Allergies are a common problem for many individuals, both human and canine. Not only do allergies have the potential to cause discomfort to those who suffer from them, but they can also have a major impact on a pet’s overall health. An allergy to hay is one of the most common allergic reactions that dogs can have. Hay is a common food for animals, but it can also be a source of irritation for those with hay allergies. This blog post will discuss the signs and symptoms of a hay allergy in dogs, as well as some tips for pet owners on how to manage hay allergies in their canines. We’ll also explore the causes of hay allergies in dogs as well as some potential treatments that can help alleviate the symptoms of hay allergies in dogs. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of hay allergies in dogs and how to successfully manage them.
Does my dog have hay fever?
Common hay fever symptoms in people include runny noses, itchy eyes, and sneezing, but in dogs, pollen allergy symptoms typically manifest as skin problems. It’s possible that your dog has hay fever if they exhibit any of the following symptoms during the spring and/or summer:
Your dog may lose patches of fur due to excessive rubbing or licking, and their skin may appear flaky, red, and sore in the aforementioned areas and feel greasy. The skin on your dog may appear to be in perfect condition but still be extremely itchy.
If your dog exhibits these symptoms at other times of the year, they may be caused by an allergy to fleas, mange, yeast infections, or bacteria. Read our advice on allergies in dogs for more information.
Scratching can cause inflammation, bacterial and yeast growth, and secondary issues like skin, ear, and eye infections. Make an appointment with your veterinarian if your dog is having symptoms and you suspect hay fever or other allergies may be to blame.
What pollen your dog is sensitive to and where you live in the UK will determine when your dog develops hay fever, but the following is a general timeline.
10 dog breeds most likely to suffer from hay fever
What are the common allergy-causing substances (allergens)?
A very large number of substances can act as allergens. The majority are proteins from insects, plants, or animals, but allergy can also be caused by small chemical molecules. Pollens, mold spores, dust mites, shed skin cells (similar to pet allergies in people), insect proteins like flea saliva, and some medications are a few examples of common allergens.
FAQ
Can dogs be allergic to hay or straw?
In a nutshell, yes, since dogs can become irritated by the same pollen and allergens that cause us humans to experience symptoms in the spring and summer.
What are the symptoms of being allergic to hay?
- Runny nose and nasal stuffiness (congestion)
- Watery, itchy, red eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- Sneezing.
- Cough.
- Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat.
- Postnasal drip, or mucus that drips from the back of your throat
- Swollen, bruised-appearing skin under the eyes (allergic shiners)
What are the symptoms of a dog with allergies?
Itching of the skin, either localized (in one area) or generalized (all over the body), is the most typical allergy symptom in dogs. The respiratory system may be involved in some cases of the symptoms, as demonstrated by coughing, sneezing, and/or wheezing There may occasionally be a runny discharge coming from the nose or eyes.
Can hay bales cause allergies?
Farmers lung is an allergy brought on by dust from grain, straw, and moldy hay. Early on in the illness, it may not seem any worse than a persistent cold. If ignored, the allergic reaction can cause permanent lung damage.