2023-06-11 17:00:00
If, in the spring, your pooch starts scratching everywhere and has recurrent ear infections, he may be suffering from pollen allergy. There are then various solutions to relieve it.
In summer, it’s always the same tune: your eyes are crying, you sneeze in bursts and your throat is constantly tickling you. Seasonal allergies are common in humans, but what regarding our pets, especially dogs? Can they also suffer from hay fever? Answer…
A RARE ALLERGY
While pollen allergy is particularly common in men, it is relatively rare in dogs. Indeed, it is estimated that sensitivity to pollen represents only regarding 5 cases out of 100. Our pets are therefore more allergic to flea bites (80% of canine dermatitis), to an element of their environment (atopy) or to an ingredient that makes up their diet.
In pollen allergy, the incriminated allergens are generally those of birch, cypress, grasses, maritime pine or ragweed. And when such sensitivity is proven, it is most often coupled with other allergies.
SYMPTOMS DIFFICULT TO DISSOCIATE
Unlike humans, hay fever in dogs will not manifest as sneezing, runny nose or itchy eyes. Here, the animal will rather tend to nibble and lick its paws, anus, head or ears frantically, to the point of seeing lesions, areas of hair loss and inflammation appear. He will also rub his hindquarters on the ground and may also have ear infections regularly.
The dog breeds most prone to pollen allergy are the Labrador, Westie, Bulldog, Lhasa Apso, Shar Pei, Amstaff and Boxer. Symptoms usually start in young adults, between the ages of 1 and 3 years old.
HOW TO RELIEVE THEM?
If you suspect your animal of suffering from hay fever, a consultation with the veterinarian is essential because the symptoms of pollen allergy can resemble those of other diseases. It is therefore essential to confirm the diagnosis.
Be aware that antihistamines are not very effective on animals and that treatments are mainly aimed at relieving itching. A special shampoo with anti-inflammatory properties may also be recommended, as well as additional intakes of essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6), known for their calming effect. In allergy season, also remember to brush your dog daily to remove pollen residue from his coat.
Finally, if the allergic manifestations are too important for your doggie and difficult to live with on a daily basis, the veterinarian can offer you desensitization following having carried out skin tests or a blood test. This method usually gives good results.
M.K
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