Does your dog have hay fever? Vet issues warning to pet owners over pollen count – and reveals how…

Does your dog have hay fever? Vet issues warning to pet owners over pollen count – and reveals how to protect them this summer Owners should try to keep their pets inside ‘as much as possible’ this summer READ MORE: I’m a vet and these are the five dog breeds I WOULD have as a pet By Eleanor Dye Published: 07:49 BST, 25 June 2024 | Updated: 07:51 BST, 25 June 2024 e-mail View comments Vets have issued a warning to pet owners over the high pollen count and reveal how you can protect your cat or dog this summer. Experts have cautioned owners to try to keep their pets inside ‘as much as possible’ until September and take them for walks in the evenings. Like humans, pets can also experience symptoms of hayfever, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny rose and rashes. They may also scratch more than usual. If your pet begins to show any of these signs, it is good to take them to the vet as soon as possible to rule out any other health issues. Gemma Renwick, a PDSA vet nurse, said: ‘Just like humans, pets can also suffer from pollen allergies, such as hay fever. Vets have issued a warning to pet owners over a high pollen count (file photo) ‘As the summer months tend to bring with them a rise in the pollen count, it’s important to recognise common symptoms of hay fever or allergies in your pets. ‘Moving from spring to summer, we see a rise in the grass pollens as well as tree pollens, so you may find your pet affected differently as the seasons go on. ‘Whilst hayfever in humans often looks like a runny nose, watery eyes, or shortness of breath, these symptoms are much less common in pets. ‘Signs your pet may have hayfever or allergies to things like pollen are more likely to include; licking or biting their paws, lots of scratching and red or sore looking skin – especially around their ears, eyes, between their pads on their feet, or on their tummy. ‘Your pet may also appear tired or lethargic, or constantly shake their head and rub their ears or muzzle. If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet to rule out other health issues and get their advice about treating for allergies. ‘It can be difficult to find out exactly what is causing your pet’s allergy. However, if it’s worse in summer and improves in winter, pollen may be part of the problem.’ The type of pollen your pet is sensitive to will determine what type of year their allergies are worst. For example, tree pollens are most potent in March and April; grass pollens are prominent from May to July; and flowering weeds from June to August. HOW TO HELP A PET STRUGGLING WITH HAYFEVER Here are five ways that you can help your pet if they are struggling with hayfever, according to PDSA vets. 1. Clean bedding ‘Make sure your pet’s bedding is washed and hoovered weekly as this will help remove any pollen that has built up from their trips outside during the week.’ 2. Flea control ‘Make sure your pet’s flea control is kept up to date, as regardless of the cause of their allergies, irritating fleas will only make them itchier. ‘Although it may be tempting to create a home remedy when your pet is in pain, never give them medication without a prescription. This can be dangerous in the wrong doses, or for certain species.’ 3. Check the weather ‘When it comes to hayfever, prevention is often better than cure, so limit your dog’s exposure to pollen in the first place. ‘If you’re planning to venture outside, first check the pollen forecast for the day and plan your walks before dawn or early in the evening as the pollen count may be lower at these times.’ 4. Keep them on a lead ‘While we know dogs love to play in the grass, this can lead to their fur becoming covered in pollen, causing hours of misery later in the day. ‘Keeping your pup on a lead near grass and wiping their fur with a damp cloth, particularly their paws and muzzle, after every walk will help remove any tiny traces of pollen.’ ‘Also consider an alternative location for your daily walks, such as a beach if nearby, or a less rural environment, as these locations are more likely to have a lower pollen count.’ 5. Medication ‘Your vet may recommend medication to help your pet feel more comfortable during the summer months. ‘There are lots of different treatment options available, including tablets and medicated shampoos. Also consider adding an animal skin supplement or oil to your pet’s food – not just during the summer months. ‘These supplements can help strengthen the skin’s barrier, soothe itchiness, and calm sensitive skin.’ Advertisement Gemma revealed five ways that you can prevent your pet from suffering due to the pollen. Firstly, by washing your pet’s bedding each week, you can remove any pollen that has built up from their time outdoors. You should also make sure that your pet’s flea control is up to date to prevent extra itches. If your pet does need to go outside during the day, you can check the pollen count first and choose to walk them when it is low. Though it’s tempting to let your dog run wild in the grass and have a good time, keeping them on the lead will stop misery later in the day. You can also wash their fur, particularly their paws and muzzle after every walk to remove traces of pollen. And if your dog is really suffering, you can ask the vet about various medications. 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