How YOU can beat the Pollen Season in Seattle – And How Dog Daycare Can Help!
Pollen season in Seattle and across Washington State can be a challenging time for both dogs and their owners. With blooming trees, grasses, flowers, and allergens fill the air, leading to sneezing, itching, and discomfort for many pups. As a responsible dog owner, it’s important to take proactive steps to minimize your dog’s exposure to pollen while keeping them happy, active, and how being in dog daycare can help your dogs allergies!
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How pollen affects dogs
- Tips to reduce pollen exposure
- How dog daycare at DogCity can help
How Pollen Affects Dogs
Every year like clockwork we often see pollen flying around in the air as if Washington is seeing a second winter with the sun out, but seasoned citizens of Washington know that once it starts, its time to stock up on allergy medicine and whatever else to help alleviate the inevitable oncoming allergy season.
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies. Common symptoms include:
- Excessive scratching or licking
- Red, irritated skin
- Watery eyes and sneezing
- Ear infections (due to inflammation)
Breeds with longer coats or skin folds (like Bulldogs, Retrievers, and Spaniels) may be more prone to trapping pollen, worsening their reactions. We also want to advise extra caution with brachycephalic dogs as well! Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and more as pollen can further increase the difficulty of breathing as pollen would worsen symptoms they might already have like congestion and inflammation.
5 Ways to Reduce Pollen Exposure
- Post-Walk Wipe Downs
Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove pollen from paws, bellies, and faces after outdoor time. - Create an Allergy-Safe Home
- Run HEPA air purifiers in main living areas
- Wash dog beds weekly in hot water
- Vacuum with pet-specific cleaners 2-3 times weekly
- Time Outdoor Activities Wisely
Schedule walks between 10am-4pm when pollen counts are typically lower. - Regular Bathing Routine
Bathe your dog weekly with a hypoallergenic shampoo during peak pollen season. - Veterinary Allergy Management
Consult your vet about:- Prescription antihistamines
- Immunotherapy options
- Specialized ear cleaners
How DogCity’s Daycare Helps During Allergy Season
Our dog daycare services provide the perfect solution for keeping your pup active while minimizing pollen exposure:
Allergy-Friendly Features:
✅ Climate-Controlled Indoor Play Areas – Fully enclosed spaces with filtered air circulation
✅ Daily Sanitation Protocol – Our facility undergoes deep cleaning with pet-safe disinfectants
✅ Pollen-Free Socialization – Safe playgroups without outdoor allergen exposure
✅ Trained Staff Monitoring – We watch for allergy symptoms and can administer vet-approved treatments
✅ Grooming – We’re also able to provide grooming services for your dog and sometimes a refreshing bath is all that’s needed to help out their allergies and we can do just that!
At DogCity, we help your dog stay:
- Active without excessive pollen contact
- Socialized in a clean environment
- Comfortable throughout allergy season
Final Thoughts
Don’t let pollen season limit your dog’s quality of life. With smart home strategies and DogCity’s dog daycare services, you can help your pup avoid allergens while maintaining their exercise and social needs.
Give your dog an allergy-friendly play space! Learn about DogCity’s daycare programs, and you can book here for your daycare appointment!
We at DogCity feel that this is an important topic, every day we do our due diligence and put in our all to learn how we can not only better take care of the dogs in our daycare, boarding, and grooming facility but how we can further help out our pet parents/club members with recommendations on what they can do to enrich their dogs life.
Sources
American Kennel Club – Dog Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment – VCA Hospitals – Allergy General Information in Dogs – Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – Environmental Allergies in Dogs – Merck Veterinary Manual – Allergic Contact Dermatitis – PetMD – Seasonal Allergies in Dogs – AVMA – Environmental Allergies in Pets – EPA – Guide to Air Cleaners – ASPCA – Common Dog Allergies – National Allergy Bureau – Pollen Count Monitoring – Veterinary Dermatology Journal – Canine Skin Allergies – FDA – Pet Medication Guidelines – DVM360 – Managing Canine Atopic Dermatitis – Tufts University – Managing Environmental Allergies – IBPSA – Pet Care Standards – CDC – Pet Hygiene Guidelines – Journal of Veterinary Behavior – Canine Socialization – Pet Care Services Association – Professional Standards