Pets can be affected by allergies, just like people, but they usually manifest as skin disorders rather than respiratory problems. From itching and scratching, to biting their paws and developing hot spots, allergies are as uncomfortable for pets as for people. Also, pets suffer from more than seasonal allergies. Our Carolina Virginia Animal Hospital covers common allergy types, causes, signs, and various treatments for your furry friend.
Allergy types in pets
Allergies are becoming increasingly common in cats, dogs, and other domestic animals. Some of the most common types include:
- Flea allergy dermatitis — Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is among the most prevalent and easily treatable pet allergies and occurs in a pet who is allergic to a protein in flea saliva. A single flea bite can trigger intense itching and discomfort. Your pet’s signs will include excessive scratching, biting and licking, skin irritation, redness, and hair loss, typically concentrated around the tail base, abdomen, and back.
- Food allergies — Food allergies comprise only 10% of all pet allergies but can develop at any age and in any breed. They occur when a pet’s immune system reacts to certain ingredients in the diet, most commonly beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, and corn. Food allergy signs in pets include chronic itching, ear infections, gastrointestinal issues (i.e., vomiting, diarrhea), and skin inflammation.
- Environmental allergies — Environmental or seasonal allergies, also known as atopy, are triggered by various airborne allergens, such as pollen, mold, dust mites, and certain grasses or trees. Common environmental allergy signs include itching, redness, inflammation, recurrent ear infections, and skin infections secondary to excessive scratching and chewing.
- Contact allergies — Contact allergies are the result of a pet’s skin directly contacting certain irritants or allergens, such as certain fabrics, laundry soap, cleaning products, plants, or grooming products. Contact allergy signs manifest as localized redness, itching, a rash, or hives on the skin where the offending substance directly contacted.
- Insect sting allergies — Some pets may react to stings or bites from insects, including bees, wasps, and ants. The reactions can range from mild swelling at the sting site, hives, and discomfort, to severe issues such as vomiting, difficulty breathing, and collapse. If your pet’s reaction is severe, they require immediate veterinary attention.
Allergy diagnosis in pets
If you suspect your pet has allergies, consult with our Carolina Virginia Animal Hospital veterinary team, who will come up with a diagnosis, because we need to determine the specific allergen before we can recommend treatment. Our team will perform various skin and blood tests or, in the case of food allergies, we will likely recommend an elimination diet.
Allergy treatment in pets
Once the allergen(s) triggering your pet’s discomfort have been identified, treatment can begin, but remember—allergies cannot be cured, only managed. Options include:
- Drug allergies — Our veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines, corticosteroids, or other drugs to relieve your pet’s discomfort.
- Environmental allergies — Allergy shots (i.e., immunotherapy) can gradually desensitize your pet’s immune system to the allergens, and reduce the severity of their reactions. Also, you should minimize your pet’s exposure to environmental allergens by keeping their living area clean, regular bathing with hypoallergenic shampoos, using air purifiers, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollen seasons.
- Flea allergies — Flea allergies are the most easily avoided with regular use of a flea and tick preventive, which we can recommend, and eliminating flea infestations in your home, which may require a professional exterminator.
- Food allergies — For your pet with food allergies, we will recommend a hypoallergenic diet that contains no ingredients in their regular diet. If your pet’s allergy improves, we will leave them on the new diet, or gradually return previous ingredients to pinpoint the culprit.
Allergies can significantly impact your furry friend’s health and quality of life, but being able to recognize their problem and its severity, and knowing when to seek prompt veterinary care, can make a world of difference.
Contact our Carolina Virginia Animal Hospital team, so we can develop a management plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs that will keep them happy and healthy—and itch-free.
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