Hay fever & allergies: dog sneezing

A dog with hay fever in the middle of a meadow

When taking a walk in the spring sun, your dog will naturally sniff every flower with curiosity. Suddenly, he starts sneezing violently. His eyes begin to water, he looks at you in surprise. What's going on? Can dogs get hay fever? Yes, our four-legged friends can also be affected by seasonal allergies.

Hay fever in dogs – medically known as pollen allergy – is an overreaction of the immune system to pollen from grasses, trees or herbs. Typical symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes and itching.

A dog lying on a meadow and licking its paw

Does my dog have hay fever?

Dogs can actually suffer from hay fever, i.e. a pollen allergy. The allergic reaction is triggered by the pollen of plants, trees, shrubs and grasses. Unlike in humans, it often manifests itself not only through sneezing or watery eyes, but also through skin irritation. Dogs suffering from this affliction will lick or scratch themselves more often, especially on their paws, belly and face.

The dog's immune system classifies harmless pollen as a threat and reacts with inflammation. This irritates the respiratory tract and causes severe itching. Dogs with sensitive skin or pre-existing food allergies and intolerances are particularly affected.

A vet can diagnose this conditionand determine what your dog is allergic to by means of blood tests or skin tests. Since allergies are not curable, treatment aims to relieve symptomsby means of allergen avoidance, medication or hyposensitisation. It is also helpful to clean their coat and paws after every walk – this reduces pollen exposure at home.

5 common symptoms of hay fever in dogs

Pollen allergies can manifest themselves in dogs in different ways, depending on how strongly the immune system responds to the stimuli. Symptoms often vary and may be rather non-specific. Here are the five most common signs of hay fever in dogs:

Sneezing and backward sneezing: Sneezing is a classic symptom of irritation of the respiratory tract. Reverse sneezing – a jerky, noisy inhalation through the nose – often occurs when pollen irritates the upper respiratory tract. This phenomenon looks alarming to many dog owners, but it is usually harmless.
Skin issues: Itching, redness and scaly patches of skin are among the most common symptoms in dogs with hay fever. Some four-legged friends scratch so intensely that open wounds or inflamed areas of skin develop. The sensitive skin on their paws, belly, ears and armpits is particularly prone to allergic reactions.
Watery eyes: a pollen allergy can also affect your dog's eyes. Many dogs show symptoms of watery or red eyes. Often, the animals try to relieve itchy eyes with their paws, which can increase the irritation.
Paw licking: Pollen that settles on your dog's paws while walking can cause severe itching. Dogs often respond by licking or nibbling their paws excessively. Constant licking can cause skin irritation.
Digestive problems: in rare cases, a pollen allergy can also upset the gastrointestinal system. Symptoms such as diarrhoea, flatulence or vomiting may indicate that the immune system is responding to pollen.

The symptoms of a pollen allergy can occur gradually and vary greatly in intensity. Take good care of your dog and go to the vet if you suspect hay fever. By acting early, you can make your dog's life noticeably easier and help him get through allergy season.

Reverse sneezing in dogs

Reverse sneezing is a common but often misunderstood symptom in dogs. The dog draws in air through his nose in a jerky manner, which sometimes looks alarming, but is usually not a cause for concern. Reverse sneezing is more commonly caused by allergies and is a reaction to irritation in the upper respiratory tract.

N.B.: Reverse sneezing is usually harmless. However, if other symptoms such as shortness of breath, heavy sneezing or persistent itching occur, a visit to the vet is recommended.

5 tips to help your dog with hay fever

If your dog suffers from hay fever, there are ways to make their everyday life more comfortable and relieve their symptoms:

Daily grooming: After each walk, wash your dog's paws thoroughly and brush their fur to remove pollen. This will minimise exposure and prevent your dog from carrying pollen into your home.
Timing walks: Plan your walks early in the morning (between 6 am and 8 am in cities) or late in the evening (between 7 pm and midnight in the country) if pollen levels in the air are lower. This reduces contact with allergens and gives your dog more room to breathe.
Keep your home pollen-free: A clean home is particularly important for dogs with hay fever. Vacuum regularly and clean sleeping areas and cuddly blankets thoroughly to reduce pollen exposure. An air purifier can provide additional support.
Natural care products: Gentle shampoos and care products (such as paw balm) can soothe irritated skin and strengthen the skin barrier. This helps to alleviate itching and gives your dog relief.
Adjusting nutrition: A high-quality diet plays a central role in well-being and health. Wet food rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids supports skin health and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Recognising and treating hay fever in dogs

Does your dog have hay fever? Don't worry, there's a lot you can do to help him! Early detection and treatment of symptoms such as sneezing, itching or watery eyes is crucial to ensure your dog's well-being.

With loving fur and paw care, adjustments in everyday life and a high-quality diet, you can effectively help your dog to better manage his pollen allergy. Hygiene measures help to reduce pollen exposure at home

And a needs-based diet rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids not only strengthens your dog's skin health, but also his immune system. This ensures that your dog remains healthy, active and happy despite pollination!