze, cough, or breathe heavier when hay fever hits. Watch for laboured breathing or frequent sneezing.

If your dog struggles for breath, seems super tired, or keeps coughing, call your vet right away. You can read more about breathing issues and allergies at this vets’ advice page.

In which months are dogs most likely to show signs of pollen allergies?

Lots of dogs get hay fever from spring through early autumn. In the UK, pollen levels usually peak between late March and September.

Grass and tree pollens are the main culprits during these warmer months.

What are the common signs of hay fever in a dog’s eyes?

You might notice redness, itching, or watery discharge from your dog’s eyes. Sometimes they’ll rub their face or squint.

These eye symptoms often show up with sniffles and itching elsewhere, as described by pet allergy experts.

What treatments are available to soothe your dog’s hay fever-related sneezing?

Try bathing your dog more often during pollen season. That alone might help cut down on sneezing.

Some vets suggest special shampoos, antihistamines, or other allergy meds. Always check with your vet before starting anything new to keep your dog safe and comfortable.