You have probably heard of grass allergies in dogs. Yes, just like the grass allergy in humans, dogs can also have grass allergies. About 80% of dogs suffer from grass allergies, sad!
Grass allergies in dogs can be one of the hardest things. Read this guide to learn what they are and how to treat them.
Grass Allergies in Dogs
A typical cause of allergies is an overly sensitive immune system that responds to substances found in the environment as foreign invaders. Similarly, grass allergies occur when your dog's immune system reacts to certain types of grass.
The most common cause of grass allergies in dogs is a reaction to the pollen present in the grass. Many dogs are intolerant to pollen, and some have a severe allergic reaction to it.
Symptoms of Grass Allergy in Dogs
If your dog experience any of the following symptoms, it is time to seek medical attention:
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, or loose stools
- Coughing or sneezing
- Itchy skin or hives
- Redness on the eyes or face
- Breathing problems
Carriers of Grass Allergy
Pollen on grass and plants contributes to grass allergy, and your dog gets in contact with the following elements -
Fur
The major carrier of grass allergies in dogs is their fur. Pollens from grass accumulate on the dog fur when it goes out in the grass. When the dog licks its fur, the skin cells absorb the pollen and cause an allergy.
Inhale
It’s no secret that dogs sniff everything. So when they stroll around in the grass, they get in touch with the allergens. Since they are very fine, dogs can easily inhale them.
Skin Absorption
When grass pollen gets absorbed through the skin, it triggers an allergic reaction in the dog’s body.
Spring and summer seasons may also cause an increase in grass allergy symptoms.
Treatment for Grass Allergy
Over-The-Counter Antihistamine and Allergy Shots
Dogs with grass allergies can benefit from over-the-counter antihistamines and allergy shots that develop a resistance to grass pollen. These medications reduce the allergic response and help control the symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal discharge, itchy skin, and coughing.
Desensitization Therapy
Another option is desensitization therapy, which involves exposing your dog to small amounts of grass pollen until his system stops reacting. It helps build up his tolerance as the therapy exposes him to all types of allergens over time instead of just one at a time.
Desensitization therapy may take several months for visible results and is only effective in conjunction with other treatments that develop a resistance to grass pollen.
Fatty Acid and Probiotic Supplement
Include an appropriate dose of a fatty acid supplement in the diet of your dog. It will help with the inflammation and reduce the histamine response in their system.
Also, try giving them a probiotic supplement. Probiotics are great for dealing with allergies, especially grass allergies. They help by increasing the number of good bacteria in your pet's gut. It helps them digest proteins more efficiently so they do not become inflamed as quickly as they would otherwise.
We recommend you reach out to a vet if your dog’s symptoms get worse.
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