Can Dogs Get Hey Fever?

It’s known as atopic dermatitis, or atopy, and hay fever in dogs is mostly seasonal, like in humans.

Dogs who have canine atopy have a lower tolerance to allergens like pollen, and it typically gets worse during summer and spring.

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How to spot hay fever in your dog

When it comes to spotting and treating hay fever in your dogs, there are some key signs to look out for. If your dog is sneezing when outside and particularly at this time of year – and it comes with these other symptoms – it’s likely canine atopy.

Other symptoms might include:

• Persistent scratching
• Recurrent ear infections
• Red or inflamed skin
• Itchy feet
• Hair loss and greasy patches of skin in their armpit or belly areas

There are plenty of other reasons your dog might be sneezing, though.

These include the following:

• Something stuck up their nose
• Nasal tumours (don’t worry, these are fairly common in dogs but will need looking at by a vet)
• A respiratory infection
• A tooth infection
• Nasal mites
• Other irritants like smoke or perfume
• Some dogs even sneeze when they’re excited, so if it’s right after you say ‘walkies’ or ‘dinner’ this might be why

The symptoms of canine atopy tend to develop when your dog is between one and three years old but can start at any time.

If you think it might be what your pup has, or if you have any other pet problems, then you should book an appointment with your vet.

How to treat hay fever in dogs

There are plenty of remedies for it, including allergy shots and topical shampoos for the skin, and they can also be given oral medication by the vet to relieve symptoms.