If your dog won’t stop licking their paws or their feet seem red and irritated after time outside, you’re not alone. Grass allergies are one of the most common allergy challenges pet parents face and cases are on the rise. In fact, over the past 10 years, there has been a 30.7% increase in environmental allergy cases in dogs, according to a Banfield Pet Hospital article posted by the AVMA.
Grass allergies can be frustrating for both dogs and their owners, but with the right information and support from your veterinarian, there are ways to help your pup find relief. Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on beneath those itchy paws and how you can help.
What Are Grass Allergies in Dogs?
At first glance, it sounds simple: a grass allergy means your dog is allergic to grass. But what’s really happening is a bit more complex. Grass allergies in dogs are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to grass pollen, a type of environmental allergy known as atopy. When pollen enters the body through the skin, nose, eyes, or mouth, it triggers the immune system to see it as a threat, even though it’s normally harmless. This immune response leads to inflammation, irritation, and those classic allergy symptoms like itching, redness, and skin infections.
Unfortunately, unlike people, dogs don’t typically outgrow their allergies. They actually tend to get worse over time. And because grass pollen is airborne, your dog doesn’t even have to touch the grass to be affected — just breathing the air or walking through a pollen-rich area can set off a reaction. That’s why it is important to work with your veterinarian if your dog is struggling with any allergy so you can work together to come up with a treatment plan to keep your dog comfortable.
Types of Grasses That Can Affect Dogs
Many dogs, like many people, are sensitive to pollen from common grasses, weeds, and other plants. Bermuda grass is one of the biggest culprits. It produces an abundance of wind-borne pollen that can trigger severe allergic reactions in sensitive dogs. Even when Bermuda grass is kept short, it can still release pollen. The pollen comes from the flower tops (inflorescence) that form as the grass matures, but keep in mind that the pollen itself is microscopic and it floats through the air invisibly, so your dog doesn’t need to roll in the grass to be exposed. If you’re planting or re-seeding your yard, you might consider asking about hybrid or allergy-friendly grass species.
Bermuda grass isn’t the only culprit known to trigger allergies in dogs. Here is a list of other grasses that have been reported as common allergy offenders:
- Ryegrass
- Fescue (various species)
- Timothy grass
- Bluegrass (Kentucky bluegrass)
- Orchard grass
- Johnson grass
- Bromegrass
- Sweet vernal grass
- Meadow grass
Like Bermuda, these species produce lightweight, airborne pollen that can travel significant distances. Dogs don’t need to lie in the grass or even be near it, so pollen can be inhaled or land on their skin, triggering allergic reactions.
Symptoms of Grass Allergies in Dogs
When people have allergies, we usually think of sneezing, watery eyes, or a runny nose. But dogs show their allergies a little differently. For them, it’s often the skin that suffers the most. Grass allergies can lead to itching and irritation, especially in areas that come into contact with pollen, such as the paws, ears, and belly.
Some of the most common signs that your dog might be dealing with a grass allergy include:
- Itchy skin (pruritus)
- Redness, rash, or inflammation
- Hair loss
- Skin lesions: scabs, sores, pustules, crusts
- Frequent ear or skin infections
- Excessive licking/chewing of paws
- Occasional digestive (diarrhea, vomiting) or respiratory signs (sneezing, watery eyes)
How are Grass Allergies Diagnosed
Diagnosing allergies in dogs can be tricky. When you bring your dog to the vet, they’ll start by gathering a detailed history and performing a full physical exam, from snout to tail. This helps them rule out other possible causes, like fleas or ticks that might be visible to the naked eye.
Your veterinarian will likely perform skin tests, such as a skin scrape or tape prep, to check for mites, yeast, or bacteria under the microscope. Once external parasites and infections are ruled out, the focus shifts to either food allergies or environmental allergies, which can be hard to tell apart since they often cause similar symptoms.
Your veterinarian might recommend a 12-week hypoallergenic diet trial to see if food is the culprit. If environmental allergies like grass pollen are suspected, skin or blood testing can help identify specific triggers. This type of testing is usually done if you’re considering allergy shots (immunotherapy) as part of your dog’s treatment plan.
Dog Grass Allergy Treatment Options
There are a few different ways to treat grass allergies in dogs and many dogs benefit from a combination of treatments.
- Topical treatments: Medicated shampoos, creams, sprays, ointments, and wipes prescribed by your vet can help soothe inflamed skin and treat mild or localized infections caused by yeast or bacteria. These are often a key part of managing skin reactions linked to allergies.
- Medications: Depending on your dog’s symptoms, your vet may prescribe medications to control itching and inflammation. If there’s a secondary skin infection (which is common with allergies), antibiotics or antifungal medications may be needed.
- Allergy shots (immunotherapy): After testing identifies your dog’s specific triggers, a custom serum is created to help build tolerance to those allergens over time. This treatment (delivered as injections or under-the-tongue drops) can significantly reduce allergy symptoms and the need for other medications, though it requires consistency and patience.
- Diet management: If food allergies are also suspected, your vet may recommend a prescription diet (like a hydrolyzed or novel protein formula). Even if food isn’t the issue, feeding a high-quality, balanced diet supports your dog’s overall skin and immune health.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) options: Some owners try OTC products like oatmeal shampoos or antihistamines. While these may provide mild relief, they usually aren’t enough for more severe allergy symptoms. Be cautious! Some home remedies, like coconut oil or essential oils, can actually harm your dog. It’s always best to follow your vet’s guidance for safe, proven treatments.
Every dog’s immune system is different, but one thing stays the same: allergies aren’t curable and as a pet parent, you must be ready for a long-term commitment of treatment for your dog’s atopy. Just remember, you aren’t in this alone, your veterinarian is there to help you discover the best approach for your dog.
How to Prevent and Manage Your Dog’s Grass Allergies
The good news? Having a dog with grass allergies doesn’t mean you have to keep them cooped up indoors all spring and summer, or whenever they have their flare-ups. With a few changes to your routine, you can help reduce their exposure to allergens and keep them more comfortable.
- Time your outdoor adventures. Try to stay inside with windows closed on windy days, when pollen levels are higher and more likely to spread.
- Wipe those paws! After playtime, especially on grass, give your dog’s paws and legs a quick wipe before they come inside. This helps remove pollen and keeps their bedding and your home cleaner.
- Choose grass wisely. If you’re planting or re-seeding your yard, consider grass types like ryegrass or fescue – they’re less likely to release pollen until they’re taller (around 12 inches).
- Keep the lawn trimmed. A well-maintained yard helps minimize pollen production. Avoid letting your dog play on freshly cut grass, when pollen can be stirred up.
- Regular baths. Bathing your dog every 1–2 weeks can help wash away pollen and other irritants. Talk to your vet about the best shampoo for your dog’s skin.
- Use an air purifier. This can help lower pollen levels indoors and provide some extra relief.
- Stay on top of parasite prevention. Flea bites can worsen skin irritation in allergic dogs, so keeping up with preventives is important.
When to See Your Veterinarian for Your Dog’s Allergies
If your dog’s grass allergies are causing itchy skin that’s interfering with their daily life, or leading to secondary issues like skin or ear infections, it’s time to see your veterinarian.
In rare cases, a dog may have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to something in their environment. This is a medical emergency that needs immediate veterinary care. Signs of anaphylaxis can appear within 5 to 30 minutes of exposure and may include:
- Hives or facial swelling (eyes, muzzle, lips)
- Redness or intense itching
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive drooling
- Difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, or pale/blue gums
- Weakness, collapse, or cold limbs
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
Allergies can be frustrating, and until the underlying cause is identified and managed, your dog is likely to keep experiencing uncomfortable, recurring symptoms. The good news is that effective treatments are available through your veterinarian to help your dog feel better and get back to enjoying life.
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