Allergies can significantly impact your pet’s quality of life, but through understanding and appropriate management, you can help your pet get relief. Numerous allergies can lead to a pet’s skin itchiness, and the constant scratching and biting can cause raw skin and secondary infections. Our team at Cobb & Co. Veterinary Clinic explains how we identify, diagnose, and manage your pet’s allergies. 

Flea allergies in pets

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is one of pets’ most common allergy types. Pets can develop hypersensitivity to a flea saliva protein, and a single flea bite can trigger an intense allergic reaction in affected pets. If your pet has FAD, they may exhibit signs such as:

  • Intense itching.
  • Skin inflammation 
  • Hair loss 
  • Hotspots
  • Restlessness 

Year-round high-quality flea prevention is the most effective way to prevent FAD. Any lapse in prevention leaves your pet unprotected and susceptible to an allergy flare. If FAD is suspected, our veterinarian will examine your pet’s skin for fleas or flea dirt and may recommend additional intradermal or blood allergy testing. 

Environmental allergies in pets

Many allergic pets suffer from environmental allergies triggered by pollens, grasses, dust, and molds. Environmental allergies can be worse seasonally, or persist year-round and tend to worsen with age, as your pet is repeatedly exposed to allergens. Common seasonal allergy signs include:

  • Red, irritated skin
  • Hair loss from scratching and chewing
  • Skin infections
  • Chronic ear infections
  • Anal gland issues
  • Paw licking
  • Face rubbing
  • Sneezing

Your pet may inhale, ingest, or come in contact with their environmental allergens and develop an allergic reaction. Environmental allergies can be diagnosed using two testing methods:

  • Intradermal testing — This test involves injecting small amounts of allergens under your pet’s skin and charting the local allergen response to determine its severity. By pinpointing your pet’s allergens, our veterinarian can choose the appropriate management course that will keep your furry pal comfortable.
  • Serum testing — Serum testing involves taking a small blood sample from your pet for allergy analysis. This measures the allergy antibodies in the blood to determine your pet’s allergens. 

Food allergies in pets

Pets can develop a hypersensitivity to ingredients in their food, often being allergic to proteins rather than to grains. A food allergy develops over time, so your pet may start showing signs after years of eating the same food. Chicken, beef, lamb, fish, eggs, or dairy products can trigger allergies. Food allergies can cause similar signs in your pet as environmental allergies along with gastrointestinal (GI) issues such as chronic vomiting or diarrhea. 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.

Allergy treatment for pets 

While allergies in pets cannot be cured, the signs can be managed to keep your pet comfortable. Each pet responds differently to treatment, so trial and error is necessary to find what works best. Many pets require multiple treatment methods to successfully manage their allergies, which may include:

  • Rapid relief — Medication may be prescribed or administered to quickly decrease inflammation. 
  • Long-lasting relief — Prescription monthly injections or daily oral medication can effectively block your pet’s desire to itch, so they remain comfortable. 
  • Topical treatments — Medicated shampoos, sprays, conditioners, or wipes may be recommended to soothe your pet’s skin, restore a healthy skin barrier, and reduce allergens on your pet’s coat.

Tips to help your allergic pet

Some allergies are seasonal. You can help your pet cope with seasonal allergies in a variety of ways, including:

  • Scheduling regular veterinary care — Routine wellness visits help ensure that your pet is healthy and that their immune system is strong.
  • Grooming your pet — Regular brushing and bathing remove dead hair and skin cells, stimulate circulation, and redistribute natural oils. Routine at-home or professional grooming can also help detect changes in your pet’s skin, such as bumps, irritation, and hair loss.
  • Addressing allergy signs quickly — Waiting for their irritation to subside can leave your pet vulnerable to worsening irritation, inflammation, and infection. Seek veterinary care at the first allergy sign.

If your furry pal is chewing or scratching their skin raw, allergies may be to blame. Help them get relief by scheduling an appointment with our Cobb & Co. Veterinary Clinic team.