If you’re wondering that grass may be the culprit of causing allergy symptoms in your furry friend then you’re in the right place because in the following piece of the article I am going to share How grass causes skin allergies in dogs? and the best available treatments for your pet. 

In the spring and summer season, pollen flew from the grass to the airborne and travels through the wind. So, the one thing is clear that it is not necessary that plants and grass in your home may increase the chances of pollen (grass) allergy in dogs but it’s not necessary because pollen may travel through the winds and may come to your home by wind and may attach to your clothes. So when you come back home most probably you’re having pollens on your clothes. 

Pollen allergy may affect dogs at any age. So it’s the most abundant type of environmental allergy in dogs. Its symptoms are commonly the same as the symptoms dogs face with other types of allergies, i.e. digestive system disturbance, skin disorders, asthmatic (breathing) problems, etc.

Grass allergy is a type of seasonal allergy because it commonly occurs in the spring and summer seasons when the plant produces pollen. Hence if your pet is licking his paws, ears, scratching the skin, sneezing, coughing badly, wheezing, or is suffering from diarrhea. It (possibly) be suffering from an environmental allergy, i.e. Grass or Pollen allergy. 

Why is my Dog allergic to Grass?

Not all dogs are sensitive to grass or pollen but a few show sensitivity towards the grass. The symptoms may occur at any age and sometimes it becomes difficult to diagnose this kind of culprit.

Your pet is showing sensitivity or allergic response because the immune system (a body’s defense system that fights against harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc and protects vital organs) of the pet has identified the pollen (grass) as an invader and started releasing histamines to increase the blood supply in specific areas of the body (causing inflammation), itching, irritations, breathing difficulty, diarrhea, etc. 

What do I Do if my dog is allergic to grass?

If the veterinarian has diagnosed grass allergy in your pet you probably are thinking about how can you treat it and provide comfort to your furry friend?. It’s easy and in the following section of the article, I am going to share some tips that may help avoid this kinda allergy.

First of all, you must keep in mind that grass allergy only occurs in the summer and spring seasons when the plant produces pollen. The bad news for you is that pollen can fly through wind and are present in the airborne and may travel through winds in kilometers.

•    Keep the windows close so the pollen will never be available to get in
•    Clean up your clothes before entering the house
•    Keep your pet home as much as possible and rarely take it for a walk 
•    Use precautionary measurements when you take the dog on a walk
•    Pollen may attach to the dog’s skin, clean your pets skin surface after getting back from a walk

Grass Allergy Symptoms in Dogs

You must take your pet to the veterinarian if you see the following signs and symptoms of Grass allergy in your furry pale,

• Itching
• Inflammation on the skin
• Rashes
• Difficulty in breathing
• Redness
• If it’s licking his paws consistently
• Scratching his skin surface
• Diarrhea

The symptoms are the same as with other types of environmental allergies in dogs. So only a veterinarian may surely diagnose grass allergy in your pet. 

How to Diagnose Grass Allergy in DOGS?

For this purpose, your pet’s vet may suggest some blood tests, including a serum allergy test or intradermal allergy test.

Intradermal allergy test provides a more effective way of diagnosing skin allergy in pets. 

Natural treatment for grass allergy in dogs

Yes, it’s possible (sometimes) home remedies or natural treatments help to provide temporary relief from allergies. Here in the following section of the article, I share a few most effective natural treatments that can help your dog with grass allergy at home.

Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV or apple cider vinegar possesses anti-microbial properties and has been used for centuries in a variety of disorders. 

This grandma remedy is effective as ACV has the power to fight against the germs of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes. 

As said before, this natural remedy for grass allergy in dogs may provide temporary relief. Allergy is triggered because of the immune system response and to relieve the symptoms your pet needs antihistamine drugs.

However, using apple cider vinegar for grass allergy in dogs may reduce the risks of secondary bacterial infections.

For application, you may give a few drops of ACV directly to your pet with water OR you may pour some drops of ACV in a bathtub filled with pure water and dip your pet in it for a short period of time, i.e. 5-10 minutes.

Yogurt

Some studies support that yogurt may also help in treating or reducing the symptoms of skin allergies. Simply pour some yogurt on the skin (surface) of your pet and clean it with fresh water after 5 to 10 minutes. 

Medicines for Grass Allergy in Dogs

So here in the following section of this article, you will get to know the best medicines (prescription drugs) that veterinarians are prescribing the most for grass allergy in pets. 

A vet may prescribe immunosuppressive drugs, corticosteroids, antihistamines, etc. So below are the best medicines for allergies in dogs.

Benadryl

It contains the main ingredient, “diphenhydramine” which belongs to an anti-histamines group of drugs. It works great for seasonal allergies and relieves the symptoms i.e. itching, irritations, rashes, inflammation or swelling on the face, paws, and skin, breathing difficulty, sneezing, kennel cough, wheezing, etc.

It’s a highly effective medicine and can be purchased over the counter (OTC) in some areas of the globe. 

Prednisolone

It belongs to corticosteroids and works by pressing the defense system of the body. It’s not suitable for the long term as it increases the chances of developing a bacterial or viral infection. 

Not recommended for dogs below one year old or by the recommendation of a veterinarian. 

Oclacitinib 

Apoquel contains oclacitinib maleate which is an immune system suppressant medication that works on specific cytokines (released by the immune system) and relieves the symptoms of skin allergies, i.e. itching, rashes, etc.

Above are three types of drugs that have been used for dog allergies (the most). Only a veterinarian may decide which one of them is suitable and needed for your pet (according to your pet condition).  Other medicines include dexamethasone, betamethasone, hydrocortisone, lokivetmab (cytopoint injection), cetirizine, diphenhydramine, pheniramine, are also used for grass allergy in dogs.