What are the Common Signs My Dog May Have a Grass Allergy?

Grass allergies are relatively common in dogs and can affect your dog to varying degrees. They are most often caused by pollen associated with grasses. The allergic reaction occurs when your dog’s immune system overreacts to the proteins or pollen, which is present in grass.

The Common Signs of Grass Allergies in Dogs are:

• Excessive Itching (Pruritus), Scratching or Licking: Persistent scratching, licking, or chewing, especially on the paws, muzzle, underarms, ears, abdomen, anus, and groin.
• Red (Erythema) or Inflamed Skin: Irritation and redness, often accompanied by ‘hot spots’ i.e. areas of acute dermatitis, characterised by red, damp, inflamed, infected skin. Sometimes skin might be crusty or there could be a rash
• Watery Eyes and Runny Nose: Some dogs may exhibit signs of respiratory discomfort, such as sneezing or nasal discharge
• Ear Infections: Increased susceptibility to ear infections due to itching and scratching around the ears
• Bald Spots: From excessive scratching
• Snoring: The throat is inflamed and this causes snoring
• Hives: Hives, or urticaria, are small, red, localised swellings on a dog’s skin. They often develop and then disappear suddenly. Many in one location can look like a big welt
• Swollen Paws: Because Paws are in contact with grass, it can trigger paw irritation and swelling. You may notice your dog licking paws continuously, and the bottom of the paws may look red and irritated.

Next Steps for your dog with Grass Allergies

Take your dog to the vet if you think they have a grass allergy to get a confirmed diagnosis. 

If your dog’s suffering from Anaphylaxis - a rare severe allergic reaction - from a grass allergy, these are the symptoms. If you notice them, treat it as a life-threatening emergency:

• Severe hives
• Facial swelling (around eyes and muzzle)
• Wheezing
• Difficulty Breathing
• An Increased Respiratory Rate
• Vomiting and Diarrhoea (with or without blood)

Read more

Read more about Grass Allergies for Dogs - Causes, Prevention and How to Help at Home: https://zoomadog.co.uk/collections/dog-grass-allergies

Find creams to help with grass allergies here https://zoomadog.co.uk/products/170-dermagic-skin-rescue-lotion