PMD Blog – Can Dogs Get Hay Fever?

Can Dogs Get Hay Fever?

The short answer is yes — but it probably doesn't look the way you'd expect.

Quick Answer

Yes, dogs can develop seasonal allergies to pollen, grass, and other environmental triggers — similar to hay fever in people.
In dogs, these allergies usually show up in the skin rather than through sneezing and a runny nose.
The condition is called atopic dermatitis, and it causes itching, paw licking, ear problems, and skin inflammation.
Symptoms typically get worse in spring and summer when pollen counts are high, then improve in winter.
A vet should diagnose seasonal allergies properly — the symptoms overlap with other conditions, and treatment depends on what's driving them.

When people think of hay fever, they picture sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. Dogs can experience all of those things too — but in practice, the most common way seasonal allergies show up in dogs is through the skin. A dog that starts scratching, licking its paws, and shaking its head every spring is more likely dealing with atopic dermatitis than a runny nose.

The underlying mechanism is similar to hay fever in people: the immune system overreacts to an allergen — pollen, grass, dust mites, or mould spores — and triggers an inflammatory response. The difference is which tissues are most affected.

Hay fever in people

Sneezing
Runny nose
Itchy, watery eyes
Congestion
Symptoms primarily in upper airways and eyes

Seasonal allergy in dogs

Itchy skin — especially paws, belly, ears, face
Paw licking and chewing
Ear inflammation and infections
Red or watery eyes
Some sneezing, but less prominent

Signs of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

These signs tend to appear or worsen in spring and summer and improve in autumn and winter, though in some dogs with year-round triggers (such as dust mites), symptoms are present throughout the year:

Persistent scratching — especially at the belly, armpits, face, ears, and base of the tail
Paw licking and chewing, sometimes causing reddish-brown staining of the fur between the toes
Recurring ear inflammation or infections
Red, watery, or itchy-looking eyes
Rubbing the face on furniture, carpet, or the ground
Sneezing or a runny nose (less common than skin signs, but does occur)
A pattern of symptoms that improves in cold weather and returns each spring or summer

Common Seasonal Triggers in UK Dogs

Grass Pollen

Peak season in the UK is typically May to July. Walking through long grass or freshly cut grass can trigger or worsen symptoms.

Tree Pollen

Trees including birch, oak, and ash release pollen from February to May. Symptoms in very early spring often point to tree pollen.

Weed Pollen

Nettles, plantain, and other weeds pollinate from summer into early autumn. Dogs may react to weeds on walks even when grass pollen is low.

Mould Spores

Mould spore counts are highest in late summer and autumn, particularly after damp weather. Symptoms persisting into autumn may indicate mould as a trigger.

Dust mites are a year-round trigger that are highest indoors in autumn and winter when heating is on and windows are closed. If your dog's symptoms don't improve in cold weather, dust mites may be contributing alongside seasonal triggers.

Diagnosis and Management

Seasonal allergies in dogs — atopic dermatitis — are diagnosed by a vet through clinical examination and history. The seasonal pattern of symptoms is often the most important clue. In some cases, referral to a veterinary dermatologist and allergy testing (intradermal or blood-based) can help identify specific triggers, which allows for allergen-specific immunotherapy if appropriate.

Management Approaches

Environmental measures: Wiping paws after walks, rinsing the coat after walks in high pollen conditions, and reducing outdoor activity during peak pollen periods can help reduce allergen exposure.

Prescription medications: Several effective prescription treatments are available for atopic dermatitis in dogs — including targeted allergy medications, immunomodulatory drugs, and in some cases corticosteroids for short-term management. A vet can advise on the most appropriate approach for your dog's specific situation and severity.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy: Where specific allergens have been identified through allergy testing, a bespoke vaccine can be formulated to gradually desensitise the immune system. This is a longer-term approach requiring veterinary referral and commitment to a treatment course.

Secondary infection treatment: Atopic dogs are prone to secondary skin and ear infections. Managing these alongside the allergy is important — leaving infections untreated while managing only the allergy is unlikely to give a good result.

Human antihistamines and dogs: Some human antihistamines contain decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine that are dangerous to dogs. Never give your dog a human antihistamine without checking with your vet first — even if the active ingredient sounds familiar. A vet can advise on whether antihistamines are appropriate and which products are safe for dogs.

When to Contact Your Vet

Your dog scratches or licks itself persistently, especially if symptoms have a seasonal pattern
Ear infections are recurring — seasonal allergies are the most common underlying cause of recurrent ear problems in dogs
The skin is showing signs of secondary infection — redness, smell, thickened or greasy patches
Symptoms are affecting your dog's sleep, behaviour, or quality of life
Over-the-counter options haven't helped after a reasonable trial
You're unsure whether the cause is seasonal allergies, food sensitivity, or something else

How Pet Med Direct Can Help

Pet Med Direct stocks products for skin care and allergy management in dogs. Some general skin support and antiparasitic products are available without a prescription. Prescription allergy treatments — including targeted immunomodulatory drugs for atopic dermatitis — require a valid veterinary prescription.

If your vet has assessed your dog's allergies and recommended a specific product, browse the Pet Med Direct shop to see what's available. Never give your dog human antihistamines without veterinary guidance.

Some treatments require a valid veterinary prescription. Pet Med Direct can only supply prescription medicines after the prescription has been checked. Always follow your vet's advice and the directions on the medicine label.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my dog's itching is seasonal allergies or something else?

The seasonal pattern is the most useful clue — if itching consistently appears in spring or summer and reduces significantly in winter, seasonal allergy is a likely candidate. If the itching is year-round, food sensitivity or dust mites may be more relevant. A vet can examine the skin, assess the pattern, and help distinguish between causes. Many dogs have more than one trigger simultaneously, which can make this complex.

Can I give my dog antihistamines for hay fever?

Only with veterinary guidance. Some antihistamines that are safe for people contain decongestants that are toxic to dogs. Even antihistamine-only preparations should be confirmed as safe and at an appropriate dose by a vet before use. The effectiveness of antihistamines for atopic dermatitis in dogs is variable — they work well for some and not at all for others. A vet can advise on whether they're worth trying in your dog's situation.

Do some breeds get seasonal allergies more than others?

Yes. Certain breeds appear to be predisposed to atopic dermatitis, including West Highland White Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, and Boxers among others. That said, any breed can develop environmental allergies, and genetics isn't the only factor. Age of onset is typically between one and three years in most affected dogs.

Can seasonal allergies be cured?

Atopic dermatitis cannot currently be cured, but it can be managed effectively in most dogs. Allergen-specific immunotherapy — a course of injections or drops tailored to the dog's specific allergens — can reduce the immune response over time and is the closest thing to long-term management available. Many dogs achieve significantly better quality of life with appropriate treatment, even if the allergy itself remains.

My dog sneezes a lot in summer. Could that be pollen?

It's possible. While skin symptoms are more typical in dogs with seasonal allergies, some do also sneeze or have a runny nose in response to high pollen. Other causes of sneezing in dogs include a foreign body in the nose (a grass seed, for example), nasal infection, or a nasal polyp. If sneezing is frequent, persistent, or accompanied by nasal discharge, a vet check is appropriate to rule out other causes.

Does wiping my dog's paws after walks really help?

It can, yes. Pollen and other allergens cling to the coat and paws during walks, and allergen exposure through skin contact is a key driver of atopic symptoms. Wiping the paws and coat with a damp cloth after walks during high-pollen periods reduces the allergen load on the skin. It won't eliminate symptoms on its own, but it's a practical, low-cost step that's often recommended alongside other management strategies.

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This this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice.
If you are concerned with your dog’s health, please consult a qualified veterinarian.