It comes amid a risk of hayfever in some pooches, with eight breeds at risk more than any other, according to experts.
Dog owners who have eight breeds have been urged to keep their pets indoors between April and September. It comes amid a risk of hayfever in some pooches, with eight breeds at risk more than any other, according to experts.
Dog breeds most likely to contract hay fever include The Cairn terrier, The Boston terrier, The Irish setter, The Dalmatian, Poodles of all sizes, Schnauzers of all sizes, the wire-haired terrier and The West Highland terrier.
Symptoms of hay fever in dogs include sneezing, often repeatedly, a runny nose, red, runny and itchy eyes, pruritus (itching) all over the body, as well as a rash on the face and paws.
READ MORE UK faces first snow of April with flurries and -7C ‘lasting three days'
According to Pets4Homes, as many as 10 per cent of all dogs in the UK are thought to suffer from it to some degree. Their website says: “April to September each year can be particularly challenging for dogs that are prone to hay fever, and the condition can affect dogs that live both in the country and in the city, and it is not exclusive to areas that have a lot of green spaces.”
Wood Green Vets explained: “Avoid walking in grassy areas and at times of the day when pollen exposure is high (often around midday).”
The Met Office added: “Try to avoid walking your dog in early morning and late evening as this is usually when the pollen count is highest. The best time to take dogs out is when the pollen is low, such as before dawn, late afternoon and early evening, though these times vary depending on the weather.”
Any time between about 4 and 6pm may be considered “late afternoon.” Pets4homes added: “The absence of sneezing and other symptoms that we normally associate with hay fever in people does not necessarily mean that hay fever is not the cause of the problem for your dog.”
Excessive scratching of the skin, which may cause hair loss and/or sore patches, is also likely, and hay fever in dogs will sometimes only manifest as a skin reaction.
