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Hay fever pays a visit and takes its toll on many humans during the Spring and Summer months. You may think that hay fever is an allergy that only affects humans, but did you know it can also affect animals such as dogs too? Read on to discover the tell-tale signs that your pooch may have hay fever and tips on how to alleviate your dog of allergies.
Dogs love their walkies and foraging in greenery, this can result in various types of pollen catching on to their fur and penetrating the skin which can cause irritation. Humans tend to suffer from the dreaded itchy eyes, sore throat, and runny nose, whereas dogs have varying symptoms which include:
- Frequent sneezing
- An inward cough – as if they have something at the back of their throat
- Runny nose
- Sticky eyes
- Rash on their face or paws
- The need to constantly scratch or rub themselves against things
Tips to help prevent hay fever symptoms:
- Check the pollen count and go for walks either early in the morning or in the evenings when the pollen count is low.
- Check that your dog is up to date with their worming and flea treatments.
- Make sure your dog’s bedding is washed regularly to remove any additional pollen.
- Wipe or wash your dog’s lead, collar, harness, and accessories they wear when out an about, to remove any excess pollen that may have been caught.
- Try to walk your dog in other locations away from long grass. If you do end up going to fields, try to find fields where the grass has been cut short.
- Make sure your dog is well groomed.
- After walkies or play time, wipe your down your dog’s face, paws, and fur with a damp towel.
If your dog’s symptoms persist, you may need to go and see your local vet to make sure that there are no other underlying health conditions.