Believe it or not, if you’re suffering from hay fever then your furry friend could be too. Dogs experience hay fever in a similar way to most humans - although they’re less likely to have runny noses and itchy eyes, and are more likely to have skin irritation. Your dog will most likely show hay fever symptoms by constantly itching or biting at the skin.

So what causes hay fever in dogs? This is also similar to humans - they’re experiencing an allergic reaction to pollen particles that are more prevalent in the spring and summer months. Their hay fever may be worse if they’re experiencing these pollens for the first time, so if you’ve adopted a puppy in lockdown be sure to look out for the symptoms. If you’re wondering how to stop hay fever from affecting your dog, here are a few things you can do:

• Walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid going outside at midday, when pollen counts are highest.

• After a walk, wipe your dog’s fur, skin, and paws with a damp cloth to remove any pollen buildup.

• Vacuum your home and wash your dog’s bedding regularly.

Of course, if you suspect these symptoms are anything other than hay fever, you should consult your veterinarian - unless your dog also needs contact lenses, this isn’t exactly our area of expertise.

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5 things you need to know about hay fever