Pet owners urged to do 1 thing for dogs on Thursday

The summer is a great time for dogs, with the sunshine triggering “happy hormones” and the longer days meaning more time outdoors. However, as with the many benefits this time of year offers, it is also a time when pet owners need to keep a close eye on their furry friends to ensure that certain conditions do not affect their health.

The high temperatures are, without a doubt, one thing that pet owners need to be wary of as the scorching weather puts dogs at risk of heat stroke. As well as the list of issues the heat brings, there is something else pet owners should be particularly aware of.

According to the Met Office, pollen levels across most of the UK are expected to be either high or very high on Thursday, putting not only households but also our furry friends at risk. Therefore, pet owners have been urged to follow expert advice to protect any dogs with allergies, including one specific thing.

Walks are essential for dogs’ health and wellbeing, but when pollen levels outside are high, pet owners must adjust their approach to prevent their dogs from experiencing symptoms.

PDSA Vet Olivia Anderson-Nathan explained that the time you walk your dog should depend on pollen levels.

She said: “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.”

While not all dogs suffer from allergies, it is not always easy to tell whether your dog is sensitive to pollen, as the symptoms differ from those in humans.

• Licking or biting their paws
• Excessive scratching
• Redness of the skin, especially around the eyes and ears and in between the paws
• Shaking their head
• Rubbing their ears or muzzle
• Tired or lethargic, particularly on days when the pollen count is high

If you notice your pet showing any of these signs, it is advised to take them to your vet, especially since some of these signs may indicate other health issues.

You should also completely avoid trying home remedies before checking with your vet, or giving any medication to your pet without a prescription, as many can be dangerous in the wrong doses, or for certain species.