How do you stop grass allergies in dogs
Grass Allergies In Dogs and How To Treat Them
Dogs can develop allergies in much the same way as humans do. Grass allergies are the most common type that can be found in dogs, and they are usually spread by airborne pollen. So what are the symptoms of grass allergies for dogs, and how can you prevent or treat them?
Grass allergies, also known as pollen allergies, are the most common type that appear in dogs. The pollen is absorbed in the dogs skin and can cause an allergic reaction. The pollen is mostly spread through direct contact with grass, though it also can be transferred indirectly from people bringing it in from the outside.
Lets look at grass allergies and their most common symptoms as well as possible ways to prevent the allergic reactions from occurring in the first place. We will also discuss methods of treatment to help your dog cope with the symptoms of grass allergies.
Symptoms Of Grass Allergies in Dogs
Dogs are different from people in the ways they react to allergies. When a human is allergic to pollen, they sneeze and cough excessively. This is not the case with dogs. Dogs allergic reactions are usually exhibited by itching, scratching, and biting themselves.
This is because the pollen is absorbed into their skin and caught in their paws, fur, and ears. Therefore, dogs try to scratch the itchy areas, which might lead to loss of their hair, scabbing, and ear infections.
If you are not sure whether your dog is having a reaction to allergy or to another condition, you should check for other symptoms beyond their scratching. Below are some of the most common symptoms that might appear due to allergies:
- Scabbed, itchy, and red skin.
- Runny eyes.
- Itchy tail and back.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Sneezing.
- Snoring due to an inflamed throat.
- Swollen paws.
- Chewing of paws.
Grass Allergy Symptoms In Dogs That Might Be Caused By Other Conditions
Sometimes your dog can show symptoms related to grass allergies that might also be signs of other conditions. So, before declaring that your dog is having a grass allergy reaction, it is smart to double-check the symptoms and check for parasites or other types of allergies such as food allergies.
The most common parasites are fleas. Fleas are tiny and can be hidden deep in the dogs fur, so you must check your animal thoroughly. If you want to be on the safe side, you can take your dog to the vet, so there will be no confusion.
Food allergies are another possibility for symptoms similar to grass allergies. Even if you give the same food to your dog, that does not mean that the ingredients are always the same. While manufacturers of dog foods are required to list the ingredients, the source and nature of each ingredient can vary wildly from bag to bag.
Also, your dogs sensitivity to certain ingredients can change over time and they can develop food allergies, meaning that certain types of food will not agree with them anymore. Itching and scratching are common symptoms of food allergies, just as they are for grass allergies.
Therefore, it is better to test your dog by taking them to the vet and establish what actually is causing certain symptoms. If your vet suspects a food allergy, a common first step is an elimination diet where the dog is given very limited ingredient foods to try to identify the offending culprit ingredient or protein.
Causes For Developing Grass Allergies In Dogs
Like people, dogs can develop allergies to pollen over time. Even if your dog was fine playing in the grass in spring and summer for several years, they might suddenly start showing allergy reactions at a later point in their life. There is no certain reason for the development of grass allergies, but there are ways for you to recognize the symptoms and prevent particular conditions that might make things uncomfortable for your pet.
Since grass allergies appear in spring, you might notice the symptoms during this time. The pollen spreads in the air and is commonly found in the grass. So, while your dog plays in the grass, their skin can absorb the pollen, and your pet will start showing symptoms. Even if your dog does not spend a lot of time outside, the pollen might be transferred into your home on the shoes and clothing of people who come from the outside.
If you keep your dog inside, and you do not take them outside a lot, developing allergies to grass might sound odd to you. However, pollen spreads easily, so never exclude the possibility that some symptoms are caused by it, even if your dog has been living primarily inside.
Common Treatments For Grass Allergies In Dogs
The first thing you can do to help your dog is to take them to the vet. The most important step is to establish whether it is really grass allergies and not something else. Once you establish what is causing the symptoms, you can then attempt to treat them.
Wipe Your Dogs Fur And Paws
Wiping the pollen from your dogs body and paws can be of great help. You can use a damp towel to do this, and make sure that you do it several times a day to prevent the pollen from entering deeper into your dogs skin. This will decrease the itching and scratching, and make your dog feel more comfortable.
Baths With Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo
Regular baths using hypo-allergenic shampoo might also ease the symptoms and stop the pollen from getting deeper into your dogs skin. Make sure that you use a conditioner as well, to help remove the pollen.
Spray The Body With Aloe And Oatmeal
A combination of oatmeal and aloe can be really helpful in soothing the discomfort caused by grass allergies. Use a spray that contains these ingredients, and cover your dogs body to reduce the itchiness.
Give Your Dog Fish Oil Supplements
Fish oil supplements contain omega 3-fatty acids that help in reducing inflammation and ease the reaction to the allergy. Fish oil has many other benefits for your dog as well.
Give Your Dog Antihistamines
Benadryl is a popular over-the-counter medication for humans that can also help alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms in dogs. Consult your vet to get proper dosages and to make sure that this medication is appropriate for your individual dog.
Corticosteroids
Your vet may prescribe a corticosteroid such as prednisone, which is highly effective in alleviating your dogs itchiness and inflammation. Unfortunately, they have many undesirable side effects and long-term use can damage your dogs organs. They are often prescribed for short periods of time to provide relief during particularly uncomfortable periods for your dog.
Immunotherapy Injections
If grass allergies get really bad for your dog, injections can work in the same way as they work for humans. At first, it might be difficult for you to give these shots to your dog, but your vet can show you the proper way to do this, so you can do it on a daily basis. This is a very effective way of treatment. However, sometimes it can take some time for this method to work.
It might take months for your dog to get desensitized, and theres no guaranty it will be completely effective. Also, you have to be careful with the injections since they can trigger a reaction known as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening for your dog. Even though this happens rarely, you still need to be alert and carefully monitor your pet when giving them these shots.
Whatever you choose as a treatment for your dog, be sure that you have established that grass allergies are really the case of the symptoms. Also, consult your vet on treatments you decide to use on your dog as not all treatments are suitable for every individual dog. You do not want to cause more complications in the process of trying to help your dog with grass allergies.
Prevention of Grass Allergies In Dogs
Prevention is key when it comes to allergies. There are steps you can take to stop the allergies from developing further and to make your dog feel more uncomfortable. Some dogs show really mild symptoms that are not easily noticeable, while others show all the symptoms of grass allergies, making it easier to see what is causing your dog discomfort.
Dog breeds such as Cairn Terriers, Golden Retrievers, and Cocker Spaniels are known to be breeds particularly susceptible to developing these types of allergies, and their symptoms are often quite noticeable. When these breeds develop symptoms, you can easily see that grass allergies are responsible. Watery eyes and excessive scratching and itching are the first signs that show that there is an allergic reaction.
Because grass allergies cant be cured, treatment and prevention are closely related. Treating symptoms is a big part of preventing further, more intense reactions.
Once you notice any slight symptom of an allergy, you should immediately take your dog to the vet and get them diagnosed. Once you become familiar with your dogs symptoms, you will be able to treat them quickly yourself. When you catch grass allergies early, you can get a head start in treating them before the dog becomes too uncomfortable.
When dogs scratch and bite at itchy areas, they can break the skin and create what are known as hot spots that can lead to further medical issues. So seeing your vet and getting their advice on how to proceed with treatment early is important in order to avoid these further complications.
Usually, when symptoms are identified early, grass allergies can be treated by using shampoos and other topicals. Your dog will be able to continue their daily routine without experiencing drastic changes.
Final Thoughts
Grass allergies in dogs are quite common, and you should not be surprised if you notice symptoms in your dog, especially during spring. Proper diagnosis and early treatment are key to alleviating your dogs discomfort and avoiding worsening symptoms.
Grass Allergies in Dogs
What Are Grass Allergies in Dogs?
Grass allergies, which are common in dogs, are inhalant or contact allergies that can be caused by pollen associated with grasses. Grass pollens are airborne, so your dog doesnt have to be physically on the grass to have symptoms. Grass allergies can lead to skin allergies or upper respiratory allergies.
Grass allergies are generally worse in the spring and fall seasons, when grass pollen is more prevalent due to the variation of seasonal species. But they may be a problem for your dog all year long. In dogs, the allergens (grass pollens) are absorbed by the skin and mucus membranes. Many dogs with grass allergies may also have flea allergies and food allergies.
Grass allergies can occur at any age, but most dogs start having allergies after the age of 1 due to prior exposure to the allergens. While the symptoms may be irritating for your dog, most are not life-threatening.
A severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, is rare.Anaphylaxis in dogscan occur within 530 minutes of contact with the allergen. Symptoms in dogs may include:
If you think your dog is experiencing anaphylaxis or see any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately.
Symptoms of Grass Allergies in Dogs
Symptoms of grass allergies include:
Itching (pruritus), often constant
Scratching, especially at the face, armpits, and sides of the body
Licking or chewing, especially the feet
A rash may also appear; but due to the haircoat on dogs, redness and a visible rash may be difficult to see
Causes of Grass Allergies in Dogs
Grass allergies are caused by common grass pollens from grasses such as Bermuda, fescue, alfalfa, or rye. They have similar symptoms to allergies caused by pollens from trees (cedar, pine, oak) and weeds (ragweed, pigweed).
Dogs that enjoy rolling in the grass can get symptoms from direct contact. Others may get symptoms from inhaling the pollen during a walk or from simply being in an area where grass pollen is presenteven indoors.
Grass allergies occur frequently during the spring and fall, when grass is growing and pollen leaves a yellow trail of dust behind. If a dog walks through an area where pollen is present and the pollen comes into contact with mucous membranes (nose, eyes, mouth), skin, and feet, the dog may experience symptoms.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Grass Allergies in Dogs
Your veterinarian will obtain a complete history regarding the symptoms present in your dog, including symptom duration, severity, seasonality, and treatment (if any).
The next step would be a thorough examination of the haircoat and skin. The distribution of hair loss, any lesions on the skin such as pimples, rashes, dry or oily skin; scratches (excoriations) due to itching, redness, or skin irritation (to indicate inflammation) will help determine the diagnosis.
Sometimes, symptomatic treatment can be initiated based on clinical symptoms alone, without any testing needed, depending on the case. If topical or conservative treatments are not effective, further testing may be needed to rule out other causes.
Allergy Testing Your Dog
Your primary veterinarian may be able to perform serum blood testing for allergies. However, the gold standard of allergy testing and the one test that provides the most accurate result is called an Intradermal Skin Test, which is performed by aveterinary dermatologist. The intradermal test is usually performed under mild sedation. One side of the dogs abdomen is shaved, and specific allergens are injected.
The area is monitored for the presence of hives, indicating an allergic reaction to the specific allergen injected in that location. If the allergens are identified, treatment is designed specifically for the individual pet.
Another option is hyposensitization therapy, which consists of micro-dosing the pet with the allergen to build up resistance over time.
Treatment of Grass Allergies in Dogs
The goal of treatment will be to manage symptoms, as most grass allergies in dogs cannot be cured. Treatment is based on severity of symptoms. Its always best to consult with your veterinarian on the best treatment for your dog. If symptoms are mild, the following topical therapies may be recommended:
Trying a medicated shampoo: Medicated shampoos are not typically sufficient for treating an active infection, but they can help prevent an infection from happening by removing the allergens and reducing the amount of bacteria and yeast on the skin. Always talk to your vet about which medicated shampoo would be best for your dog.
Cleanliness after spending time outdoors: Ensuring that your dogs feet and body are cleaned off after coming inside helps prevent licking and chewing of feet, a symptom of itching. You can use mild soap and water, aloe pet wipes, ormedicated wipesthat contain an antimicrobial and antifungal ingredient.
Antihistamines: Benadryl may be effective for watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing, but it is usually not effective for allergic skin conditions (allergic dermatitis). Be sure to discuss dosage with your vet before giving your dog any medication, even over-the-counter medications.
Fatty acids: Omega supplements and fatty acids can help decrease a pets skin inflammation and help with general itchiness.
For moderate to severe symptoms (including severe itching), other therapies may be recommended:
Short doses of corticosteroids: Medications such as prednisone, prednisolone, or temaril-P contain steroids which may be used in cases of severe itch. These are by prescription only and typically should only be used short-term due to potential side effects of long-term administration.
Allergy medication: Apoquel (a daily oral tablet), or Cytopoint (an injectable given every four to eight weeks) may be prescribed to help alleviate itching. These are prescription medications, so your veterinarian will determine which is best for your dog.
Immunotherapy or hyposensitization therapy: These therapies can be used if the allergens have been identified by a blood or intradermal skin test. The treatment can be given in the form of weekly injections or an oral liquid medication, each of which are formulated specifically for the dog based on the results of the allergy test.
Recovery and Management of Grass Allergies in Dogs
Its important to determine, or at least narrow down, whichgrasses your dog is allergic toin order to prevent the symptoms. Dogs encounter all types of grasses, including those in yards, dog parks, or fields. Its helpful to know which grasses are in your area, monitor symptom flare-ups, and avoid these areas when possible.
Allergies can be managed and symptoms controlled, but you should not expect a 100% cure. If symptoms are reduced by 80% (less itching), the treatment is considered successful.
Grass Allergies in Dogs FAQs
What home remedies are available for grass allergies in dogs?
OTC shampoos (mild oatmeal shampoos, moisturizing shampoo, or medicated shampoo) can be used, as well as medicated wipes (KetoHex wipes or Mal-A-Ket wipes). Dogs with allergies can be safely bathed twice weekly without drying the skin. The shampoo needs to contact the skin for 10 minutes, prior to rinsing.Ask your vet about the best shampoo for your dogs specific needs.
How can I tell if my dog is allergic to grass?
If your dog plays outside in grass, walks outside in grass, or simply lives near a grassy area and experiences symptoms of red, itchy skin or feet, or sneezing and runny eyes or nose, a grass allergy is likely. Your veterinarian can evaluate your dogs skin and help determine if your dog has allergies. The vet may need to do further testing to determine a treatment plan.
Can you give a dog Benadryl for grass allergies?
While Benadryl or other anti-histamines may be recommended for grass allergies, often there are better options on the market with better efficacy for your pup. These may include prescription allergy medications such as Apoquel (pill) or cytopoint (injection). Its best to talk to your vet about the best choice for your pet.
Featured Image: iStock.com/Chalabala
WRITTEN BY
Mindy Joyner, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Mindy Joyner received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from North Carolina State University. She studied ruminant nutrition...
