Like humans, many dogs and cats suffer from seasonal and year-round allergies. The causes and types of allergies are many and can be mild or severe. While these allergies can cause pets discomfort and pain, there are ways to help bring some relief.
Types of allergies
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to the introduction of foreign substances—allergens—into the body. They can occur at any point in a dog or cat’s life, but usually develop after they are 3-6 months old. Many different allergens can cause several types of allergies, and pets can suffer from more than one type of allergy at a time. The types of allergies are:
- Insect allergy
Flea saliva is the most common culprit in insect allergies, but dogs and cats can also react to other insect bites including mosquitos, spiders, bees, ants, etc.
- Food allergy
Food or food additive allergies can occur as a reaction to a protein such as chicken, lamb, dairy or soy. Added colors and flavors can also cause allergies. Dogs and cats can develop new allergies to food that they have eaten for years without any previous issues.
- Atopic dermatitis (Atopy)
This type of allergy is caused by environmental factors. Reactions occur when pets inhale dust mites, pollen (from trees, grass, weeds, etc.) mold, or mildew. This is a life-long condition that can flare up seasonally or year-round.
- Contact allergy
This allergy is the least common type of allergy in cats and dogs. It is caused by reactions to substances that come into contact with skin from various sources. These can be bedding, shampoos, flea collars, carpeting, pesticide-treated plants and grasses, and more.
Symptoms
Symptoms of allergies can manifest in several ways, depending on the type(s) of allergy and the severity of the reaction. Allergies can make cats and dogs miserable—causing pain, discomfort, secondary infection—and reduce their quality of life significantly. Symptoms of allergies in cats and dogs can include one or several of the following:
- Severely itchy skin that causes compulsive chewing or scratching at coats and skin
- Bald spots, sores, scabs, red and inflamed skin, infected skin (common around rear end, base of tail, and around head and neck in cats)
- Chronic ear infections, especially in dogs
- Compulsive paw licking in dogs
- Rubbing face on carpet or bedding
- Scooting
- Respiratory distress including coughing, sneezing, reverse sneezing in dogs, wheezing, and nasal or ocular discharge
- Digestive reaction including vomiting and diarrhea
Diagnosis
Diagnostic procedures depend on symptoms. Because dogs and cats can have more than one type of allergy, diagnosis can involve multiple tests to identify the allergies and form an effective treatment plan. Diagnosis can include the following:
- Review of clinical history
- Physical examination including skin, ears, and paws
- Skin cytology (studying cells) to check for secondary infections
- Radioallergosorbent test (blood test)
- Intradermal skin test (performed by a dermatologist)
- Food trial (strict elimination or hypoallergenic diet followed for several weeks)
Treatment
Allergies cannot be cured, but we can manage them and bring relief to pets. As with diagnosis, treatment depends on types of allergies and allergens and the severity of reactions. Treatment for allergies can include one or more of the following:
- Flea preventive medication
- Corticosteroids
- Antibiotics for secondary infections
- Lifelong hypoallergenic diet
- Topical sprays, lotions, and shampoos
- Antihistamines
- Immunosuppressive drugs to reduce the body’s reaction to allergens
- Specific allergy serum, which can reduce severity of itching
- Supplements
Allergies in cats and dogs are frustrating for pets and their humans. Not only can they make life miserable for dogs and cats, they can lead to self-harm and severe infection. Fortunately, through diagnosis and treatment, we can provide relief.
If your pet shows signs of allergies, call us for an assessment (505) 299-9533 or contact us through our website.