Expert reveals one overlooked factor that could fix dogs' allergies
As the UK warms up and allergy season kicks in, lots of dog owners are noticing their pets scratching and licking more than usual. But it turns out it's not always just the pollen that is behind the incessant restlessness.
A little itch here and there is normal, but if your dog is licking their paws constantly, scratching at their belly, or suffering from inflamed ears, it could be more than just a roll in the grass.
Seasonal allergies affect around one in 10 dogs in the UK, often triggered by pollen, grass, or dust. Most allergy advice focuses on external factors like avoiding certain plants or using special shampoos.
Simon Crawshaw, a dog nutrition expert at Hilltop Pet Food, says the real solution might start with what's in their bowl.
"We see it all the time," Simon said. "Dogs come in with itchy bellies, red skin, gunky ears, and when we switch them to a better diet, their symptoms often improve within weeks. Sometimes they don't need medication anymore."
Even when allergies are environmental, Simon says poor quality food can make the symptoms worse.
"Surprisingly, even some expensive dog food brands are often made with processed meat meals and use fillers like wheat and artificial preservatives," he warned.
"That puts your dog's immune system on high alert, so when they're exposed to something like pollen, it reacts much more aggressively."
By switching to high-quality food, ideally grain-free, single-source protein, many owners find that their dogs become less reactive overall.
It's not about curing the allergy, Simon adds, but about helping the dog's immune system calm down so it's not always in defence mode.
Common signs of allergies in dogs
Unlike humans, dogs with hay fever often show skin-related symptoms. Common signs include:
Excessive licking or chewing paws
Redness or rashes on the belly and groin area
Frequent scratching, especially around the ears, face and belly
Watery eyes or sneezing
Repeated ear infections
Certain breeds, like West Highland Terriers, Bulldogs, and Spaniels, are more prone to skin issues due to compromised skin barriers, so they often flare up faster and more intensely.
Bonus tips that can still help
Diet is often the foundation, but small changes can also make a difference:
Rinse, don't scrub . If your dog's coat is picking up pollen, it's tempting to grab the shampoo. But like human hair, over washing can strip away natural oils and actually make irritation worse. Instead, try rinsing them with just water to gently remove allergens without drying out their skin.
Keep things clean at home. Pollen clings to fur, paws, and clothing, meaning it can easily spread around the house. Vacuum regularly, and when washing your dog's bedding, include an extra rinse cycle to reduce indoor allergens.
Skip the treats. Processed snacks may undo the benefits of a clean diet. Try taking your dog off them for a while and see if their symptoms improve.
Always speak to your vet if symptoms are severe, especially if your dog is distressed or experiencing repeated infections. But if you've already tried medication and nothing's worked, a diet switch might be the missing piece.
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