If you thought hay fever was just a ‘people problem’, think again. Turns out, your pets can suffer from it too. While you’re sneezing and reaching for the tissues, your dog or cat might be quietly scratching away at itchy, sore skin — and it’s all down to the same pesky pollen floating through the air.
When the sun comes out and everything starts blooming, pollen levels soar. It’s bad news for a lot of us — and now, it seems, for our furry friends too. So if you’ve noticed your pet looking a bit uncomfortable lately, you’re not imagining it. Local vet Leigh-Anne Brown from Vets for Pets Harrogate has some really handy advice on what to look for and how you can help your four-legged mate feel better.
What does hay fever look like in dogs and cats?
We usually think of hay fever as endless sneezing and watery eyes. But for pets, it often shows up differently. Leigh-Anne says the main sign to watch out for is itching — and not just the odd scratch here and there.
You might spot:
- A lot of scratching, nibbling, or licking, especially around the paws, eyes, ears, or mouth
- Red, sore, or flaky skin
- Patches of fur falling out (yep, pretty grim)
- Signs of infection if the skin gets really bad
Leigh-Anne suggests keeping a close eye, and if you’re seeing any of these signs, especially if your pet’s skin looks angry or infected, it’s time to call your vet.
And here’s something you might not have thought of — not all pollen is the same. Grass, trees, and flowers release different kinds, and any one of them could be setting your pet off. Leigh-Anne reckons it’s a good idea to keep a little diary of your pet’s symptoms to help figure out which time of year (or type of walk) is causing the most trouble.
How can you treat hay fever in pets?
Bad news first: there’s no actual cure for hay fever. (Yeah, just like us.) But the good news? There are loads of things you can do to make your pet’s life a bit more comfy.
Here’s what Leigh-Anne recommends:
- Speak to your vet first to be sure it’s really hay fever
- Your vet can offer different treatments — it might be special creams, tablets, or other things depending on your pet
- Remember, skin problems aren’t always pollen-related — fleas, food allergies, and even dust mites can cause similar problems
Basically, if you’re not sure what’s going on, don’t play guessing games. Book an appointment and get proper advice.
How to help your pet dodge the worst of hay fever season
Okay, you can’t stick your dog or cat in a bubble (sadly), but you can do a few easy things to help:
- Walk your dog early in the morning or later at night when pollen levels are lower. (Midday walks are the worst for pollen — save those for cooler months.)
- Wipe your pet down with a damp cloth when you come back inside. Pay special attention to their feet and coat, where pollen likes to hitch a ride.
- Wash their bedding often and give your house a good vacuum. Getting rid of indoor pollen can make a massive difference.
If you want to be super organised, you can even check the Met Office pollen forecast before heading out. (They update it all the time!)
Quick recap — signs to watch for
Here’s a quick checklist for spotting hay fever in your pets:
- Excessive scratching or licking
- Red, sore, or flaky skin
- Bald patches
- Skin infections
- Timing: symptoms that flare up between late March and September, when pollen is highest
And remember — it’s always better to check with your vet if you’re worried. Catching things early can stop little problems from turning into big ones.
About Pets at Home:
Pets at Home is the UK’s top pet care brand, running over 450 stores, more than 350 grooming salons, and nearly 500 veterinary surgeries across the country. Whether you need advice on nutrition, grooming help, vet care, or rehoming support, they’ve got it covered. Find out more at petsathome.com.
