Allergies in Dogs and Cats

Just like us, our pets can suffer from allergies. An allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to a substance or allergen causing the body to react in an adverse way.

For dogs and cats, allergens fall into two categories: environmental allergens, which are substances they encounter through contact, ingestion, or inhalation, and food allergens, which are ingredients in their diet.

Common environmental allergens include; 

• Grass, weeds, plants, seeds, pollen
• Mould or mould spores
• Fungus or fungal spores
• Dust or dust mites
• Cockroach droppings
• Parasites – fleas, ticks, mites, mosquitoes
• Cigarette smoke
• Perfume
• Cleaning products

Common food allergens include;

• Meat proteins including beef, chicken, pork, lamb or fish
• Soy
• Eggs
• Dairy
• Wheat

Any dog or cat can develop allergies at any stage of their life, so a substance that previously caused no issues can suddenly trigger an allergic response. Each animal may react differently to allergens based on factors like their age, overall health, and the level of exposure. Common signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Itchy, red, inflamed, scabby or weeping skin
• Increased or persistent scratching, biting, licking or chewing (most commonly of paws, tummy, base of tail)
• Itchy and/or runny eyes
• Itchy ears
• Sneezing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

If you think that your pet is suffering from an allergy to something you should take them to a veterinarian for a checkup, diagnosis and treatment. A vet will examine your pet, looking for symptoms or an allergic reaction and try to determine the cause. This may involve skin tests/scrapings and/or blood tests. Some pets may need to see a veterinarian dermatologist for testing and an accurate diagnosis. Often determining the exact allergen or narrowing down the exact environmental or food allergen, can involve a process of elimination by removing possible causes and seeing if symptoms reside.

Treatment of allergies will vary depending on the suspected allergen or cause. Treatment options may include;

• Preventing or removing the allergen
• Parasite control or treatment
• Bathing using either medicated or skin soothing treatments
• Omega 3, fatty acids, turmeric or skin supplements
• Antihistamines
• Topical creams
• Cortisone (injection, oral or topical)
• Change in diet
• Treat any secondary infection (often bacterial or fungal infections can develop)

If you suspect your cat or dog is suffering from an allergy or any other health condition please take them to your veterinarian as soon as possible as early intervention and treatment is always best.