If you are a hay fever sufferer, you will understand just how difficult the warmer months of the year can be when the pollen count is high. Hay fever is caused when your body reacts to pollen spores which are carried on the air. However, hay fever doesn't just impact humans, it can also cause problems for your dog. Below is a guide which will help you to spot and treat the signs of hay fever in your dog.

The symptoms of hay fever in dogs

If your dog develops hay fever, it may display the following symptoms.

Rash: You may notice that your dog develops a red rash on its body. Spotting this rash can sometimes be difficult due to your dog's coat; however, you should be able to see it in locations where the fur is not so thick, such as on the face and feet. Your dog may also develop bald patches where they have been biting and scratching a rash caused by hay fever.

Watery eyes and runny nose: If you notice that your dog's eyes have become glassy or that they constantly have a runny nose, this could be an indication of hay fever. These symptoms are a result of your dog's immune system trying to reduce the amount of pollen that is reaching the soft membranes of the body while also trying to expel pollen from the nose.

The treatment of hay fever in dogs

Thankfully, because hay fever is seasonal, the symptoms will typically resolve themselves once the summer comes to an end. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce the impact of hay fever on your dog's wellbeing during the hay fever season.

Visit the vet: While there is no cure for hay fever, your vet will be able to prescribe medication such as antihistamines which help to reduce the severity of the hay fever symptoms. Antihistamines work by blocking the release of histamines within your dog's blood stream. It is these histamines that are responsible for the symptoms related to hay fever. Your vet may also prescribe a topical cream to treat any rashes which develop.

Keep your dog inside: On days which have very high pollen counts, you should try to keep your dog inside. You should use the air conditioning system, rather than opening any windows in your home. Keeping the windows closed will help to prevent pollen from entering your home.

If you are concerned about the impact hay fever is having on your dog, you should contact a vet today.