Does my dog get hayfever? 5 top tips to help with allergic reactions in dogs.
May 09, 2026As spring and summer arrive, you might notice your dog sneezing more, scratching vigorously, rubbing their face on the carpet or chewing at their paws. Sound familiar? There's a good chance your furry companion is reacting to seasonal allergens and yes, dogs can get hayfever too!
Pollens from trees, grasses, weeds and flowering plants are the main culprits from spring through to late summer. Symptoms can develop at any point in your dog's life, though they most commonly begin between the ages of 1 and 3.
Some breeds are more prone to canine hayfever than others, including Boston, Cairn, Scottish, West Highland and wire-haired terriers, Dalmatians, Irish setters, poodles and schnauzers, though any dog can be affected.
Your 5-Step Holistic Toolkit
1) Soothe the Symptoms Naturally
Applied Zoopharmacognosy enables animals to self-select their own natural remedies, such as essential oils and herbs. Essential oils with anti-histamine properties, such as German Chamomile and cooling properties, such as Peppermint, may help to reduce your dog's symptoms. During an Applied Zoopharmacognosy session, your dog may choose to inhale them, lick them, or have them applied to their coat or skin.
The key is always to let your dog choose how and when they receive their remedies and to receive support in learning how to offer the remedies safely to your own animal.
2) Boost Your Dog's Immune System
Supporting your dog's overall health makes a real difference to how they handle allergic reactions. Through Applied Zoopharmacognosy, many dogs self-select:
- Spirulina - a powerful superfood packed with vitamins and minerals
- Barley Grass - mineral-rich and frequently chosen by dogs with allergies
Offering these separately to food allows your dog to choose how much they need each day and your dog knows best what their body needs!
3) Be Mindful on Walks
A few simple adjustments to your walking routine can reduce pollen exposure significantly:
- Avoid walking when the pollen count is very high, especially on windy days
- Keep your dog away from long grass and dense vegetation
- Check the Met Office 5-day pollen forecast to plan ahead
4) Identify What's Triggering Your Dog
The UK pollen season typically runs from March to August, but can begin as early as January or end as late as November. Keep a simple diary of your dog's symptoms and where you've been walking - patterns often emerge.
Pollen season at a glance:
- Tree pollen - late March to mid-May
- Grass pollen - mid-May to July
- Weed pollen - end of June to September
5) Groom, Bathe & Freshen Up
After every walk, make this your post-walk ritual:
- Wipe your dog down with a damp towel, start at the face and work to the paws
- Groom daily to reduce allergens in the coat; trim excess hair for easier upkeep
- Bathe weekly with a mild shampoo and cool water - warm water can increase itching
- Add colloidal oatmeal (designed for bathing) to the water for hot, itchy skin
- Wash bedding and dog towels regularly
- Hoover floors and soft furnishings frequently to reduce airborne particles indoors
- Run a dehumidifier or air purifier daily to make a noticeable difference
Many other animals, including cats, horses, guinea pigs and more, can also experience hayfever-like symptoms and benefit from a holistic approach. If you'd like to explore how Applied Zoopharmacognosy could help your animal, I'd love to hear from you.
Join my newsletter today.
By signing up you willĀ receive a fortnightly newsletter that includes special offers, new sessions and classes, top tips and advice direct to your inbox!
We collect personal data in line with our privacy policy, which can be viewed from the website menu and will not share or sell your personal information. You can unsubscribe at any time.
