Do Pets Get Hay Fever? What to Look Out for in Dogs and Cats

As spring settles in and pollen levels start to rise, many of us begin to brace ourselves for the familiar symptoms of hay fever. Sneezing, itchy eyes and that general feeling of irritation that seems to appear overnight.

It naturally raises the question. Do our pets go through the same thing?

The short answer is yes, they can. But it does not always look quite the way you might expect.

At Highgate Veterinary Clinic, we often see an increase in skin and ear issues at this time of year, many of which are linked to seasonal allergies.

How Hay Fever Affects Pets

In people, hay fever tends to affect the nose and eyes. In dogs and cats, it is more likely to show up through the skin.

Pets can develop allergies to pollen, grasses, mould spores and other environmental triggers, particularly during spring and early summer. This is often referred to as atopic dermatitis, a condition that causes irritation and inflammation of the skin.

So while your dog is unlikely to sit there sneezing all day, they may show their discomfort in other ways.

Common Signs to Watch For

If your pet is struggling with seasonal allergies, you might notice:

• Excessive scratching or licking
• Red or inflamed skin
• Chewing at paws
• Rubbing their face on furniture or carpets
• Ear irritation or repeated ear infections
• Watery eyes or mild discharge

Some dogs focus on their paws, while others seem generally itchy all over. Cats may groom more than usual, sometimes to the point of thinning fur or bald patches.

Why It Often Gets Missed

One of the reasons hay fever in pets can go unnoticed is that the symptoms are easy to mistake for something else.

Owners often assume it is fleas, dry skin or a temporary irritation. In reality, seasonal allergies tend to follow a pattern. The same signs appear at roughly the same time each year and may gradually worsen if left untreated.

If you find yourself noticing the same issues every spring, it is worth having it checked.

What You Can Do at Home

There are a few simple steps that can help reduce your pet’s exposure to pollen:

• Wipe your dog’s paws and coat after walks
• Wash bedding regularly
• Keep grass in the garden trimmed
• Avoid long grassy areas on high pollen days
• Bathe your dog occasionally using a gentle, vet-approved shampoo

These small changes can help reduce irritation and make your pet more comfortable.

When to Speak to Your Vet

If your pet is persistently itchy, uncomfortable or developing sore skin, it is best to seek advice early.

At Highgate Veterinary Clinic, we can help determine whether allergies are the cause and rule out other common issues such as parasites or infections. From there, we can recommend the most suitable treatment to keep your pet comfortable throughout the season.

A Seasonal Problem That Can Be Managed

Hay fever in pets is more common than many people realise, particularly in dogs. The good news is that with the right care, it can be managed very effectively.

If your pet seems more itchy than usual as the weather improves, it may not just be a coincidence.