Can pets be affected by Needle Grass pollen?

Pets, similar to humans, can certainly be affected by Needle Grass pollen. When your pet is exposed to this type of pollen, they may show allergic symptoms, which are usually skin-related because animals absorb allergens through their skin. Your pet might start itching excessively, leading to skin redness, sores, and hair loss. They'll especially scratch their ears and chew on their paws, the common areas where symptoms appear.

Respiratory symptoms may also arise in severe cases, such as coughing, sneezing, and having a runny nose or eyes. It's important to remember that these symptoms may have other causes, such as food allergies or even a flea infestation. Therefore, a proper diagnosis by a veterinarian is crucial before starting any treatment.

Once the allergy has been confirmed, treatment options will normally include staying off the grass during the high pollen season, giving your pet frequent baths to reduce the amount of pollen on their fur and skin, or using specific allergy medication suitable for pets. Some pets may require desensitization therapy, which involves injecting small doses of the allergen under the skin over a certain period of time to get the pet's immune system used to it and decrease the allergic reaction.

Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your pet allergy pills because some human allergy medicines can be harmful to pets. Also, remember, although the allergic changes are uncomfortable and irritating, they are rarely life-threatening. But if left untreated, they can lead to secondary infections that can be significantly more severe.

So, it's key to monitor your pets closely during needle grass pollen season, and if they show signs of allergies, seek the help of a veterinarian to provide the best care and treatment for your pet.