Pollen Allergies in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

When the seasons change, some dogs become prone to excessive scratching, chewing and licking, which can lead to hair loss and skin and ear infections. The reason: underlying  allergies to normally harmless things in the environment.¹

Can dogs have allergies to pollen? In a word, yes. Any breed of dog (and mixed breeds) can suffer from environmental allergies, and a dog pollen allergy is also possible. However, since there is a known inherited component, certain breeds are genetically predisposed to allergies. Breeds including Boxers, Labradors, Boston Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Dalmatians, Lhasa Apsos, Scottish Terriers and Shih Tzus have higher rates of allergies to pollen and other environmental allergy triggers.¹

Here's what you need to know about environmental allergies in dogs, particularly a dog pollen allergy.

What is an environmental allergy in dogs?

Allergies are triggered when your dog's immune system is hypersensitive or overreacts to a specific allergen or combination of allergens.²

Can dogs have pollen allergies? Absolutely. Instead of recognizing pollen as a harmless environmental substance, your dog's immune system may treat it as an invader that causes their cells to release histamines—potent chemicals that cause an allergic reaction and lead to allergy symptoms.²

And pollen is just one of the environmental allergens that can trigger allergy symptoms in dogs. Dust, mold, dust mites, fleas and even cat dander are other common environmental allergens that can cause allergy symptoms in dogs.

Allergies are one of the most common reasons for vet visits and the most common skin disorder in dogs. Seasonal allergies may also be called "hay fever" and can affect humans as well as dogs. Unfortunately, a pollen allergy in dogs and reactions to other environmental allergens, such as dust and mold, are on the rise. The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests a 30% increase in dogs diagnosed with seasonal allergies.³ Most dogs are diagnosed with allergies between the ages of 1 and 3 years old.²

Common dog pollen allergy symptoms

Are you concerned that your dog may have pollen allergies? Be on the lookout for these common pollen allergy symptoms in dogs:

• Itchy skin, eyes and ears: Itching is the most common sign of allergies. Dogs with environmental allergies often scratch excessively, paw at their eyes and ears, or rub their bodies against furniture or the carpet to alleviate their inflamed, itchy skin.¹ This often leads to secondary infections as the scratching damages the skin barrier.
• Paw chewing and licking: Dogs often  lick or chew their paws, armpits and inner thighs, causing their skin to become red and inflamed or even secondarily infected with bacterial or fungal organisms.⁴
• Sneezing and runny nose: While respiratory symptoms are not common, up to 15% of dogs with allergies may present with inflammation inside the nose, called rhinitis, which can lead to sneezing, sniffling and wheezing.¹
• Ear infections: Allergic inflammation can cause  chronic ear infections. Be on the lookout for excessive whining,  head shaking or pawing at the ears, which are classic signs of an ear infection and might be the only symptom of pollen or environmental allergies for some dogs.^{1, 5}

Common allergens that affect dogs

There are many environmental allergens, including pollen, that commonly cause allergies in dogs:

• Tree pollens from cedar, ash and oak trees²
• Grass pollens²
• Ragweed and other weed pollens²
• Dust, mold spores and dust mites²
• Storage mites found in commercial dog foods
• Fleas and other parasites
• Cat dander

There is no single test to diagnose environmental and pollen allergies in dogs. Instead, veterinarians will make a diagnosis based on your dog's symptoms and response to treatment. Allergy testing with skin tests or blood tests may be helpful to determine which environmental allergens are the main problem.^{1, 2}

Treating allergies in dogs

Once your dog has been diagnosed with allergies, your veterinarian will recommend a treatment plan to manage their symptoms. Treatment for allergies often takes a lot of trial and error before the perfect combination of remedies is found. Many dogs require lifelong management of their symptoms, as allergies cannot be cured. Treatment for your dog's pollen or environmental allergies might include the following.

Over-the-counter medications

Anti-itch sprays and other topical treatments can provide temporary relief for itchy, inflamed skin—just remember to use products made for pets, not people. ⁴ Frequent baths with hypoallergenic shampoo can also soothe itchy and inflamed skin.²

Prescription medications

Your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, including antihistamines and corticosteroids, to block the allergic reaction so your dog can get relief from the symptoms of pollen allergies.²

However, there are newer veterinary prescription medications that have fewer side effects compared to steroids and are more effective than antihistamines. They work by interfering with the itch cycle at the level of the skin or working with the dog's own immune system.

In addition, many dogs with allergies have concurrent infections due to the scratching and a damaged skin barrier. These dogs also need to take an appropriate antibiotic or antifungal therapy to help rid the skin of secondary infections.

If external parasites are a factor, flea control is imperative; your vet will prescribe a parasiticide.

Immunotherapy

Allergy shots incorporate the specific pollens or allergens your dog is allergic to in an attempt to boost their tolerance to the environmental allergens. Your vet will teach you to give the injection. However, some types of immunotherapy can be given under the tongue as a drop. Note that immunotherapy isn't always effective, and it can take up to six months to take effect.¹

Natural remedies for dog pollen allergies

While a purely holistic approach to allergies might not be realistic, there are known and trusted natural treatments that may help or even work on their own in mild cases.

• Vinegar is a reputable antifungal. When prepared correctly, it can be used to help decrease the fungal flora on the skin or in the ears, which in turn can be itchy and cause infections.
• Calendula has astringent, antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and has long been used topically for the treatment of skin diseases.⁶
• Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to improve the skin barrier, reducing the number of allergens that can penetrate and cause itchiness.
• Oatmeal colloids have long been used to soothe inflamed skin. When applied topically, they can help allergic skin to heal.
• Turmeric is a naturally occurring curcuminoid, a class of plant with many medicinal applications. It has been used to help treat skin disorders by reducing inflammation.⁷

Preventing pollen allergies in dogs

It's impossible to prevent your dog from being exposed to environmental allergens like pollen, but there are strategies to lessen the risk of an allergic reaction:

• Remain indoors: On days when pollen counts are high, skip your daily walk and keep your dog indoors as much as possible to reduce their exposure to allergens.⁴
• Run a bath:  Regular grooming and bathing with an anti-itch shampoo can help wash pollen off your dog's coat and alleviate their inflamed, itchy skin. ² Even using the hose to rinse your dog's paws after walks can help remove allergens.
• Reduce indoor allergens: Practices like vacuuming at least once per week, keeping windows and doors closed, and changing furnace filters regularly are proven strategies for improving indoor air quality and can reduce the number of allergens in your home.⁸ Using a HEPA-type air filtration system may also help reduce the amount of allergens in the air.

The bottom line

Your dog loves going for walks and playing fetch in the backyard, but seasonal allergies and environmental allergies can make him too miserable to spend time outside. If you notice your dog scratching or licking excessively, pawing at his ears or sneezing and wheezing, make an appointment with your veterinarian to see if environmental or pollen allergies might be to blame.

While allergies are frustrating and can't be cured, your vet can make an accurate diagnosis and suggest a treatment plan to alleviate your dog's allergy symptoms. Note that it can take significant trial and error to find the right combination of treatments that keeps your dog itch-free.

Note from Pets Best

A dog insurance plan from Pets Best can help ensure that your itchy, sneezing, sniffling pup gets the vet care she needs to manage her pollen allergies and get back to having fun outdoors.

Sources

1. White, S.D. and Moriello, K.A. Allergies in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual. Updated October 2022. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/allergies-in-dogs
2. Weir, M. et al. Allergies in Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/allergy-general-in-dogs
3. Burns, K. Banfield: Few pets allergic to food; flea, environmental allergies rise. American Veterinary Medical Association. Published June 27, 2018. https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2018-07-15/banfield-few-pets-allergic-food-flea-environmental-allergies-rise
4. Signs your pet has seasonal allergies — and what you can do to help. Animal Humane Society. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/signs-your-pet-has-seasonal-allergies-and-what-you-can-do-help
5. Racine, E. Dog Ear Infections: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention. American Kennel Club. Updated December 14, 2021. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-ear-infections
6. Bensky, D. et al. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. 3rd ed. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press, 2004.
7. Aggarwal, B.B. et al. Curcumin: the Indian solid gold. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2007. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17569205
8. How Can I Control Indoor Allergens and Improve Indoor Air Quality? Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Reviewed September 2015. https://aafa.org/allergies/prevent-allergies/control-indoor-allergens