Can Dogs Be Allergic to Pollen?

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Updated:  September 1st, 2023
kobkik/Shutterstock

It’s that time of the year, when the trees and flowers are in bloom, and the pollen is all over the place. And since a lot of people have pollen allergies, this idyllic picture results in a whole lot of sneezing, eye-watering, and all sorts of other irritating issues. But what about dogs? Can our four-legged friends be allergic to pollen as well? Let’s delve deeper to fully understand the effects of pollen on dogs.


Pollen Allergy in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment(s)


Believe it or not, dogs can be allergic to pollen, just like humans. This condition is known as canine pollen allergy or canine hay fever. Pollen is a common environmental allergen that can trigger potent reactions in some dogs. When dogs with pollen allergies come into contact with pollen, they may experience a range of symptoms. Knowing the symptoms can help you understand if your pet has a reaction to pollen. Here are the main ones.


  • Itching: 

Itchiness is one of the first symptoms of pollen allergies. In an attempt to reduce the effects of the pollen, dogs may scratch, bite, lick, or chew at their skin, paws, ears, or other areas. If you notice this, then a pollen allergy could be the case at hand. 


  • Redness and Inflammation: 

Allergic reactions can lead to red, inflamed skin, particularly in areas that come into direct contact with pollen. This can be hard to notice on dogs with thick coats. But if you do notice it, be sure to consult with your vet. 


  • Sneezing and Runny Nose: 

Some dogs may exhibit symptoms similar to those of human  hay fever, including sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes. Some sneezing can be normal, but you will definitely know when the sneezing becomes too frequent. 


  • Paw Chewing and Licking: 

Dogs may excessively chew or lick their paws, which can lead to irritation and secondary infections. 


  • Ear Infections: 

Pollen allergies can contribute to ear inflammation and ear infections in some dogs. This issue can be more prevalent in certain breeds such as Bassets, because of the shape of their ears. 


  • Hair Loss: 


Excessive scratching and licking can lead to hair loss and  hot spots. If you notice bald spots or clumps of hair, contact your vet!


If you suspect your dog has a pollen allergy, it's important to consult a veterinarian. They can perform allergy testing to identify the specific allergens that are causing the reaction and recommend appropriate treatment options. Treatment may include antihistamines, corticosteroids, medicated shampoos, allergy shots (immunotherapy), and environmental management strategies to reduce exposure to pollen.


In case the symptoms of the allergy are mild, you can also try – after consulting your vet – some of the many natural or over-the-counter remedies for dog allergies. For example,  these Pet Chef allergy relief chews are a great choice for dogs with hair and skin issues as a result of their pollen allergy as they will soothe itching and help maintain a healthy coat. Made from natural ingredients, these PB-flavored chews can be doled out as a treat, which is perfect if you have a picky eater on your hands.


And if the itching gets bad and results in hair loss, you should ask for a green light from your vet to ramp things up and offer relief with medicated  Veterinary Formula itch relief shampoo. When there’s an itch, nothing helps better than a relaxing and relieving bath, especially when the shampoo contains lidocaine for analgesic properties, hydrocortisone to reduce inflammation, and colloidal oatmeal for an instant soothing effect on irritated skin. 


In addition to trying out various treatment options, you should also steer clear of spots that could trigger your pet’s allergies or make them worse. Keep in mind that pollen levels can vary by season and location, so your dog's symptoms may be more pronounced during certain times of the year or in specific geographic areas. If you know that a certain area you frequent with your pet has a big concentration of pollen, then by all means, try to avoid it. Choose areas that have fewer flowers and trees, and try to plan your walking routes ahead. 

WOW
Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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When you start handling and playing with your ferret, you may notice they are naturally mouthy. To train your new ferret to play safely with people, avoid using your hands as a “toy.” Instead, use fun and ferret-safe toys like rubber balls, ropes, chew toys, or interactive cat toys. Avoid anything too small that they could swallow, as it could cause a life-threatening obstruction. Grooming While these adorable creatures are naturally clean, they have a distinct odor often described as musky. This scent is even stronger in unneutered ferrets. You can bathe your ferret regularly, but the smell will never disappear entirely. That being said, avoid the temptation to over-bathe your ferret. They should be bathed at most once or twice a month. Bathing them too often will strip their skin and coat of the protective natural oils, causing skin irritation or even making the smell worse! Diet Ferrets are carnivores requiring a high-protein, low-fiber, meat-based diet. This can be accomplished by feeding a commercially prepared ferret food or preparing a homemade diet. The amount they need to eat and the nutrients required to ensure their diet is balanced correctly will depend on their age, weight, lifestyle, and any underlying health concerns. Some foods that can be included in their meals include eggs, high-protein baby foods, kitten foods, turkey necks, game birds, or minced meat. Health and Veterinary CareLike other traditional companion animals, ferrets require regular veterinary check-ups to ensure no cause for concern. Finding a vet may be a little more challenging as there are fewer vets experienced with ferret care. These little critters are prone to several health problems like lymphoma, adrenal gland disease, respiratory problems, ear mites, and intestinal parasites. Staying on top of their vet care will help prevent issues and identify problems early when they are easier to address.Ideal Environment When creating the ideal habitat for your ferret, one of the biggest things to consider is the available space in your home. A ferret’s cage should be at least 18 inches by 18 inches by 30 inches, with a minimum of two levels and stairs or ramps to move between them. This means you must find space in your home for a cage of this size. This cage should include many enrichment opportunities, like toys, tubes, hammocks, and hiding spaces. In addition to setting up a cage with all the necessities, they will also need time to play and explore outside their cage. This means you will need to have a ferret-proofed area of the home where they can move about safely. They are masters of climbing and slipping through small spaces, which can make the process of ferret-proofing or keeping them contained in one area of the home challenging. Questions to Ask Yourself Before Adopting a Ferret Do you have enough space to accommodate your ferret’s habitat and the ability to ferret-proof an area of your home (they are escape artists)? Are you prepared for the high cost of veterinary care if your ferret encounters a medical emergency or any of the common health conditions listed above?Can you dedicate at least 4 hours per day to playtime and social interaction? Are ferrets legal to keep as pets in my area? Have you found a vet near you with experience in ferret care?Will you be comfortable with the strong, musky ferret odor (Yes, it will be in your home)?Do you have a young child in the home? If so, you may be better served by adopting a pet your child can handle and interact with safely.

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What to Do When Your Dog is Choking?

Naturally curious and often very voracious, dogs can get into a lot of trouble just by following their gut, so to speak. Not only will they try to munch on anything, but they will also eat at a rapid pace, often gulping down their food in seconds. Naturally, this doesn’t mix well – accidents can happen as a result and your pet could choke. Choking is a big fear for dog owners whose pets are greedy or fast eaters, but all dog owners, in general, should know how to act in case their pet is choking. After all, knowing how to act quickly and effectively can make all the difference for your pooch. What to Do When Your Dog is Choking: Step by Step ExplainedThe foremost thing for any owner to know is how to recognize the first signs of choking. The most common signs include excessive drooling, panic and agitation, difficulty breathing, pawing at the mouth, gagging and retching, and blue or pale gums. If you notice any of these symptoms it is paramount to act immediately and remain calm. Before you do anything, try to assess the situation. Remember that a panicking dog might accidentally bite, even if that is not their intention. So, to ensure you remain safe, approach your pet calmly and try to reassure them. Try to spot the cause of the choking. If you can see the object, and it can be easily removed, then proceed but cautiously. However, if the object can’t be removed easily and is deep in the throat, do not attempt to remove it. The same goes if your dog is panicking and biting aggressively – it’s a situation for the pros. If, however, the situation appears reasonably safe, then you can try to remove the object manually.First gently open your dog’s mouth, by holding their upper jaw with one hand, and the lower with the other. If you spot the object, use your fingers to try and remove it. But be careful – one mistake can push it further into the throat, making the situation worse. So be cautious. If, however, the object is visible but out of reach, you can use special tweezers or pliers. Still, you need to be very careful in order to avoid further injury.If the object cannot be removed manually or with tweezers, then you might want to perform the Heimlich maneuver. Depending on the size of your dog, this technique could vary slightly. For small dogs:Place your pet on their back.Place one hand on their back to support them, and then use the other hand to apply firm pressure just below the rib cage, pushing upwards and towards the chest.After a few of these thrusts, check the mouth to see if the object was dislodged.For large dogs:It is best to stand behind your dog and wrap your arms around their waist. Place your fist just below their rib cage, and grasp it with your other hand.Apply quick upward thrusts to the abdomen.After several thrusts, check the mouth cavity and see if the object is removed.When you remove the object that your pet choked on, it is crucial to check if they show signs of injury or distress. And even if they seem fine, it is advisable to seek out the help of your vet and schedule a thorough examination. This is because choking can cause damage to the throat that might not be apparent at first glance. 

How Much Water Should My Horse Drink Daily?

Hydration is very important for all animals, especially horses. Large and powerful animals, equines can require plenty of water on a daily level. Hydration is thus a vital aspect of maintaining a horse's health and performance. Like humans, horses rely on water to regulate their body temperature, support digestion, and facilitate the smooth functioning of their organs. Understanding how much water a horse needs daily can help prevent dehydration and related health issues, ensuring the animal's overall well-being. So here is what you need to know.How Much Water Should My Horse Drink Daily?On average, an adult horse should consume between 5 to 10 gallons of water per day (18 to 37 liters). This amount can vary based on several factors, including the horse’s size, activity level, diet, and the climate in which it lives. Larger horses, especially those engaged in strenuous activity, will typically require more water. For instance, a racehorse or a horse working in a hot environment may need closer to 15 gallons a day to stay properly hydrated.Of course, foals and younger horses may drink less water than adults, but it is still essential to provide them with easy access to fresh, clean water to promote healthy growth and development. Still, there are several factors that affect water consumption, and the foremost of these is a horse’s activity level. The more a horse exercises, the more water it will need. Horses sweat during physical exertion, losing both water and electrolytes. Replenishing this lost fluid is crucial to prevent dehydration, muscle cramps, and heat exhaustion.Diet is also crucial - horses that consume large amounts of hay, which is dry and low in moisture content, will drink more water than those on fresh pasture grass, which contains higher levels of moisture. Additionally, horses fed grains or high-protein feeds may also require more water to aid digestion.Owners also have to take into account the weather conditions. Horses living in hot or humid climates will naturally need more water to stay cool. Similarly, horses in colder environments may drink less water, but it's still important to monitor their intake to avoid dehydration, which can be a concern even in winter. Providing slightly warmed water during cold months can encourage a horse to drink more.

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