Detect grass allergy in dogs safely and early
Do you want to make sure your four-legged friend lives happily? A grass allergy in a dog can throw a spanner in the works for both of you: unpleasant symptoms arise, your dog finds it more difficult to calm down and the uncertainty about the exact cause isn't good for you either. Both of your quality of life will be severely affected.
The good news is that there are safe ways and tests to detect a grass allergy in your dog. This then makes the potential treatment options clearer. The symptoms are often very clear, although there are a few things to consider when interpreting them.
How does a dog develop a grass allergy?
The first step in any illness detection is your understanding and knowledge - or in short: What exactly is a grass allergy in dogs?
Basically, our four-legged friends have to deal with the same problem as we humans with a pollen allergy: grass allergies in dogs are inhalation allergies.
These often arise from the body's reaction to certain allergens in grass - often triggered by pollen and plant components. The tiny particles enter your dog's environment through the air, on clothing or the fur of other animals. This means your dog comes into direct contact with the allergens, which then get on his skin and can trigger allergic reactions.
Your dog's body reacts with an allergy because his immune system is hypersensitive to these substances. Instead of viewing them as harmless, the immune system triggers a defense reaction that can lead to the typical allergy symptoms such as itching, redness of the skin and inflammation. The exact cause of this hypersensitivity is complex and can depend on a variety of environmental influences.
Your dog's grass allergy and its symptoms
If grass and pollen cause allergies in dogs, this presents with more and less frequent or severe symptoms. Your dog's grass allergy has a lot in common with a human's pollen allergy - purely symptomatic.
However, there are some differences, which is why we will give you a brief overview of the most common symptoms. Please note that these symptoms do not necessarily only indicate a grass allergy in your dog.
• Itching: If you have a grass allergy, your dog may scratch, bite or lick itself more. He does this to relieve the unpleasant itching. However, similar to humans, this is counterproductive behavior: it leads to skin irritation and redness as well as increased itching.
• Rashes: You may notice rashes, red spots, or pustules on your dog's skin. These can contribute to itching or can be made worse by scratching. They also appear particularly on the paws, stomach and around the ears of your four-legged friend.
• Inflammation: Grass allergy in dogs often leads to skin inflammation, which can appear swollen. This condition is often perceived as painful and uncomfortable. Ear infections are also relatively common in dogs with grass allergies. You may notice increased head shaking and ear scratching, and sometimes an unpleasant smell from the ears.
• Watery eyes: If your dog has a grass allergy, the eyes are often not spared. Similar to how the nose can run, the eyes water and leave colored tear trails. Redness and scratching of the eyes are also possible.
• Lethargy: If your dog suffers from a grass allergy, he may well lose his usual energy - especially in combination with the side effects mentioned above. The immune system is incorrectly working at full speed and it bothers many dogs if they constantly itch or their eyes and ears are affected.
These symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the allergy. It's important to check your dog regularly for signs. If you suspect anything, you can find the right health check for dogs with us and finally get clarity. If your dog's grass allergy is confirmed or perhaps another cause has been discovered, veterinary help is recommended.
Can a grass allergy in dogs be confused with something else?
It is possible that a dog grass allergy can be confused with or overlap with other health problems because some symptoms are similar. Here are some factors that could cause confusion:
• Parasitic infestation:
Fleas, ticks or other parasites can also cause itching and skin irritation. On the one hand, there is the possibility of a flea saliva allergy in some dogs.
The parasites can also carry the allergens from the grass and pollen and bring them to your dog. In principle, different treatment approaches apply to parasites than to allergies. But only with a comprehensive examination of your four-legged friend can you determine or rule out the causes of his discomfort with certainty.
• Nutrition:
Your dog's food can also play a role here, as food intolerances can also manifest themselves through allergic reactions and symptoms. A poor diet can lead to skin problems and itching. It is also possible that your dog cannot tolerate an additive or something similar.
If you want to ensure security for yourself and your dog, our food check for dogs and our micronutrient check for dogs will help. With them you not only have an easy time collecting saliva from your dog, but you can also rely on quick and accurate results.
Are there dog breeds that are particularly prone to grass allergies?
Some dog breeds have demonstrated an increased tendency to allergies - including the French bulldog, Shar Pei, Labradors, German Shepherds and terriers. This increased allergy potential primarily relates to food allergies.
Grass allergy in dogs is not breed specific as it is a reaction to environmental influences and every dog can be affected equally.
However, if your dog is diagnosed with a grass allergy, it is important that you take remedial measures, regardless of the breed.
• Ventilate the living space when pollen levels are low.
• Go for long walks at these times.
• Otherwise, close the windows.
• After walks, wipe your dog's paws and face with a damp cloth and then dry them thoroughly.
• Bed and bowls must be cleaned thoroughly.
Determine grass allergy in dogs with the GenoLine allergy check
It's worth making sure you know the exact condition of your four-legged friend. A grass allergy can cause dogs severe discomfort and pain that needs to be addressed quickly.
In addition, the individual symptoms can develop into chronic manifestations if left untreated. In order to effectively prevent this, we recommend carrying out a comprehensive and precise allergy test for dogs.
Our specific allergy test is a valuable tool to find out whether your dog has a grass allergy or whether he may be suffering from something else. By analyzing the saliva sample, we can determine which allergens your dog reacts to.
With the quick results from GenoLine, you not only have an overview and a clearer conscience more quickly: you can also work more effectively with your veterinarian, which is essential if your dog has a grass allergy.
