Bruce’s Doggy Day Care shares top tips for helping your pooch persevere with high pollen this summer

As spring transitions to summer and the pollen count begins to skyrocket, people across the UK start to suffer with the cold-like symptoms of a pollen allergy most commonly known as the dreaded, hayfever. But not many people know that, just like humans, dogs suffer from the condition too!

Although it’s the same allergic reaction that causes hayfever in both humans and dogs, the symptoms can appear in different ways and aren’t always immediately obvious to identify. That’s why Bruce’s has compiled some top tips on how to identify hay fever in your pooch, and how you can avoid or remedy the condition.

1. Step one is identifying that your dog is suffering from hayfever, as it may not be immediately obvious. Although a runny nose, streaming eyes and sneezing can be symptoms in dogs, the most common is in fact, itchy skin. Keep an eye out for sore, red, flaky skin, or if they’re scratching more than usual. This can also sometimes lead to the loss of patches of fur.
2. Prevention is always better than cure, so take measures to help your dog avoid pollen. Pollen count is highest at midday, so try and take walks when levels are lower in the early morning and late evening. Giving your dog a wipe down or clean after every walk will also get rid of any leftover pollen, plus be sure to change their bedding and vacuum your house regularly.
3. Keeping on top of your dog’s regular flea and worming treatment can help alleviate itchiness and make your dog more comfortable when suffering from minor hayfever symptoms.
4. If your dog is suffering particularly badly, be sure to check in with your vet before ordering any medications yourself. Your vet will be able to recommend suitable medication for your dog specifically, whether it’s shampoos, creams, eye/ear drops or even injections in some cases.
5. Antihistamine treatments should only be used as a last resort and under the careful direction of your vet, as some brands will contain ingredients which are not safe for dogs. Discuss the options in length with your vet and consider that even the antihistamine options that are safe for dogs will likely make them drowsy.

These tips are particularly worth considering if your pet fits into the list of breeds which are most susceptible to hayfever, as they may be suffering from symptoms without you realising. The breeds that most commonly suffer from a pollen allergy are:

• Cairn terrier
• Wire-haired terrier
• Boston terrier
• West Highland white terrier
• Poodles
• Dalmatians
• Schnauzers
• Irish setter

Bruce’s looks to offer a bespoke level of care for each of its customers and if your pooch suffers from hayfever, our handlers will be sure to administer any vet-approved medication when required.

Established in 2008, Bruce’s is a multi-award-winning business and recognised leader of doggy day care in the UK, now operating 9 sites across the UK and caring for more than 800 dogs. It sets itself apart from the competition by creating a fulfilling experience for dogs, their lives and their owners’ lives. By providing a more fulfilled owner/dog relationship the result is happier people and happier dogs.

For more information on Bruce’s and its approach to daycare and training please visit www.bruces.dog 

About  Bruce’s

Established in 2008, we are a multi award-winning business and recognised leaders of doggy day care in the UK.

Our founder, Bruce Casalis, is the chairman of the Pet Industry Federation and has acted as an advisor for the likes of DEFRA, Dogs Trust, and RSPCA.

We combine passionate expertise and 14 years of experience setting professional standards in dog day care and we’re always striving to learn more about dogs and to care for them better.
We’re fluent in dog. We go beyond ‘woof’ to a deep understanding of what makes each tail wag.

Our expertise means that we allow dogs to be dogs, and everything we do is dog-first. Dogs are our moral compass.

We featured on Amazon’s docuseries Dog School showcasing doggy day care the Bruce’s way to millions around the world as well as a segment on The One Show focussing on Bruce’s and the doggy day care boom.