Pollen Allergy in Dogs and Cats
Recognising signs of a pollen allergy in your pet and what you can do to help
You may be surprised to learn that not only humans are affected by hay fever. Some pets, including cats and dogs, can also suffer from this allergy.
An allergic reaction is caused by various environmental triggers, with allergens triggering a hypersensitive response from the animal's immune system.1-3 Common allergens include pollen from trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses. If your pet has difficulty breathing in the spring, scratches themself more frequently, or shows other related symptoms, they may be suffering from a pollen allergy.
Signs of an allergic reaction
The most affected body areas in dogs are the paws (especially the area between the toes), muzzle, ears, eye area, groin, armpits, limbs and abdomen.4 Look out for the following symptoms.2-5 Similar symptoms to these can also be observed in cats.6
Dogs
- Scratching or rubbing, e.g. ears, eyes, face
- Intensive licking of the paws
- Red and moist skin
- Excessive hair loss
- Odor in the ears
- Hives (a skin condition)
- Increased head shaking
- Watery eyes
- Reverse sneezing (air is sucked in quickly through the nose)
Cats
- Itchy skin, which causes them to scratch or groom themselves excessively
- Frequent sneezing, often accompanied by a runny nose
- Watery eyes that are also red
- Ear infections caused by pollen and seeds
- Problems with breathing (though this is less common in cats)
How to prevent these symptons?
Adjust outdoor time schedule
Check online or via an app to determine when the pollen level for that day is at its highest. This usually increases in the morning and reaches its peak at midday or early afternoon.7
During peak pollen levels, only take your dog for brief walks. It’s also best to keep your cat indoors during this time.
Make the most of the rain
Light rain washes away pollen and prevents it from floating in the air8 making this a good time for your dog or cat to be outdoors.
Keep your dog on a leash
This will prevent your four-legged friend from rolling onto their back and collecting pollen in their fur.
Avoid areas with long grass
Walk with your dog in specific areas, avoiding landscapes with long flowering grasses.
Wash and brush fur regularly
Try to clean them after every walk to remove allergens. Brush them to remove dirt and settled pollen. Also, check for pollen on other areas of the body, such as the paws. Try to clean your dog's paws and legs after each walk.
Keep their bed clean
Wash baskets, blankets, and other beddings regularly.
Change your clothes after being outside
Change your clothes and even shower after being outdoors, as pollen and other allergens can cling to clothing and be carried indoors.
Holiday on the coast or in the mountains
These landscape areas are suitable for allergic animals all year round as the air often has very low concentration of pollen.5,9
Install pollen screens on window and patio doors
This will help to prevent allergens from entering your home.
Purchase an air purifier
Ensure to buy one with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, as these remove very small particles, reducing the amount of pollen, dust and other allergens in your home.10
Consult a vet
If your dog or cat is showing any signs of these symptoms then please consult a veterinarian. They can provide exact guidance on how to help your pet manage their allergies.
Source
2Seasonal Allergies in Dogs. [accessed 2025 Feb 11]. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/seasonal-allergies-dogs
3Allergies in Dogs and Cats. The Animal Medical Center. [accessed 2025 Feb 11]. https://www.amcny.org/pet_health_library/allergies-in-dogs/
4Different Types of Dog Allergies: How to Identify and Treat Them. American Kennel Club. [accessed 2025 Feb 11]. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-allergies-symptoms-treatment/
5Pollen Allergies in Dogs. [accessed 2025 Feb 11]. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/systemic/pollen-allergies-dogs
6How to identify seasonal pet allergy symptoms. Brunswick Central Vet Clinic. 2023 [accessed 2025 Feb 11]. https://brunswickcentralvet.com.au/pet-advice/how-to-identify-seasonal-pet-allergy-symptoms/
7Pollen Count & How It Changes Throughout A Day. ZYRTEC®. [accessed 2025 Feb 11]. https://www.zyrtec.com/allergy-guide/outdoors/best-times-low-pollen-count
8How Does Rain Affect Pollen Levels? Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. 2024 Jul 15 [accessed 2025 Feb 11]. https://community.aafa.org/blog/how-does-rain-affect-pollen-levels
9Allergies and Asthma on Vacation. ACAAI Patient. 2024 Apr 22 [accessed 2025 Feb 11]. https://acaai.org/resource/allergies-and-asthma-on-vacation/
10Our 8 Top Tested Air Purifiers For Homes With Pets. The Spruce Pets. [accessed 2025 Feb 11]. https://www.thesprucepets.com/best-air-purifiers-for-pets-4175935