Hay fever in your dog or cat: Recognize the signs of pollen season

You notice it right away as soon as the sun starts shining and nature is in bloom: the pollen season has officially begun. While we reach for tissues, our dogs and cats often show entirely different symptoms. Is your dog suddenly obsessively licking its paws again after a walk? Or is your cat scratching itself more often than usual? There's a good chance it's hay fever.

Many people don't realize that a pollen allergy in animals often enters through the skin. In this blog, we explain how to recognize the signs and what you can do to relieve the itching.

How to recognize a pollen allergy in dogs and cats?

While people mainly suffer from respiratory problems (sneezing, watery eyes) with hay fever, it primarily manifests through the skin in pets. Pollen gets stuck in their fur and causes irritation.

The most important signals at a glance:

Licking paws: Pollen gather between the paw pads when walking through the grass.
Crabs, pinching or scuttling: Especially on the flanks, armpits, groin, and around the head.
Red or sensitive skin: The skin looks irritated, is red, and often feels warm.
Coat changes: The coat may start to smell different or feel greasy due to increased sebum production in response to the irritation.

Why do pollen continue to irritate the skin

Pollen is microscopic and easily “sticks” to the hair and skin. The problem is that the irritation does not stop once the walk is over. As long as those pollen remain in the coat, they continue to attack the skin barrier. This can lead to a vicious cycle of itching and skin damage that can last for months.

What to do about pollen allergies?

To break the cycle of itching, it is essential to address the source: the pollen physically present on the animal. In addition to any medication from the veterinarian, proper skin care is crucial.

Was pollen literally gone with AtopOat

Regularly washing your pet during allergy season simply washes away pollen and other allergens. However, don't use harsh shampoos for this; sensitive skin needs soothing.

The Maxani AtopOat Skin Shampoo is specifically developed for allergy-prone skin:

Direct calming: Soothes red, irritated skin immediately.
Effective cleaning: Thoroughly removes pollen and dust particles from the deeper layers of the coat.
Skin barrier repair: Contains ingredients that strengthen the skin's natural protective barrier, making new pollen less likely to cause irritation.

Tip: After each walk, wipe your dog's paws with Regular Wipes. This will prevent pollen from spreading throughout the house (and into their bed).

Enjoy spring together carefree

It's frustrating to see your pet struggling with itching, but with the right skin barrier support, you can get through the season together. Do you notice your animal's skin becoming irritated? Don't wait until damage occurs, but start immediately with a nurturing washing routine. Check the current pollen forecast at Pollennieuws.nl to see when the pressure is highest.

Do you recognize these signs in your pet? Check out our range for the sensitive skin Or ask your veterinarian for advice on the AtopOat line.