How do you treat grass rash on dogs
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...
What Can I Do for Grass Rash?
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Rashes and grasses
Many people, from babies to adults, experience rashes. While rashes have many causes, one cause can be contact with grass.
Lets take a look at the reasons why grass may cause rashes, what the symptoms are, how to treat these types of rashes, and how you might prevent grass rash in the first place.
How can something as common as grass cause a rash? There are several reasons.
Grass allergy
Many people are allergic to grass. Its referred to as grass pollen allergy, often known as hay fever.
If youre allergic to grass and experience runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing when youre outside or pollen counts are high, your skin may also react if it comes into contact with grass.
Some people are only allergic to breathing in grass pollen, while others react to actually touching grass. Respiratory symptoms of grass allergy are much more common than skin rashes caused by grass allergy.
Contact dermatitis
Another reason for grass rash is a condition called contact dermatitis. This refers to an itchy, red, noncontagious rash caused by any irritant or allergen. Common causes of contact dermatitis include:
- perfumes
- soaps
- cosmetics
- cleaning products
- environmental pollutants
- pesticides
- fabrics
- plants
Grass is pokey
The physical structure of grass may also give you a rash. Many types of grass have sharp, microscopic bristles all over them to help discourage bugs from eating them. When these tiny bristles rub against your skin, a rash may result from the irritation.
Sensitive skin
Babies and children are particularly likely to get rashes from grass because they have newer, more sensitive skin. Children who have eczema may find that its made worse by contact with grass.
The appearance of rashes caused by grass may vary. Common symptoms include small red bumps on the skin that came into contact with the grass and itching that may be mild or severe.
A contact dermatitis-type rash may be very red, burn, and even cause the skin to blister or crack.
An eczema exacerbation will be a dry, itchy, patchy rash. Eczema most commonly occurs behind the knees, on the elbows, and on the face, although it may appear in other places.
Some people may experience hives where the grass touched their skin. Hives are raised, itchy bumps or welts. They may occur alone or may be accompanied by other allergic symptoms, such as:
- sneezing
- watery eyes
- wheezing
- swelling
If you experience swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. These may be symptoms of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
There are several treatment options for rashes caused by grass. Here are some common home remedies:
- Wash the area. Taking a shower or washing the affected area with warm water and a very mild cleanser may help remove pollen and soothe the skin.
- Apply a cold compress. A cold compress or cool cloth over the rash area may help relieve burning and itching.
- Take an antihistamine. An oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine Benadryl, may relieve allergy symptoms that are contributing to the rash. Check with your childs doctor before giving them a new medication.
- Apply a corticosteroid. Topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, may relieve itching and decrease inflammation.
- Apply an ointment. Ointments like calamine lotion may also relieve itching. Adults may use these creams according to the directions. Consult your childs doctor before using topical corticosteroids to ensure proper use.
For children with eczema thats exacerbated by grass, gently bathing the skin and then applying moisturizers may help.
The National Eczema Association recommends Aquaphor and Eucerin work well for many people with eczema.
Oatmeal baths may also be effective for moisturizing and calming the skin. Keeping the skin wrapped in cool, wet cloths may be helpful to alleviate dryness and itching, too.
If youve identified grass as the cause of your rash, the best way to prevent future rashes is to avoid contact with the grass. However, this is often impractical grass seems to be everywhere! It may be impossible to avoid lawn work, picnics, children playing outside, etc.
Some tips for minimizing skin contact with grass or preventing grass rash include the following:
- Wear long sleeves, pants, shoes with socks, or even gloves if youre going to be in a grassy area or doing yard work.
- Wash your hands immediately after contact with grass.
- Shower (or bathe your child) after being outside or being in contact with grass.
- Regularly moisturize your skin to keep it healthy and intact.
- If youre allergic to grass, consider taking an antihistamine before being around grass. If youre constantly around grass, consider regularly taking an allergy medication.
- If your rash lasts longer than a few days, causes extreme itching, spreads, or feels unmanageable, your doctor can help. They can help you identify causes and treatments and possibly refer you to a dermatologist or allergist.
- A number of things can cause rashes in children. If your child has a rash that wont go away, persistent itching, hives, or any other symptoms that concern you, call your childs pediatrician.
Rashes are very common and may have a number of causes. One of those causes can be contact with grass. This may be due to an allergic reaction, contact dermatitis, or simply the irritation of grass blades on human skin.
There are many treatment options for grass rash, such as covering the skin, taking oral medications, and applying skin creams. If your rash isnt going away or youre unable to treat it effectively at home, contact your doctor for help.
