UPDATE: |How to help your pet if they suffer from hay fever as ‘pollen bomb’ hits UK News

Cats and dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies too. Here’s how to help your furry friend, according to a vet

Thousands across the UK will have scrambled for antihistamines this morning as a “pollen bomb” hits the UK thanks to the warm spring weather.

The Met Office has warned that pollen levels will remain “very high” across the UK this weekend, with all nine regions in England seeing the highest pollen alert level on Saturday (April 12).

Pollen levels are set to stay at high levels until around April 13, suggesting the nation has been hit with a sudden “pollen bomb”. Although not a scientific term, it is used to describe a short period of high pollen release.

Hay fever affects more than 10 million people in the UK. It causes symptoms like sneezing and coughing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes, and an itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears, the NHS says.

However, pet owners have also been urged to look out for signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies in their cats and dogs. As warm weather brings conditions in which pollen thrives, our furry friends might also be suffering this weekend.

According to PDSA Vet Nurse Gemma Renwick, there are a number of different allergies dogs can suffer with, as well as many different triggers.

While humans tend to have hay fever symptoms similar to a common cold, such as a runny nose and shortness of breath, Renwick says pets are more likely to show skin symptoms, such as itchiness.

She said: “Signs your pet may have hayfever or allergies to things like pollen are more likely to include; licking or biting their paws, lots of scratching and red or sore looking skin – especially around their ears, eyes, between their pads on their feet, or on their tummy.

“Some pets may also suffer with recurrent ear infections. Your pet may also appear tired or lethargic or constantly shaking their head and rubbing their ears or muzzle (nose).”

Tips to help your pet through hay fever season

“We always recommend seeking veterinary advice if you think your pet is suffering from allergies, or they are showing any of the symptoms,” says Renwick.

However, she urges pet owners to never give human medicine or over-the-counter antihistamines to a pet suffering from hay fever. A vet will be able to offer the right medication for your pet, such as tablets, injections and medicated shampoos.

The vet charity has also offered a number of top tips to help your pet if they are showing signs of seasonal allergies. These include:

• Clean their bedding – wash and hoover your pet’s bedding weekly to remove any pollen that has built up
• Wipe their fur – wipe their paws and muzzle clean with pet wipes or a damp face cloth after every walk to help remove traces of pollen
• Keep up with the grooming – daily brushing will help to remove any pollen that is clinging to their fur
• Wash them weekly – a weekly bath with a specialist hypo-allergenic pet shampoo can help to get rid of any lingering pollen
• Flea control – make sure your pet’s flea control is kept up to date as irritating fleas will only make them itchier

Walking your dog during hay fever season

“When it comes to hayfever, prevention is often better than cure, so limit your dog’s exposure to pollen in the first place,” Renwick says.

She advises planning walks before dawn or early in the evening on high pollen count days. Renwick also recommends keeping dogs with allergies on a lead, as those with sensitivities to grass pollen could trigger their symptoms by playing in the grass.

“Also consider an alternative location for your daily walks, such as a beach if nearby, or a less rural environment, as these locations are more likely to have a lower pollen count,” she adds.