Pollen Season & Your Pup: How Spring Allergies Affect Dogs

Spring is a beautiful time of year! Flowers bloom, and the weather gets warmer, but for our furry friends, it can also mean sneezes and sniffles. As military families, we know each new base brings different challenges, and pollen season is one of them. 

Different Bases, Different Allergens:

• Fort Campbell, Kentucky: This area is known for its lovely dogwoods and azaleas. However, the pollen from these beautiful flowers can cause allergies in some dogs. If your pup starts sneezing a lot or scratching their ears after playing outside, the blooms could be bothering them. 
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington: JBLM is surrounded by evergreen trees. When spring arrives, those trees release lots of pollen. You might see your dog rubbing their face on the grass, trying to get some relief. It’s their way of saying, “Help me out here, please!”
• Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts: Spring in New England brings stunning views, but the oak trees here are known for causing allergies. If you see your dog scratching a lot or their eyes watering, the oak pollen might be the reason. Your dog could feel like they are auditioning for a funny sneeze movie!
• Navy Base San Diego, California: Sunny California is great for outdoor fun, but eucalyptus trees can make spring tough for dogs. If your pup sneezes a lot during beach outings, they might be reacting to this tree’s pollen drifting in the breeze. 

Signs of Allergies in Your Dog:

• Itchy Skin or Ears: If your pup is scratching, biting, or rolling around, they could have itchy skin. 
• Runny Nose or Eyes: Just like us, dogs can get watery eyes and runny noses when pollen counts rise. 
• Sneezing or Coughing: If your pup is sneezing more than usual, they might be bothered by pollen. 

Here Are Some Tips to Help Your Dog During Pollen Season: 

• Limit Outdoor Time: Try to keep walks and playtime during the times of day when pollen counts are lower, usually in the evening. 
• Wipe Down After Outdoor Fun: After your dog plays outside, use a damp cloth to wipe their fur. This helps remove pollen before they come inside. Focus on their paws because that is one way dogs ingest allergens.
• Talk to Your Vet: If your dog is still having symptoms, your vet can suggest allergy treatments or tests to find out what is bothering them. 
• Create a Safe Spot at Home: Set up a comfortable area in your house with air purifiers and soft blankets for your dog to relax when the pollen is high. 
• Healthy Diet and Hydration: Keep your dog hydrated and consider giving them omega-3 fatty acids to support their immune system. 

Take some time to explore new parks, enjoy sunny days, and make cherished memories with your furry friend. With a little preparation, our dogs can frolic freely in the blooming flowers and enjoy all the sights and smells of spring. 

Make these moments even more special. The Military Pet Club is here to celebrate that bond—with free gifts, thoughtful surprises, and support for every step of your journey together.

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