The chewing. The scratching. The licking. These behaviors are all too familiar to many pet parents and can be symptoms of a significant pet allergy problem. Like us, pet allergies can be triggered by pollen, dust, mold, and other environmental factors. However, while our allergy symptoms typically take the form of sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes, the most common symptoms of allergies in dogs and cats are skin-related.
Symptoms of allergy problems in cats and dogs include:
- Excessive scratching, chewing, or licking
- Rashes
- Lesions or scabs
- Irritated or dry skin
- Frequent ear infections
- Red or inflamed skin
- Hair loss
- Rubbing of face against furniture or carpets
- Coughing, sneezing, or wheezing (more common in cats)
If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, they may suffer from allergies! Various things, including food, environmental factors like pollen, dust mites, and fleas, or contact allergies from certain materials can trigger pet allergies.
Environmental Allergies
Just like humans, many pets suffer from environmental allergies. These can be triggered by pollen, mold spores, dust mites, or even certain cleaning products. Environmental allergies are often seasonal, with symptoms worsening during specific times of the year, such as spring and fall. If you have seasonal allergies, then this probably sounds all too familiar!
Common signs of environmental allergies include itching, scratching, and redness, particularly on the paws, face, and belly. It’s not uncommon for pets to develop secondary skin infections due to excessive scratching and licking.
Flea Allergies: Small Critters, Big Problems
Flea allergies are a common cause of allergic reactions in pets. Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) occurs when a pet develops an allergic reaction to proteins in flea saliva. Just one flea bite can cause intense itching and discomfort that lasts for days, leading to excessive scratching, chewing, and licking.
Flea allergies often result in hot spots, scabs, and sores that are not only painful but can become infected if left untreated. Even if you don’t see fleas on your pet, it’s essential to consider them a potential cause since some pets are incredibly sensitive and may react to just one or two bites. This is one of the many reasons why year-round flea and tick prevention is a must!
Food Allergies: A Dietary Dilemma
While less common than flea or environmental allergies, food allergies can still cause significant discomfort for your pet. Food allergies in pets often manifest as skin problems but can also result in GI issues. Common culprits include proteins like beef, chicken, dairy, and some grains.
Pets with food allergies often exhibit symptoms such as chronic ear infections, gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea, and persistent itching, particularly around the ears, paws, and rear end. Diagnosing a food allergy can be challenging, often requiring a strict elimination diet to identify the offending ingredient.
What Can Be Done?
At PetCare Animal Hospital, we understand how frustrating and distressing pet allergy issues can be. The constant discomfort and irritation your pet experiences often translate to sleepless nights and constant worry for you. Our team is here to help! We can examine and test your pet to determine the underlying cause of these symptoms and, based on the diagnosis, provide you with customized treatment options that will bring relief to your pet—and you as well.
Once we have identified the cause of your pet’s allergy, we can develop a personalized treatment plan. Treatment options may include:
- Hypoallergenic diets or specific food elimination trials
- Medications to control itching and inflammation
- Topical treatments or baths to soothe irritated skin
- Allergy shots or immunotherapy for long-term relief
- Environmental modifications to reduce allergen exposure
- Medications like Apoquel and Cytopoint, which combat itch
- Consistent flea and tick preventative
We are committed to working closely with you to manage your pet’s allergies effectively. Our goal is not only to provide immediate help but also to address the root cause of the problem to prevent future occurrences. If you suspect your pet might have allergy issues, don’t delay treatment until things become severe. We’re ready to help you and your furry friend find relief from the frustrating cycle of scratching, licking, and chewing—so everyone can get some sleep.