5 Signs Your Dog Might Be Allergic to Grass
Many people, even experienced pet owners, don't understand that dogs can suffer from allergies. Often these allergies pass by unnoticed when the pooch in question doesn't regularly encounter the offending substance, but one allergy that is very likely to be a problem is a grass allergy.
Though referred to as a grass allergy, what your dog will really be allergic to is grass pollen. Grass allergies will rarely cause any serious problems, but, just as with humans, they can be very unpleasant to deal with.
To make sure you can start working against the problem as soon as possible, ensure that you can recognise these five common signs of a grass allergy in your dog.
1. Itching
A dog's skin is much thinner than the skin of a human since a dog depends on its coat to protect it from the sun and other irritants. This means that an allergy to grass pollen can cause your dog some serious itchiness. This will often be the first sign that something is wrong; luckily, dogs aren't usually very discrete when they are feeling itchy. If you notice yours rubbing up against things and repeatedly scratching more than normal, something is definitely wrong.
2. Biting or Licking of the Skin
As well as scratching their itchy skin, dogs will often lick it to try and provide some relief. This is something they often do to the paws since the paws come in frequent contact with the grass, but they may also lick other parts of the body. Additionally, your dog may start to bite at their skin, usually as the condition becomes worse and they become more frustrated.
3. Redness
If you suspect that your dog might be suffering from a grass allergy, run your fingers slowly through their coat so you can get a good look at the skin below. Allergic reactions in dogs often cause the skin to turn red, and you may even notice crusting or areas of inflammation if the dog has also been scratching excessively.
4. Red and Watery Eyes
One symptom of pollen allergies that dogs share with humans is an irritation of the eyes. Your dog won't be able to scratch or rub their eyes like you would do if your eyes were irritated, but their eyes may start to look red and watery.
5. Trouble Breathing
If your dog has developed a severe allergy to grass pollens, it is possible that their airways will become inflamed, making it considerably harder for them to breathe. This is not a common symptom, and it's still one worth keeping in mind since it indicates a serious problem.
Take your dog to a vet clinic to help them handle the condition.
Share