How Can I Treat Grass Allergies in My Dog? What Should I Do?

If your dog’s been diagnosed with a grass allergy and is suffering from it, there are various approaches to making them feel more comfortable. Generally, treatment isn’t given to cure grass allergies.

Your can help your dog:

• Minimise Outdoor Exposure: Limit your dog’s time outdoors during peak pollen seasons
• Paw Cleaning: Wipe your dog’s paws after outdoor activities. This will remove potential allergens
• Regular Grooming: Keep your dog’s coat clean and well-groomed to minimise pollen accumulation
• Probiotic Supplements: Having a good balance of gut bacteria can help reduce allergic responses, keep inflammation down, and keep the immune system strong.
• Omega 3 Supplements: Fatty acids can support skin, heart and joint health and help to maintain skin hydration, decrease inflammation and soothe itching. 
• It’s interesting to note that a grass allergy does seem to come hand-in-hand with tree pollen allergy, or if a dog’s had a skin trauma (hot spots or insect bites) they’re possibly more likely to develop an allergy to grass proteins. Dogs with hypothyroidism also seem more prone to being allergic to grass pollen.

Topical Therapies Treatments include: 

• Hypoallergenic Shampoo - Shampooing your dog’s coat, either with a shampoo formulated for dogs and with anti-itch properties or using an oat-based dog shampoo, which are very soothing. Regular bathing means allergens are removed before they’re absorbed by the skin into your dog’s system.
• Medicated Shampoo - These don’t treat active infections but they are a good preventative measure, as they remove allergens, reduce bacteria and yeast from the surface of the skin. Check with your vet for the most appropriate medicated shampoo for your dog’s condition.
• Paw & Fur Wiping: Removing the allergen helps to keep an allergic response minimised. So if your dog’s been outside, wipe down their paws and fur with a damp cloth, mild soap and water, aloe dog wipes, or antimicrobial/antifungal wipes for dogs.

Grass Allergy Medications:

• Antihistamines: Your vet may prescribe your dog to take antihistamines to help alleviate watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. Antihistamines are generally ineffective for allergic skin reactions.
• Fatty acids: Omega supplements and fatty acids can help decrease a dog’s skin inflammation and help with general itchiness. 

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

Creams & Treatments

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