It's estimated that up to 10% of dogs in the UK suffer from some form of seasonal pollen allergy. It works in much the same way as hay fever in humans – the immune system overreacts to harmless airborne pollen particles from grasses, trees and weeds, triggering an inflammatory response.
The key difference is where that response shows up. "Dogs tend to get skin and eye inflammation with pollen exposure rather than sneezing," says veterinary surgeon, Michael Edwards. "You'll usually observe persistent scratching, licking of the paws, weepy eyes or recurring ear infections."
Symptoms usually first appear before a dog turns three, and they tend to worsen with each passing season as sensitivity builds. That needn't mean months of misery for your dog however, and there effective natural interventions that can keep many cases under control.
Here's what you need to know – and what you can do about it before heading straight to the vet.
When does pollen season affect dogs?
The type of pollen driving your dog's symptoms often depends on when they flare up:
- March to May: Tree pollen
- Mid-May to July: Grass pollen (the most common trigger in the UK)
- June to September: Weed pollen
If symptoms are present year-round, another trigger such as dust mites, mould, or a food allergy may be involved.
"Dogs will often have more than one trigger that kick starts an allergy response and this can make identifying the cause of a skin allergy very difficult," says PDSA veterinary nurse Shauna Walsh, tells Country Living.
"Your vet might recommend allergy testing your dog to find out what your dog reacts to the most. Unfortunately, this doesn't guarantee that every allergen is identified and you might not be able to completely avoid their triggers.
"But there are still lots of ways to help your dog even if you don't know all of the allergens that set them off."
10 dog breeds most prone to pollen allergies
While any dog can develop a sensitivity to pollen, certain breeds are genetically predisposed to allergies. Purebred dogs are generally at higher risk than mixed breeds due to inherited immune system traits.
1. Labrador Retriever
One of the UK's most beloved breeds is also one of the most allergy prone. Labs frequently suffer from environmental allergies that manifest as dry, itchy skin, hot spots and persistent paw licking. Their dense, water-resistant coat can trap pollen against the skin, making regular bathing especially important.
2. West Highland White Terrier (Westie)
Westies have one of the highest rates of atopic dermatitis of any breed. They're particularly reactive to environmental triggers including grass pollen and mould spores, which is tricky to manage given how much they love a good rummage in undergrowth.
3. Golden Retriever
Similar to Labs, Golden Retrievers are notorious for both environmental and food sensitivities. Their double coats are brilliant pollen collectors, and owners should be extra vigilant as symptoms can be harder to spot beneath all that fur. Ear infections and itchy, flaky skin are classic warning signs.
4. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are prone to a range of skin allergies. Their thick double coat can conceal inflammation until it becomes severe, so regular grooming and skin checks during pollen season are essential.
5. Boxer
Boxers are among the breeds most frequently cited in connection with inhalant (airborne) allergies. Their shorter muzzle means they inhale proportionally more pollen during walks, and their smooth coat makes skin irritation easier to spot, though no less miserable for them.
6. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are particularly prone to inhalant allergies that closely mirror human hay fever. Pollen and dust irritation frequently causes intense itching, recurring ear infections (those long, floppy ears are prime allergen traps), and even localised hair loss.
7. French Bulldog
Frenchies are already prone to respiratory sensitivities due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy, and pollen compounds this significantly. Skin fold irritation and yeast infections in skin creases are common during high-pollen months.
8. Pug
Much like French Bulldogs, Pugs suffer from both their facial structure and a genuine predisposition to allergic skin reactions. They're known to react to pollen, dust mites and even certain grooming products – leading to scratching, redness, and patchy hair loss.
9. Irish Setter / Red Setter
Setters have long been associated with a higher risk of environmental allergies. Their active, outdoorsy nature means greater pollen exposure, while their silky coats readily collect airborne particles.
10. Bichon Frisé
Despite being considered hypoallergenic for humans, Bichons are quite allergy-prone themselves. Their dense, curly coats trap pollen exceptionally well, and they have a documented tendency towards both environmental and food allergies.
6 natural interventions that work
Before reaching for prescription medication, there's a surprisingly effective toolkit of vet-approved approaches. These won't replace veterinary care for severe cases, but for seasonal symptoms, they can make a real difference – often without any cost at all.
1. Time your walks strategically
Pollen counts follow a daily pattern – they're typically highest in the late morning and early afternoon, and lowest in the early morning (before 8am) and early evening. Switching your dog's main walk to these lower-count windows can reduce exposure significantly. After rain is one of the best times for a walk, as moisture clears pollen from the air.
Kleenex have a handy Pollen Counter and an app you can download to track pollen in your area.
2. Wipe down after every walk
According to Michael, this is one of the single most effective things you can do. Use a clean cloth or grooming wipe to clean your dog's coat immediately after coming indoors. "The aim is prevention – wipes can remove pollen before it triggers a prolonged reaction," he adds. Pay particular attention to paw pads, belly and between the toes, where pollen accumulates and licking tends to follow.
3. Regular bathing with a gentle shampoo
A weekly bath during peak pollen season can dramatically reduce the allergen load on your dog's skin and coat. Use a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo that soothes irritated skin and reduce itchiness. Dry your dog thoroughly – with a hairdryer if they will tolerate it.
Pollen-busting essentials
4. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements
Fish oil – specifically the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA – is one of the most well-supported natural interventions for dogs with skin allergies, reinforcing the skin's barrier function, reducing inflammatory responses and supporting coat health.
Salmon oil is a popular and palatable option, added directly to food. Most owners unknowingly underdose salmon oil – most dogs need around 75–100 mg of EPA and DHA (combined) per kilogram of body weight to have a meaningful therapeutic effect.
5. Keep the home environment clean
Your dog's indoor environment matters just as much as what happens on walks. Pollen comes in on fur, clothing and through open windows. During peak pollen season:
- Wash your dog's bedding weekly in hot water – and don’t hang outside to dry on high pollen days
- Vacuum regularly, using a HEPA-filter vacuum if possible
- Keep windows closed during high-pollen periods and use an air purifier in rooms where your dog spends most of their time
6. Keep garden grass short
Short grass releases considerably less pollen than long grass. Keep your dog indoors while mowing, as the process temporarily sends pollen levels soaring. It's also worth removing flowering weeds from the garden during summer months.
When to see a vet
Natural management works well for many dogs with mild to moderate symptoms, but some situations warrant professional input. If symptoms are severe or significantly affecting your dog's quality of life, if their skin becomes broken or infected, or if you're unsure whether pollen is the cause of their skin irritation, it's always best to talk to your vet.
Rachel Edwards is the Style & Interiors Editor for Country Living and House Beautiful, covering all things design and decoration, with a special interest in small space inspiration, vintage and antique shopping, and anything colour related. Her work has been extensively translated by Elle Japan and Elle Decor Spain. Rachel has spent over a decade in the furniture and homeware industry as a writer, FF&E designer, and for many years as Marketing Manager at cult design retailer, Skandium. She has a BA in French and Italian from Royal Holloway and an MA in Jounalism from Kingston University. Follow Rachel on Instagram @rachelaed
