Allergies are not limited to people—cats and dogs can also suffer from various allergies that impact their health and quality of life. When you consider allergies, you likely think of seasonal allergies caused by pollen, grasses, and dust. However, in pets, allergies can also be caused by fleas, food, and environmental triggers, and identifying the allergen is crucial for providing proper care and treatment. Our Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital team explains allergies in pets, the signs, and available treatment options to relieve your itchy pal.
Pet allergies: Common allergens
Pets can be allergic to a wide range of substances, including:
- Pollen
- Grasses
- Dust mites
- Molds
- Fungi
- Certain foods
- Fleas
- Medications
- Environmental cleaners and chemicals
- Dye in carpet, fabrics, pet food, and treats
- Fragrances
Identifying the specific allergen affecting your pet is the first step toward managing their allergies. You may assume that a particular allergen is responsible for your furry friend’s ailments, but allergic triggers can be identified correctly only with a veterinary examination and comprehensive testing. Allergies in pets can manifest in different ways, making it essential to be vigilant and observant of any changes in your pet’s behavior or health.
Pet allergies: Signs
Allergy signs in pets vary, depending on the type of allergy and the individual pet. Common signs include:
- Itchy skin — Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing of the skin is a telltale sign of pet allergies. Chronic scratching and licking can lead to skin irritation, inflammation, wounds or hot spots, and hair loss.
- Ear infections — Allergies can cause ear inflammation and discomfort, leading to recurrent ear infections characterized by redness, swelling, and discharge.
- Upper respiratory issues — Pets with allergies may sneeze, cough, wheeze, or have difficulty breathing, especially if they are allergic to airborne allergens such as pollen or dust. These signs may also indicate an infectious disease, such as kennel cough (i.e., Bordetella) and canine flu, so our veterinary team needs to perform tests to rule out contagious illnesses.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) problems — Pets with food allergies may develop GI problems, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive gas.
- Paw licking — Pets with seasonal and other allergy types will excessively lick or chew on their paws, which can result in redness, swelling, hair loss, or hot spot development.
Pet allergies: Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosing allergies in pets can be challenging and requires extensive testing by our Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital veterinarian. Determining the allergens responsible for physical signs involves examining your pet, allergy tests, such as skin or blood tests, and an elimination diet if food allergies are suspected.
Once we have identified the allergen triggering your pet’s health signs, we will recommend appropriate treatment options that may include:
- Allergy medications — Antihistamines, corticosteroids, or other prescription medications can help alleviate your pet’s allergy issues and provide relief.
- Immunotherapy — For environmental allergies, we may use immunotherapy (e.g., allergy shots) to gradually desensitize your pet’s immune system to specific allergens.
- Environmental changes — Whenever possible, avoiding exposure to the allergen causing your pet’s response is critical for managing their allergies. This may involve changing your pet’s environment, diet, or grooming routine.
- Symptomatic relief — Providing symptomatic relief, such as medicated shampoos, soothing ointments, or ear cleaners, can help alleviate your pet’s discomfort and prevent secondary infections.
- Flea prevention — Keep your furry friend parasite-free with flea, tick, and heartworm preventives. Fleas not only cause allergic reactions in pets but also are vectors for infectious illnesses.
If your pet is itchy, scratching, or chewing on their paws, identifying the allergens responsible for their discomfort is crucial. By recognizing allergy signs early and seeking veterinary care at Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital, you can manage their allergies and help ensure your furry companion leads an itch-free, healthy life. Call us to develop a comprehensive allergy treatment plan for your four-legged friend and stop their suffering.
