About the allergen in cock's-foot (dog grass)
Cock's-foot (the Latin name is dactylis glomerata) or dog grass as it is also called is a tall grass that can grow between 40 and 100 centimeters tall. It often grows in tufts and looks coarse to be a grass. The flowering time is June to July and the anthers are rich in pollen, which can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Cock's-foot (and Timothy) is considered one of the most common causes of pollen allergy in humans, and pollen from dog dander can cause allergic reactions such as runny nose, itching and sneezing.
How can I find out if I am allergic to cock's-foot?
A blood test can be used to investigate an allergy to cock's-foot by measuring the levels of specific antibodies in the blood that are associated with allergic reactions to cock's-foot. The test is called a specific IgE test.
The results of the test will show whether or not you have an allergic reaction to cock's-foot. If the levels of specific IgE antibodies are high, it may indicate that you are allergic to cock's-foot.
It is important to note that the result of an IgE test does not always correlate completely with symptoms of allergy, and that the test is only part of the investigation process.
If you take a cock's-foot allergy test and your IgE antibodies are found to be elevated, you can show your result to a doctor or allergy specialist who can help you with a full assessment and possible treatment.