An allergy can be a serious problem for your pet and the signs often manifest as skin conditions, which can cause intense itching. If your furry friend is licking, scratching, and biting their skin and paws, you may wonder if an allergy has triggered these behaviors. Our Fort Mill Animal Hospital team explains allergy types, signs, and treatments to help minimize your pet’s allergy signs.  

Pet allergies explained

A pet’s allergy is an immune system reaction to a substance that is usually harmless. These substances—allergens—that include pollen, mold, dust mites, certain foods, and flea saliva, exist indoors and outdoors. When a pet’s immune system overreacts to an allergen, your four-legged friend can develop various skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. Allergies affect dogs and cats and can develop at any age. 

What causes allergies in pets?

Allergens are everywhere, including in your home and yard. Like people, some pets react to these allergens while others do not. Specific allergy types are most often responsible for a cat’s or dog’s allergic responses, including:

  • Environmental allergens — Pollen, mold, dust mites, spores, and other environmental allergens can trigger an allergic reaction, which is often associated with a seasonal allergy. If your pet’s reaction is prominent during the spring or fall, an environmental allergen is the likely source, but environmental allergens, such as dust mites, can affect pets all year long.
  • Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) — Some pets are allergic to flea bites, which can cause intense itching and skin irritation. Flea saliva contains proteins to which some pets are sensitive, so ensure your furry pal receives year-round flea and tick protection to help prevent FAD. 
  • Food allergies — Certain proteins or grains in pet food can provoke a pet’s allergic reaction, manifesting as a skin problem or GI issue.
  • Contact allergies — Allergic reactions can occur when pets come into contact with certain substances, such as fabrics, cleaning products, laundry detergents, or shampoos.

Allergy signs in pets

A pet’s allergy can cause health signs similar to those of other underlying conditions. That said, if your pet sneezes or is itchy, that doesn’t always mean they have an allergy. Our Fort Mill Animal Hospital veterinarian should investigate any changes to your pet’s health through a comprehensive assessment and accurate diagnosis. In most cases, a pet’s allergic reaction produces the following signs:

  • Itching and scratching — Persistent skin itching, scratching, licking, or chewing, especially around the paws, ears, face, and belly, can signal an allergy.
  • Skin irritation — Redness, inflammation, rashes, or hot spots on the skin are commonly pets’ allergic dermatitis signs.
  • Ear infection — Recurrent ear infections accompanied by foul odor, discharge, or redness may be linked to an allergy.
  • GI issues — Vomiting, diarrhea, or GI upset may signify a pet food allergy or intolerance.

Treatment options for allergy signs in pets

While allergies have no cure, their signs’ impact on your four-legged friend’s health can be successfully managed. Depending on the allergy type your furry friend has, our veterinary team may offer the following treatment options:

  • Medications — Our veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines, antibiotics, corticosteroids, or other prescription medications to alleviate your pet’s reaction, and reduce inflammation and infection.
  • Immunotherapy — Also referred to as allergy shots, immunotherapy can effectively desensitize pets to specific allergens gradually, reducing their allergic reaction severity.
  • Dietary management — Switching to a hypoallergenic or a limited-ingredient pet food—under our team’s guidance—can help manage your furry pal’s food allergy signs.
  • Topical treatments — Medicated shampoos, sprays, or creams can relieve skin irritation and help control an allergic pet’s secondary infection.
  • Allergen avoidance — Identifying and minimizing your pet’s exposure to their environmental or dietary allergens is crucial to being able to manage their allergy signs. If your pet has environmental allergies, for example, vacuum your home regularly, launder bedding and fabrics weekly, and use air purifiers throughout the house. 

Allergies are an unfortunate fact of life, and pets must be able to thrive around their allergens. Your furry pal can lead a healthy, comfortable life when their allergens are diagnosed and their signs are managed effectively through appropriate treatment. To have your pet’s allergens diagnosed and initiate an allergy treatment plan that helps them thrive, consult with our Fort Mill Animal Hospital team.