Pollen allergy in dogs is one of the most common allergies in four-legged friends. There are a few methods that can help your dog get relief from a pollen allergy. In this article you will find out how to recognize a pollen allergy in dogs and which treatment methods are particularly effective.
What is a pollen allergy in dogs?
Pollen allergy in dogs is one of the most common allergies in four-legged friends. In America, it is believed that around 10% of pets suffer from grass and pollen allergies. Therefore, more and more dog owners have to deal with this initially unusual topic. As with us humans, the pollen allergy in dogs is due to an incorrect reaction of the immune system and the body wrongly defends itself against pollen and grasses. The allergy symptoms therefore mainly appear between February and September.
What is pollen allergy in dogs?
A pollen allergy in dogs is due to an incorrect reaction of the immune system, whereby the body wrongly defends itself against pollen and grasses.
How do you recognize a pollen allergy in dogs? – Typical symptoms
The symptoms of animal pollen allergy differ in part from those of humans. However, there are typical symptoms that occur frequently:
Itching/rash
A rash or itch can be recognized by the dog constantly scratching and itching in different places. In the case of a pollen allergy, the abdomen or armpits are particularly affected. The constant scratching increases the risk that the dog will get bloody itches and the skin will become inflamed. In addition, rashes and skin irritations can be recognized by symptoms such as licking their paws, rolling, and rubbing in specific areas.
Breathing problems
Incipient “whistling” noises in the dog’s breathing can indicate respiratory problems. Dogs that suffer from respiratory problems often find it difficult to breathe due to narrowed airways. This often happens due to an allergic reaction to pollen. There is a risk that the airways will swell up completely in the event of an allergic reaction. In such a case there is a risk of death. As soon as the dog has untypical loud breathing noises or is gasping for air, contact a veterinarian.
How do you recognize a pollen allergy in dogs?
Various symptoms can indicate a pollen allergy in dogs – these are: increased itching and scratching, skin rashes, ear infections, respiratory problems, watery eyes or conjunctivitis.
Watery eyes / conjunctivitis (conjunctivitis)
Photosensitive, reddened eyes or increased scratching of the dog’s eyes often indicate inflammation of the conjunctiva. This can be triggered by an allergic reaction to pollen that gets into the dog’s eyes. Affected dogs often find it difficult to keep their eyes open or blink more often. If the conjunctivitis is advanced, there may be a purulent discharge from the eyes. In such a case, a veterinarian should be consulted.
Abnormalities on the dog’s body
You can also identify a possible pollen allergy by the following symptoms: A red and/or runny nose, excessive rubbing or licking of a specific area of skin, swollen paws or a noticeable rash. An ear infection can also indicate a pollen allergy in the dog. The latter can be recognized by the fact that the dog shakes its head more often or holds it askew. In addition, an unpleasant smell from the ears indicates inflammation. Dogs that suffer from an ear infection are also reluctant to be touched or scratched on the affected areas.
Since all symptoms are rather ambiguous, a skin or blood test should be carried out by the vet if an allergy is suspected. Allergy testing can determine which plants the dog is allergic to, so further action can be taken.
What helps against pollen allergy in dogs?
If the vet has found an allergy to grasses and/or pollen, medication can help. For more severe cases, the veterinarian can initiate hyposensitization, commonly known as desensitization. Desensitization is a lengthy therapy. The animal is injected with increasing doses of the allergen in order to get the body used to the allergenic substances. This dose is kept low so that dangerous reactions can be ruled out.
Such therapy is carried out by the veterinarian injecting small amounts of the allergens under the dog’s skin over a longer period of time. This dose is increased over several weeks, months or years. The dog’s immune system is gradually accustomed to the allergens through the therapy. As soon as a certain maximum dose has been reached, this quantity is continuously injected. Desensitization can reduce a dog’s allergic reactions to pollen over time and improve allergy symptoms. Despite this, it is unlikely that a pollen allergy can be completely cured.
What can dog owners do? The most important tips
A look at the pollen calendar
In order to be able to prepare for allergic reactions in dogs in good time and to be able to take preventive measures, it helps to look at a so-called pollen calendar. On this you can see in which months which pollen can be expected to fly around. Contact with pollen and grasses cannot be avoided, especially in spring. Walks should be taken when the pollen content in the air is rather low. In rural areas, this tends to be the case in the evenings. In urban areas, the air is less polluted with pollen early in the morning.
Air the apartment at the right time
To keep the pollen load in the apartment as low as possible, we recommend airing it out early in the morning, late in the evening or after a rain shower. If there is air conditioning in the apartment, it can help to run it at night. Existing allergens in the air can thus be filtered.
What helps with a pollen allergy in dogs?
The vet can alleviate the symptoms of hay fever by means of desensitization over a longer period of time. It is better to go for walks in the morning and in the evening. In addition, attention should be paid to hygiene in the apartment in order to keep the pollen concentration low. Natural care products and remedies can also help.
Pay attention to hygiene
To minimize the stress on the dog, the coat and paws should be cleaned with a damp cloth after the walk. It is also advisable to shake out or change your clothes after a walk. It is also advisable to vacuum the apartment regularly. It is recommended to wash the dog things, such as the toys, the dog blankets and towels as well as the dog bed. Pollen, grasses and seeds increasingly accumulate there. All measures to keep the concentration of pollen in the home as low as possible help the dog.
Use natural care products and remedies
To make the pollen allergy season easier for the dog, the use of some natural care products can help. Before use, consult a veterinarian.
Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help against the frequent itching in dogs during the pollen season. Aloe vera should be used in gel form and applied to the itchy area. Aloe vera cannot cure pollen allergies, but it can help relieve symptoms.
Apple cider vinegar: Due to its antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar is a versatile food. In the case of hay fever in dogs, this can reduce the dog’s itching. When dogs have an allergic reaction to pollen, they often itch their paws on different parts of their body. Cleaning the paws with the help of apple cider vinegar can be helpful in such a case. You can do this by diluting a small amount of apple cider vinegar with water on a damp cloth and wiping your paws with it. If the dog has cracks or wounds on its paws, apple cider vinegar should not be used. The vinegar can cause an uncomfortable burning sensation on the skin.
Coconut oil: Coconut oil is an increasingly well-known miracle weapon that can be used in the event of a pollen allergy in dogs. Due to its antibacterial properties, it can help against itching in dogs. It is used by adding a small amount of coconut oil as a feed additive to the dog’s daily meal.
Homeopathic remedies and acupuncture: Symptoms can also be alleviated by the administration of homeopathic remedies or acupuncture treatment. Dog owners can also make an appointment with an animal health practitioner to find out a suitable treatment.
These natural ways to combat hay fever symptoms can make pollen season easier for dogs. However, none of the applications can provide a guarantee of success in alleviating the symptoms. Alternatively, in the case of acute symptoms, the dog is already helped if you treat it to a cool bath (with hypo-allergic shampoo).
Which dog breeds often suffer from pollen allergies?
The German Shepherd, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Golden Retriever, Pug, Shar-Pei and Terrier breeds are often affected by pollen allergies.
Pollen allergy in dogs: Which dog breeds suffer from it most often?
In principle, any breed of dog can be affected by hay fever over time. An allergy, like us humans, often does not appear in the first years of life, but only shows the first symptoms after a few years. There are certain dog breeds that are more prone to hay fever and allergies than others. Breeds thought to have an increased chance of developing it over a lifetime include:
- German shepherd dog
- English bulldog
- French bulldog
- Golden retriever
- pug
- Shar Pei
- terrier
Breeds with flat or short noses in particular often suffer from breathing problems due to the shortened airways. They are more prone to allergies. In such breeds, it often happens that affected dogs are listless and sluggish in the event of a pollen allergy. In order to be able to diagnose a possible pollen allergy and to be able to help the animal, a veterinarian should be consulted for support.
