Cats and dogs suffer from allergies as much as people do. Some of pets’ allergies are seasonal, but others affect them year-round. Because pets’ allergy signs manifest differently from those of people, determining their specific allergen can be difficult. Our Cedar Creek Pet Hospital team provides information about pet allergy signs and treatments.

Allergy signs in pets

Dogs’ and cats’ allergies typically affect their skin, ears, eyes, and anal glands. Pets’ allergy signs include:

  • Intense itchiness that causes the pet to lick, scratch, chew, bite, or rub against something
  • Hair loss
  • Red bumps 
  • Reddened, dark, or thickened skin patches
  • Skin infections and rashes
  • Skin sores and crusting
  • Chronic ear infections
  • Recurrent anal gland issues that cause pets to scoot along the floor
  • Vomiting or chronic diarrhea

In addition to these allergy signs, cats may have respiratory issues, often with nasal discharge, or conjunctivitis (i.e. inflamed eyes).

Allergies that affect dogs and cats

Fleas, environmental factors, and food can cause allergies in pets. Flea allergies are by far the most common, with environmental allergies a close second. Food allergies, however, are quite rare.

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) occurs when a dog’s or cat’s immune system overreacts to the saliva fleas inject when they bite. A bite from a single flea can cause itching, fur loss, and inflamed skin. Treatment involves eliminating the fleas from your pet and their environment, including your home and yard. This typically involves year-round flea preventive for your pet and all pets in your home, vacuuming your carpets and upholstery, washing all bedding, and treating your lawn. Fleas have a complicated life cycle, so repeated cleaning over several weeks or months is usually necessary to eradicate fleas at all life stages. 

Pollen is a leading environmental allergy cause. Although pollen seems to be in overdrive during the spring, these allergens can affect pets during other seasons, too. The United States has various allergy zones based on the plants and trees that bloom in certain regions. Unfortunately, Kansas is one of the top states for allergies every year. Our veterinarian can test your pet’s blood or skin for allergies to tree, weed, and grass pollens, dust components, and mold spores, the major environmental allergy causes in dogs and cats. Treatment typically includes a multi-modal plan which may include bathing, anti-itch medications, steroids, allergy shots, and omega-3-fatty acid supplementation. Our team can formulate a treatment plan once they identify your pet’s allergen. 

Food allergies are not common in pets, but when they occur, the typical allergens are proteins, such as chicken, beef, dairy, and/or egg. Additionally, cats can be allergic to fish. Some pets affected by food allergies have gastrointestinal signs, such as flatulence, vomiting, and diarrhea, in addition to skin itchiness and lesions. A food trial can help detect the allergen to which your pet is sensitive, so you can eliminate that food from your pet’s diet.

Pet allergies are not curable, but they can be managed effectively with the appropriate treatment. If your pet’s itchiness is out of control, they may have an allergy. Contact our Cedar Creek Pet Hospital team to get help for your itchy pet.