Can dogs get hay fever? The signs every pet-owning family should know

Dogs can suffer from pollen allergies too. Experts reveal the symptoms to watch for and how to keep your pet comfortable.

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Published: August 14, 2026 at 6:25 PM

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If your family pet suddenly seems unusually itchy or sneezy when the pollen count climbs, you might be thinking an allergy could be behind it.

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While we tend to associate hay fever with streaming eyes, sneezing and a permanently crumpled tissue in hand, dogs can react to pollen differently. Their skin can be particularly affected, making excessive scratching, licking and sore patches important signs for owners to spot.

Vet Dr Scott Miller and senior pet nutritionist Ashleigh Walker explain what parents and pet owners need to know, including why you shouldn't reach for your own antihistamines without speaking to a vet first.

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Can dogs really get hay fever?

Yes. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, and dogs can be affected just as humans can.

An allergy happens when the immune system mistakenly identifies a normally harmless substance, such as pollen, as a threat and responds to it. In dogs, pollen exposure can particularly affect the skin, which is why itching and irritation can be among the most noticeable symptoms.

Dr Scott Miller has more than two decades of veterinary experience and has appeared on ITV's This Morning and Channel 4's Vet on the Hill. He says owners should pay particular attention to changes in their dog's skin during pollen season.

Your pup's skin is likely to be the most obvious sign of whether or not they are suffering from hay fever as the itching may lead to sore patches of skin or even bald patches.

Dr Scott Miller, vet

What are the symptoms of hay fever in dogs?

Your dog can't tell you their eyes are itchy or that something feels different, so knowing the possible signs is useful, particularly if symptoms seem to appear or worsen during pollen season.

According to Dr Miller, symptoms can include:

Excessive scratching is especially important to watch. Dr Miller explains: “These happen when the dogs have itched to excess, and this leads their coat to deteriorate. If you do notice sore spots, you should watch your pet's behaviour for signs they’re in pain.”

However, these symptoms aren't exclusive to pollen allergies. Skin problems, itching and changes in behaviour can have other causes, so it's important not to diagnose hay fever yourself. Speak to your vet if you're concerned.

Are some dogs more likely to get hay fever?

Any size of dog can potentially experience seasonal allergies, but Dr Miller says certain breeds may be more susceptible because of factors including their coat or nose shape.

“Some breeds are more likely to suffer from this seasonal allergy because they are inclined to suffer from allergies because of features such as coat type or nose shape.”

Breeds that may be more sensitive to allergens include:

How is hay fever in dogs treated?

If you suspect your dog has hay fever, both Dr Miller and senior pet nutritionist Ashleigh Walker recommend speaking to your vet. Even if your dog has experienced similar symptoms before, the appropriate treatment can vary.

And while antihistamines might be a familiar part of your own summer survival kit, don't assume your medication is suitable for your pet.

Walker explains: “Unlike humans, in which a general antihistamine pill is often sufficient to prevent discomfort, targeted hay fever treatments work better for dogs.

“Your vet may prescribe eye drops or nasal sprays. In severe cases, vets can also administer injections to help get symptoms under control.”

Depending on your dog and their symptoms, a vet may recommend treatments including medicated shampoos, appropriate antihistamines, skin sprays or creams, medication to tackle inflammation and itching, or ear and eye drops.

5 ways to reduce your dog's pollen exposure

Alongside any treatment recommended by your vet, a few changes to your dog's routine may help reduce their exposure to pollen.

1. Clean them after walks

Washing or wiping down your dog's coat after they've been outside can help remove pollen they've picked up on their adventures before it spreads around your home.

2. Keep up with grooming

Regular brushing during pollen season can help remove particles trapped in your dog's coat. Keeping their paws and nails clean may help too.

3. Think about walk times

Pollen levels vary throughout the day, so check your local pollen forecast when deciding when to head out. If your dog is particularly sensitive, reducing exposure when counts are high may help.

4. Wash bedding and toys

Your dog's favourite bed, blankets and soft toys can collect pollen. Washing them regularly can help reduce the amount your pet encounters at home.

5. Keep track of their symptoms

Walker recommends looking for patterns in when and where symptoms appear, as this information could also help your vet establish what's causing the reaction.

When and where are their reactions more severe? Are their symptoms worse inside or outside? Or after eating? If you spot a pattern, remove potential stressors in sequence and check their symptoms in response to narrow down the cause. This information will be useful to help your vet determine the right response.

Ashleigh Walker, senior pet nutritionist

If your dog's symptoms are persistent, they're scratching enough to damage their skin, or they appear to be in pain or significant discomfort, contact your vet rather than trying to treat the problem at home.

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Authors

Finn ByrneEcommerce Writer

Finn Byrne is a Digital Writer for Immediate Media. He works across several brands including The Recommended, RadioTimes.com, MadeforMums and BBC Gardeners’ World. Finn has previously written for publications including MyLondon, The Mirror, The Express, and The Star. When not writing Finn enjoys spending time on the football pitch and getting stuck into a book.

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