Autumn Allergy Season Is Here – 10% of UK Dogs Have Hay Fever. Have You Noticed These Signs?

Is your dog scratching more than usual? Chewing their paws? Shaking their head? You might think it's fleas or dry skin – but autumn is here, and this could be something many owners overlook: dog hay fever.

Around 10% of dogs in the UK suffer from hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis). And it's not just a spring and summer problem – autumn's weed pollens and mould spores are significant triggers too.

But here's the thing: hay fever in dogs looks very different from hay fever in humans. Humans sneeze, get runny noses and itchy eyes – but in dogs, the symptoms are almost always on the skin, not the respiratory system. That's why many owners have no idea their dog is having an allergic reaction.

How is dog hay fever different from human hay fever?

Human hay fever: sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, itchy throat

Dog hay fever: itchy skin, chewing paws, scratching ears, red and inflamed skin – respiratory symptoms are actually quite rare

Blue Cross vets explain: "The symptoms of hay fever in dogs are different from those in humans. While humans experience itchy eyes, a runny nose and sneezing, the most common signs in dogs are itchy skin."

If your dog isn't sneezing or has no runny nose – that doesn't mean they don't have hay fever. They may just be telling you they're uncomfortable through scratching.

Main autumn allergens in the UK

According to Blue Cross and Pet Med Direct, the most common autumn allergens in the UK include:

7 signs of hay fever in dogs (not just scratching)

1、Excessive scratching – especially face, belly, armpits

Scratching is the most common sign of hay fever in dogs. Blue Cross notes that scratching may be concentrated on the face, ears, mouth, paws, and armpits – as well as the groin and base of the tail.

2、Chewing paws

Paws come into direct contact with grass and pollen while walking. Scottish SPCA notes that chewing paws is a classic sign of hay fever in dogs – pollen accumulates on the paws and causes persistent itching.

3、 Red, runny eyes

While less common than skin symptoms, red and watery eyes can be a sign of hay fever in dogs.

4、Red, inflamed, flaky skin

Areas that come into contact with allergens can become red, inflamed, flaky, or greasy. Blue Cross notes that skin may look "greasy, scaly, red" and persistently itchy.

5、 Frequent head shaking or ear infections

Ears are a common area affected by hay fever in dogs. The Met Office advises that dogs with allergies may show head shaking, rubbing ears, or scratching at the ears.

6、 Sneezing (but much less common than in humans)

While dogs do sneeze, respiratory symptoms are not common in canine hay fever. Pet Med Direct notes that sneezing or a runny nose is "less prominent than skin symptoms."

7、Lethargy

Some dogs may seem more tired than usual during hay fever season due to constant discomfort. The Met Office mentions that dogs can appear tired or lacking in energy on high pollen days.

Which dogs are most prone to hay fever?

Scottish SPCA and Purina note that the following breeds are more likely to develop hay fever:

1、Retrievers

2、Setters

3、Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers

4、Dalmatians

5、Poodles

6、Schnauzers

7、German Shepherds

8、Shih Tzus

9、West Highland White Terriers

But this doesn't mean other breeds can't get it. Any dog can develop hay fever – it's just that some breeds have a weaker skin barrier and are more vulnerable to allergens.

How to help your dog

1、Check the pollen forecast before heading out

The Met Office publishes a daily pollen forecast. On high pollen days, avoid walking at midday – choose early morning or late evening instead, when pollen counts are lower. Blue Cross notes: "Pollen counts are much lower in coastal areas than inland."

2、 Wipe paws and coat after every walk

After every walk, wipe your dog's paws, legs, and body with a damp cloth to remove pollen and mould spores. Lily's Kitchen's vet advises: "Wipe your dog down with a damp cloth after walks to remove excess pollen."

3、 Wash bedding weekly

Wash your dog's bedding and blankets at 60°C weekly – this helps remove pollen and dust mites that have settled on household fabrics.

4、 Wash pollen off with a bath

A bath with a pet-specific gentle or hypoallergenic shampoo can help wash external allergens off your dog's coat. Buddy & Lola recommends bathing every 2-3 weeks using a hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based pet shampoo.

5、 Support skin health with nutrition

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) help reduce skin inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. YuMOVE notes that the right balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can help soothe sensitive skin and relieve itching in dogs.

6、 Limit outdoor exposure

On high pollen days and after rain (when mould spore counts are high), try to avoid letting your dog run through long grass or fields. Keep them on a lead to control their range and reduce contact with allergens.

Important warning: never give your dog human antihistamines

Scottish SPCA and Blue Cross both emphasise: never give your dog human antihistamines – some ingredients (like pseudoephedrine) can be toxic to dogs and cause serious health problems.

If you suspect your dog has hay fever, the first step is to speak to your vet. They can assess how severe the symptoms are and recommend the right treatment – which might include prescription medication (like Apoquel or Cytopoint), topical treatments, or allergen-specific immunotherapy.

Final thoughts

10% of UK dogs are living with hay fever right now – they may be scratching, chewing their paws, and shaking their heads. You might think it's just "dry skin" or "bites."

If your dog has shown any of these symptoms recently, don't start researching "how to treat it" just yet – start by observing the pattern. Does it get worse after walks? Is it worse on high pollen days? Take your observations to the vet and let the professionals take it from there.

Your dog can't tell you they're itchy. But whether they'll be comfortable this autumn depends on whether you're willing to read the signs before they have to show you.

                                                                                                                                           

References

1、Lily‘s Kitchen. Can dogs get hayfever? Rory the Vet. 2025. 

2、Pet Med Direct. Can Dogs Get Hay Fever? 2026. 

3、Daily Express. Met Office issues warning to anyone with a dog this week. 2026. 

4、Blue Cross. Can dogs have hay fever? 2026. 

5、Scottish SPCA. Can Dogs Get Hay Fever? 

6、Trupanion. Understanding Fall Allergies in Dogs & Cats. 2026. 

7、Fetch Pet Insurance. Fall allergies: how to spot the signs & help your pet feel better. 2026. 

8、Buddy & Lola. Do Dogs Get Autumn Allergies? 2025. 

9、Purina Singapore. Hay Fever in Dogs. 2025. 

10、YuMOVE. Do Dogs Get Hay Fever? 2025.