Dog pollen allergy: Here’s what really helps

Every dog can develop a pollen allergy. Some are more likely to do so, due to their living environment, breed or exposure to pollen. Since the peak allergy season is coming soon, make sure you know everything you need on dog pollen allergy and how to best protect your dog from it.

What is the specific dog pollen allergy period?

The dog pollen allergy is at its peak mostly during the spring and summer season, but it can last until the beginning of autumn. This is due to the fact that pollen comes mostly from grass, weeds, flowers or trees. Dogs can have direct contact with the allergen from pollen, by simply touching those specific plants with their face or feet. But they can also simply inhale the pollen from the air. Either way, dog pollen allergy is the consequence of an over-reactive immune system reaction, both in dogs and humans.

Dog breeds who are likely to suffer from dog pollen allergy

According to various studies, dog pollen allergy doesn’t occur in the first year of life and inexplicably, it affects more female dogs than male. Still, while all dogs can be subjects to dog pollen allergy, some breeds are more susceptible than others to become victims of this allergy type. These include:

• Pugs

• German Shepherds

• English and French Bulldogs

• Shar Pei

• Labs and Golden Retrievers

• Setters

• Terriers

Dog pollen allergy: How to prevent it

It’s important to try to prevent your dog from developing a pollen allergy. Therefore, in the high peak allergy season, keep in mind these simple care rules:

1. Before going for a walk: protect your dog’s fur with a special spray containing oatmeal and aloe vera.

2. After the walk: remove possible pollen from your dog’s paws with a clean cloth.

3. Immediately calm down any initial inflammation. Give your dog a bath with a special hypo-allergenic shampoo for irritated skin.

4. Remove dirty or clamped hair from your dog.