Grass allergy in dogs, what can you do about it?

Achoo! Even a dog can have hay fever. In dogs, we usually call it grass allergy, but it's essentially the same thing. Both people and animals can have allergic reactions to the pollen of grass and other plants. How do you recognize it and how can you support a dog with grass allergy?

With an allergy, there's an overactive immune system. In other words, the body reacts very exaggeratedly to certain irritating substances. Like grass pollen, for example. In people with hay fever, the result is often sneezing, sniffling, and watery eyes. In dogs, you often see skin problems like itchiness and a red and irritated skin. But dogs can also sneeze or have a runny nose, and even breathing problems due to grass allergy. Digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea can also be symptoms of grass allergy in dogs.

Grass allergy or not?

Some dog breeds are more sensitive to grass allergy than others. Dogs that come into contact with pollen a lot can sometimes develop an allergy as well. Do you think your dog might be allergic? Have the veterinarian examine the dog. They can also do an allergy test on your pet, using skin pricks or a blood test.

What is an allergic reaction?

An allergic reaction occurs in the mast cells. Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that are an important part of the immune system. The body of a dog (or human) defends against bacteria and viruses using this immune system. Mast cells have a protective and defensive role in our bodies. They can react very quickly to invaders and are therefore very valuable to the immune system. Most white blood cells are found in the blood, but mast cells are mainly found in tissues and organs. A mast cell is filled with granules that can send out 'alarm signals' in the event of an 'attack' by intruders. One of those alarm signals is histamine. Histamine causes swelling, itching, and redness.

Treating grass allergy

Depending on the severity of the allergic reactions your dog is having, a veterinarian can provide various medications.

Antihistamines: This medication combats the effect of histamine in the body and therefore removes the cause of the allergic reaction.
Corticosteroids: This medication is sometimes used for severe allergic reactions, such as breathing problems or serious skin issues.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy can reduce sensitivity. This is a kind of prevention and a treatment that takes a long time. The goal is to increase tolerance to pollen. Then the allergic reaction becomes less severe.

Preventing grass allergy

You can help a dog with a grass allergy by avoiding contact with grass as much as possible during the pollen season (spring and fall). Things you can do:

Mow the grass in your garden regularly so it doesn't get too long or flower.
If there's a lot of pollen in the air, limit your dog's time outside.
Walk your dog on the sidewalk instead of on a grassy area.
Clean your dog's bed and your home regularly and vacuum well.

Supporting a dog with grass allergy

To minimize the effects of grass allergy on your dog, it's important to have a strong immune system. This can be achieved by providing healthy food and enough exercise. Supplements can also be helpful. Clove is particularly suitable for this, as it contains many cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are the body's signaling molecules. The cannabinoids from the clove plant can be used by the body to restore balance and support the immune system. Plant-based cannabinoids from clove are not sedating or drying, as they do not contain THC. In addition, these substances are anti-inflammatory, helping with the recovery of the skin and mucous membranes. Red spots disappear faster, and your dog's self-healing ability is supported.

Sources:

Jensen-Jarolim, E., Einhorn, L., Herrmann, I. et al. Pollen Allergies in Humans and their Dogs, Cats and Horses: Differences and Similarities. Clin Transl Allergy 5, 15 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13601-015-0059-6

Campora, L., Miragliotta, V., Ricci, E., Cristino, L., Di Marzo, V., Albanese, F., Federica della Valle, M., & Abramo, F. (2012). Cannabinoid receptor type 1 and 2 expression in the skin of healthy dogs and dogs with atopic dermatitis. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 73(7), 988-995. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.73.7.988

Freundt-Revilla J, Heinrich F, Zoerner A, Gesell F, Beyerbach M, Shamir M, et al. 2018. The endocannabinoid system in canine Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis and Intraspinal Spirocercosis. PLoS ONE 13(2): e0187197. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0187197

Calignano A, La Rana G, Giuffrida A, Piomelli D. Nature. Control of pain initiation by endogenous cannabinoids. 1998 Jul 16;394(6690):277-81. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9685157

Klein TW. 2005. Cannabinoid-based drugs as anti-inflammatory therapeutics. Nat Rev Immunol. 2005 May;5(5):400-11. https://greenwaytherapeutix.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2005-Klein-Nature-Publishing-Group-Cannabinoid-based-drugs-as-anti-inflammatory-therapeutics-.pdf