Did you know?

When the weather warms up and the pollen count rises, it's not just us reaching for the antihistamines. Dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies too, and because they can't tell us how they're feeling, it often falls to us to spot the signs.

Unlike humans, who tend to get sneezy and streaming eyes, dogs with pollen allergies (also called canine atopic dermatitis or "atopy") usually show it through their skin rather than their respiratory system. Here's what to look out for, and how you can help.

7 Signs Your Dog Might Be Affected by Pollen

1. Excessive scratching, licking or chewing, particularly around the paws, belly, armpits and ears
2. Red, inflamed or irritated skin, sometimes with visible hot spots
3. Watery or red eyes
4. Sneezing or a runny nose, though this is less common than in humans
5. Paw chewing or licking, which can leave the fur discoloured (often a rusty brown from saliva staining)
6. Recurrent ear infections, head shaking or a persistent musty smell from the ears
7. Rubbing their face along furniture or carpets

Symptoms often flare up seasonally, so if you notice your dog is fine in winter but struggles every spring or summer, pollen is a likely culprit.

Easing Your Dog's Discomfort

Wipe them down after walks.

A quick wipe of the paws, belly and coat with a damp cloth (or specially formulated pet wipes) after time outdoors removes pollen before it has a chance to irritate the skin.

Rinse or bath regularly

A gentle, dog-safe shampoo once a week or so during peak pollen season can help wash away allergens sitting on the coat.

Time walks carefully

Pollen counts tend to peak in the early morning and early evening. A midday walk, when counts are usually lower, may mean less exposure.

Keep bedding clean

Wash your dog's bed and blankets frequently, and consider vacuuming carpets and soft furnishings more often during pollen season.

Support their skin barrier

Omega-3 supplements and a good quality diet can help keep skin healthy and more resilient to irritants. Ask your vet for a recommendation suited to your dog.

Consider and air purifier

If pollen is getting indoors, an air purifier in the rooms your dog spends the most time in can reduce the allergen load at home.

Conclusion

Pollen allergies in dogs are more common than many owners realise, and they usually show up as skin irritation, itching, and paw licking rather than sneezing. Simple changes like wiping down after walks, bathing regularly, and keeping the home clean can go a long way toward easing symptoms.

That said, allergies can range from mild to genuinely distressing for your dog, and persistent scratching can lead to secondary skin infections if left unmanaged. If your dog's symptoms seem severe, aren't improving, or you're simply not sure what's causing them, it's always worth speaking to your vet. They can help confirm whether pollen is the cause and recommend treatments,  from antihistamines to specialist allergy management, tailored to your dog.

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