What are allergies and why do pets have them? People and pets share this frustrating problem, but pets with allergies tend not to sneeze. Instead they have itchy skin and ears that can progress to skin or ear infections. Many of our four-legged patients suffer from allergies, and the Narcoossee Oaks Animal Hospital team has answers to common questions about this scratchy subject. 

Question: What are allergies in pets?

Answer: Your pet’s immune system is constantly on the alert for potential health dangers, and can mistake a benign substance, such as pollen, for a mortal enemy. Their immune system then wages a full-scale attack on the substance (i.e., allergen), releasing histamines and creating an inflammatory response. This excessive immune system response is known as an allergic hypersensitivity reaction, and results in redness, swelling, and itching for your pet. 

Q: What are the main causes of allergies in pets?

A: Pets can have a hypersensitivity reaction to fleas, the environment, food, or direct contact with a substance. Some pets may have multiple types of allergies at the same time. 

  • Fleas — A flea allergy is caused by a reaction to flea saliva, and just one flea can trigger severe itching and hair loss. If your pet is scratching, losing hair on their lower back, or developing small sores around their neck, they may be suffering from a flea allergy. Year-round flea prevention and control is essential for all pets, and flea-allergic pets can benefit from regular cleaning of their bedding and sleeping areas.
  • Environment — An environmental allergy (i.e., atopy) is an inherited hypersensitivity to common substances in the environment, such as pollen, grass, or dust mites. Environmental allergies are often seasonal, but can be year-round. The source of your pet’s environmental allergy can be determined by testing, followed by retraining their immune system with desensitization therapy.  Allergy testing is the best option for a severely allergic pet, but is not always 100% effective. Other treatments have been developed to partially suppress your pet’s immune system response and help with allergy symptoms, but certain medications may have long-term side effects.
  • Food — Food allergies are less common, but can cause similar signs in your pet as environmental allergies. Pets with food allergies can also have gastrointestinal signs, such as chronic vomiting or diarrhea. The immune system of a food-allergic pet is reacting to specific ingredients, primarily proteins such as beef, pork, poultry, or lamb. Your pet may have a food allergy if they start itching after a food change. The only accurate method to diagnose a food allergy is through a food elimination trial, with strict adherence to a prescription hypoallergenic diet for 8 to 12 weeks. Hypoallergenic diets are designed to have completely different ingredients than your pet’s current food.
  • Direct contact — A contact allergy is an uncommon reaction to specific items such as fabrics, laundry detergent, or plants. Your pet’s area of contact with the allergen may become itchy, red, and irritated. After identifying the cause of a contact allergy, restrict your pet’s exposure and clean their skin thoroughly with bathing or wipes. Your pet may need short-term topical ointments or sprays to help resolve inflamed and painful areas. 

Q: How do allergies cause secondary infections in pets?

A: Allergies can disrupt the protective skin barrier, allowing entry to bacteria and yeast that normally reside on your pet. This decreased protection, and self-trauma from itching, can create infected open sores. Antibiotic or antifungal medications are often required with allergic skin disease. Topical treatments and medicated shampoos are also effective at bringing an infection under control. 

Q: Can allergies in pets be cured?

A: Unfortunately, many pets have lifelong allergies. Understanding what type of allergy they have and providing the appropriate treatment can reduce or control their itchiness, and help them be more comfortable. A pet with a flea allergy requires effective year-round flea prevention. Environmental allergy signs can be reduced or eliminated with allergy desensitization therapy, or medication and supplement options to help control itching. A food-allergic pet may need a lifelong hypoallergenic diet. Frequent bathing can reduce allergen contact on your pet’s skin and provide a soothing effect.

If you are living with an itchy pet, don’t hesitate to contact the Narcoossee Oaks Animal Hospital team. We can develop an effective allergy control strategy to bring relief to your furry family member.