Allergies can make people miserable, and the same goes for pets. Pets can develop allergies to environmental substances, insects, parasites, food, and sometimes, to humans or other pets. In pets, rather than causing sneezing and watery eyes (i.e., “hay fever”), allergies cause itchy, inflamed skin and ears. The Woodland Springs Veterinary Hospital team shares what pet owners should know about allergies in dogs and cats, from signs and symptoms to long-term management. 

What causes allergies in pets?

Allergies are categorized in three main groups—environmental, food-related, and flea-related. Common environmental allergens include tree, grass, or weed pollens, mold spores, animal dander, dust mites, and storage mites. Flea bite allergies occur in response to flea saliva, although other insects can trigger similar reactions. For pets affected by food allergies, the biggest culprits are food proteins, such as chicken, beef, and fish. Most pets who develop allergies have multiple triggers, making diagnosis and treatment challenging.

Which pets can develop allergies?

Although allergies are extremely common in all dogs, allergy development seems more likely in some breeds. Examples of predisposed breeds include boxers, retrievers, shih tzus, and terriers. Most pets show their first allergy signs between 6 months and 3 years of age, but because allergies can wax, wane, and evolve over a pet’s lifetime, symptoms may not become problematic until later in life. 

Recognizing allergies in pets

Recognizing allergies in pets is crucial for successful intervention and management, as early treatment typically results in fewer complications and better outcomes. Allergies cause inflammation, which disrupts the skin’s natural barrier function and leaves it vulnerable to secondary infections. Common allergy and associated infection signs include:

  • Redness
  • Itching (e.g., scratching, licking, chewing)
  • Skin rashes
  • Recurrent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Thick, darkened, or scaly skin
  • Foul skin or ear odor

Diagnosing allergies in pets

Our veterinary team may suspect your pet has allergies based on their history and clinical signs, but to definitively make a diagnosis, we must first rule out other skin problems. Skin tests, including skin scraping, cytology, and culture, can help rule out parasites and infections. Sometimes, your pet’s response to a treatment trial can confirm a presumptive diagnosis. Additionally, some pets benefit from allergy skin or blood testing to identify environmental and insect allergens. Other pets must eat a special, limited-ingredient diet for at least 8 to 12 weeks to test for food allergies, as blood tests for these allergens are inaccurate.

Allergy treatment and management in pets

Managing pet allergies can be difficult and time-consuming. Allergies are a life-long condition, and finding the treatments that work best can take time. Once their allergies are well-controlled, your pet may still have occasional flare-ups that necessitate a veterinary visit. 

Treatment strategies are usually multi-modal, combining several treatments for a synergistic effect. Possible treatments include:

  • Allergen avoidance
  • Flea and tick prevention
  • Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and targeted anti-itch drugs
  • Medicated shampoos, creams, or sprays
  • Immunotherapy (i.e., allergy shots)
  • Limited ingredient diet

Allergies can vary from mild to severe and may change throughout a pet’s life. Routine visits help monitor allergy progression and ensure your pet remains comfortable. Our veterinary team works closely with pet owners and will recommend follow-up visits to adjust treatment plans as needed. Owners of allergic pets gradually learn to spot early signs of a brewing flare-up and facilitate intervention.

Allergies can significantly impact your pet’s quality of life. Successful treatment requires a life-long commitment and close partnership with our Woodland Springs Veterinary Hospital team. Contact us to schedule a visit if you suspect your pet has allergies or to learn more about allergy diagnosis and management in dogs and cats.