It’s that time of year again! Allergies are a common problem in pets, just like in humans. In pets, allergies can come from various factors, including food, fleas, and environmental triggers. Some pets may even be born with allergies that you learn about later. 

Allergic reactions can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and can significantly affect a pet’s quality of life. In this blog, we will break down different types of allergies in pets, their symptoms, and treatment options. 

 

Food Allergies

Food allergies can occur because of ingredients, including beef, chicken, dairy, and wheat. These allergies can develop at any time in your pet’s life. Symptoms of food allergies in pets include itchy skin, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea. You may also notice watery eyes, skin rashes, and even hives. 

In severe cases, pets may experience anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening. 

The first step in treating pet food allergies is identifying the ingredient causing the allergy. You can do this through an elimination diet, where you feed your pet a limited ingredient diet and then gradually reintroduce different foods to identify the culprit. Once you determine the allergen, you can modify the pet’s diet to remove the offending ingredient. Your vet will help you determine which food suits your pet best. It is likely that your pet will have to stay on a special diet for the rest of their lives to minimize future reactions. Brands like Hill’s Pet and Royal Canin have plenty of options for you and your pets.

 

Environmental Allergies

Environmental allergens, such as pollen, mold, grass and dust mites, can cause environmental allergies in pets. Symptoms of environmental allergies in pets include itching, redness, and inflammation of the skin, recurrent ear infections, and respiratory symptoms like sneezing and coughing. These allergies can also come about inside the home, so keep your space dust-free and wash your linens often. 

Even if your pet doesn’t go outside, they can still be exposed to allergens from those coming in and out of your home. 

The treatment for environmental allergies in pets typically involves avoiding the allergen as much as possible. This may include reducing exposure to outdoor allergens by keeping pets indoors during peak allergy season or using air filters in the home. 

We understand that dogs need daily walks a few times a day, so protecting them from outdoor allergens can pose a challenge. In this case, you can help manage symptoms by using medications like antihistamines and corticosteroids to give your dog some relief. Always consult with your veterinarian before using any over-the-counter medications.  If your cat is typically an outdoor cat but suffers from allergies, it is best to keep them inside as much as possible to avoid allergic reactions. 

Flea Bite Allergies

Flea allergies are one of the most common types of allergies in pets. The reaction caused by fleas is due to the saliva of fleas rather than the fleas themselves. Your dog or cat can contract fleas if they come into contact with another animal that has them. 

Symptoms of flea allergies in pets include itching, redness, skin inflammation, hair loss, and recurrent skin infections.

Treating flea allergies in pets involves treating flea infestation and preventing future flea bites. This may include using a flea-preventative medication, regularly washing bedding and grooming tools, and thoroughly cleaning the pet’s environment regularly.  

 

Contact Allergies

Contact allergies in pets can develop by contact with certain materials, such as chemicals or fabrics. It could also occur from pet shampoos, conditioners, or even pet wipes that you may use to clean your dog in between baths.

Symptoms of contact allergies in pets include itching, redness, inflammation of the skin and the development of sores or scabs resulting from all the itching. 

Thankfully, these types of allergies are easy to manage. The treatment for contact allergies in pets involves identifying and removing the source of the allergen. This may include changing the type of detergent or fabric softener used on the pet’s bedding or avoiding certain plants or chemicals. 

If you suspect that your dog or cat may be suffering from an allergy, it is essential to seek veterinary care to identify the cause of the allergy and develop an appropriate treatment plan. With proper management, pets with allergies can live happy and healthy lives. Be sure to check your pet regularly. Look at their paws, ears, and their body entirely so you can stay on top of any changes that may come about. 

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