can dogs have hayfever?

[Danna]

Last week I noticed that my 1 1/2 yr. old golden's nose and eyelids were swelling. Poor baby, she looked like a Sharpei! I took her to the vet and she thought it was an allergic reaction to an insect sting or bite. We found a scabby area on her chest so we figured that was where she was bitten/stung.

She was on 2 Benedryl tabs twice daily for a week. On Monday, I didn't give her any Benedryl and when I got home her nose was swollen again, but not nearly as bad as before. Back on the Benedryl til I can get her to the Vet on Saturday.

I've also noticed she's been rubbing her eyes, biting/licking her feet, and licking herself "down there" since last week. I'm beginning to wonder if she could be allergic to pollen. She is from a rescue and we've only had her two months so I don't know if she's had problems like this before. Does anyone know if dogs can have seasonsal allergies like hayfever and what are the symptoms and treatment?

Danna

[mruffruff]

Yes, they can.

I have a dog who scratches a lot more in the summer. He's sensitive to something that grows in the backyard. His vet isn't too concerned about finding out what it is. I give him extra baths to keep the itching down. He also scratches at his face.

Benedryl is a good solution. Hopefully, your dog's symptoms will decrease as she gets used to the atmosphere. It can be pretty expensive to find out exactly what's causing the problem. If the dog is really miserable, or the Benedryl doesn't work, it might be worth it to find out.

Mary

[mugsy]

Our vet always suggests Benedryl and Sox is on it daily most of the spring and summer (you would think she would slow down because of being sleepy, but not her!!). She scratches at the base of her tail on her back. None of the others seem to have a problem.

[kobieeli]

Mary's totally right--dogs can not only be allergic to pollen or grass, but also to just about anything that humans can be allergic to. When we were trying to determine the cause of Kobie's serious coughing a few months ago, one of the things the vet mentioned was doing an allergen blood test. It's very expensive and doesn't always pinpoint the allergy, but I was amazed at the lab paperwork for it--the blood is tested for reaction to everything from dust and carpet fibers all the way to specific molds, grasses, flowers, trees, you name it. (Kobie ended up being diagnosed with non-specific allergic bronchitis, so she takes a broncho-dilator pill to help her breathe.)

Benedryl usually works well for grass/pollen allergies. The good news is that your dog's problems might be seasonal and/or location-specific, so if you can keep track of the weather, time of year, and environmental stuff that seems to set her off, you might be able to predict when she'll flare up and try to prevent it with meds. What a happy pooch she'll be!

[stonewind]

Dogs and cats with hay fever? You bet!
Like people, many pets are sensitive to airborne annoyances-- not just pollens or molds but also such things as dust, feathers and wool.
But while people with hay fever get red eyes, runny noses and explosive sneezing attacks, pets are more likely to get downright itchy. To soothe their skin and help keep allergies under control here's what you can do....

CALM IT WITH COOL WATER. Giving your pet a cool-water soak is a quick way to ease itchy skin. Bathe your pet for 5 to 10 minutes, but make sure you use cool water because warm water can aggravate the itch.

EASE IT WITH OATMEAL. To make soaks additionally soothing, vets sometimes recommend adding colloidal oatmeal (like Aveeno) to the bathwater. It gives the water a smooth, silky feel that will help calm the crankiest skin.

USE ANTIHISTAMINES. Your vet may recommend an over-the-counter drug like Benadryl (diphenhydramine). The typical dose is one to three milligrams for every pound of pet, but you should ask your vet for precise dosages.

SUBDUE IT WITH SUPPLEMENTS. To help calm itchy skin, try giving your pet fatty acid supplements, which are also used for relieving mange and other skin disorders. The supplements come in capsules and are available from your vet.

KEEP HER INDOORS. In spring and summer, pollen fills the air-- and your furry friend's coat and airways as well. To prevent pollen from pushing your pet around, keep her/ him indoors during peak pollen times-- typically early morning and in the evenings.

I hope this helps you out with your pet and his/her allergies.

[mugsy]

Thanks stonewind for the ideas....some of them I hadn't thought about.

[Cincy'sMom]

Sounds like you already got alot of good advice, but I'll just add on as another witness...Sadie gets benydryl 1-2 times per day 93 tablets each time) depending on how bad the allergens seem to be (if my allergies are acting up, hers seem to be too) Her symtoms include, goopy eyes, licking paws and ear infections.

[Danna]

Although the swelling has gone down she is still scratching and licking at herself and her eyes have been gooey (eye boogers). Benadryl seems to work well but I was concerned about giving it to her long term. We have an appt. w/ the vet on Saturday so we'll see what she has to say, but it sounds like it probably is seasonal allergies.

Thanks for your responses and advice!

Danna