Like people, pets can develop irritating allergies. However, pets’ allergies seldom manifest as the classic hay fever signs seen in people but rather as itching, scratching, and hair loss. Cats and dogs can be affected by various allergens that range from seasonal or environmental to food and fleas. Some pets may have multiple allergy types at the same time. Our Lytle Veterinary Clinic team explores pet allergies, diagnosis, and effective treatment options.
Allergens that affect pets
An allergy is caused by an immune system hypersensitivity to allergens, such as pollen or food proteins that your pet encounters regularly. An allergic pet’s immune system overreacts and responds to allergens as foreign invaders, causing inflammation to destroy them. This inflammation most often affects a pet’s skin, ears, and anal glands.
Flea allergies in pets
Some pets are hypersensitive to the protein in flea saliva and risk developing flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), or skin inflammation, a severe reaction to flea bites. Only a handful of flea bites can trigger intense itching and discomfort in allergic pets. FAD signs include excessive scratching, hair loss, and inflamed skin, especially around the tail base, rear legs, and abdomen. Year-round flea prevention and control are essential for all pets. If your pet has FAD, they also benefit when you regularly clean their bedding and sleeping areas. If your pet is diagnosed with a flea allergy, all fleas must be eradicated from their body and their environment. Thoroughly vacuum and clean bedding, upholstery, and rugs. Steam cleaning can kill the fleas but not the eggs, and you may need to do this several times before the fleas are completely gone.
Environmental allergies in pets
Environmental allergens include any substance to which your pet is exposed through inhalation or contact such as pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and certain grasses or trees. Environmental allergies can be seasonal or year-round and commonly lead to allergic dermatitis (i.e., atopy), which is characterized by itching, redness, and skin irritation. Allergy testing can be performed to determine the allergen causing your pet’s itchiness. While allergies have no cure, numerous treatment options can help alleviate your pet’s itchiness.
Food allergies in pets
Food allergies are not as common as pet food companies claim, but if your pet has a food allergy, they can develop extreme itchiness, skin lesions, secondary infections, and gastrointestinal (GI) distress. Chicken, beef, dairy, egg, and pork are the most common food allergy culprits—not grain, as many pet food marketers would have pet owners believe. The only accurate method to diagnose a pet’s food allergy is through a food elimination trial, with strict adherence to a prescription hypoallergenic diet for 8 to 12 weeks. Long-term food allergy management includes allergen avoidance. Medications can help manage flare-ups.
Treatment options for allergies in pets
Diagnosing allergies can be challenging, since all allergy signs are similar, and many pets are affected by multiple allergen types. If you suspect your pet is suffering from allergies, consult with our team for proper diagnosis and treatment. By understanding the allergy type your pet has and providing them with appropriate treatment, you can help reduce or control their itchiness, and enhance their comfort. Pets with allergies are at risk for secondary skin and ear infections and may require antibiotic or antifungal treatments. Other allergy treatments may include:
- Flea prevention — Flea control measures help prevent flea infestations and FAD.
- Topical therapies — Topical therapies, such as shampoos, ointments, and mousses, can reduce inflammation and irritation
- Anti-inflammatory medications — Medications, such as steroids, may be necessary to control your pet’s itching, especially in the initial treatment phase.
- Antibiotics or antifungals — Secondary infections are common in an allergic pet, which our veterinarian treats with oral antibiotic or antifungal medications.
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplements — Omega-3 fatty acids help support pets’ healthy skin.
- Home environmental modifications — Home environmental modifications, such as hypoallergenic bedding or air purifiers, can reduce your pet’s allergen exposure.
- Dietary management — Dietary management, including hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets, is recommended for pets with food allergies
Allergies can make your pet miserable, but when you understand their signs and manage them appropriately, you can ease your allergy-suffering pet’s discomfort. If your pet seems more itchy than usual, schedule a skin exam and allergy consultation with our Lytle Veterinary Clinic team.
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