While most humans associate spring with runny noses and swollen eyes, the season may bring discomfort to your dog, too. Pet allergies are fairly common, and the symptoms can be managed with help from a veterinary specialist. As a trusted practitioner of pet dermatology helping animals throughout Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southern Indiana find relief, Veterinary Dermatology Services offers the following information on how grass allergies can affect dogs.

Pet Allergies & Your Pup: What to Know About Grass Allergies

What Are Atopic Allergies?

When a dog’s immune system reacts to an allergen like grass, swelling of the skin can occur. This is known as atopic dermatitis, which happens when an allergen is introduced to a dog’s immune system via its skin. Along with grass, dogs can also experience atopic dermatitis as a result of many other triggers. For instance, some dogs are allergic to insects, mold, and even other animals. Just as in humans, allergies in canines are the result of a genetic predisposition.

What Are Some Symptoms?

Itching is often a major indicator of an allergy in dogs. Itching can cause your dog to excessively lick its body or rub its face against the floor to find relief, which can result in hair loss. Lesions may also develop, which are red, swollen areas on your dog’s skin. Over time, the pet allergy will cause their skin to thicken, and your dog may develop other allergy symptoms such as hay fever or swollen eyes.

How Can My Dog Be Treated for a Grass Allergy?

Fortunately, there are a variety of effective treatments for dogs with grass allergies. Your veterinarian can help you figure out if your dog is sensitive to a specific type of grass, which can help you keep your pup away from it. You can also administer antihistamines to your pet, which are available in both pills and ointments. Some pet owners also opt for immunotherapy, which decreases a dog’s immune response to allergens.

When it comes to animal skin care issues like atopic grass allergies, Veterinary Dermatology Services provides local pet owners the benefit of their extensive experience and genuine compassion for all creatures. Schedule an appointment at the Cincinnati clinic by calling (513) 489-4644 today. You can also visit them online for more information on how their team diagnoses and treats pet allergies in dogs.