Pets Have Allergies Too: Understanding and Managing Your Furry Friend's Allergies

Did you know that your beloved pet can suffer from allergies just as humans do? In fact, allergies are among the top seven health concerns for dogs and cats, according to the AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook. If you’ve noticed your pet exhibiting symptoms like skin issues, inflamed ears, or hair loss, it’s possible they could be reacting to allergens in their environment.

What Causes Allergies in Pets?

Allergies occur when your pet’s immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as a threat. These substances, known as allergens, can range from tree and plant pollen to food, flea saliva, dust, medications, and mold spores. When your pet comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system responds by producing antibodies, leading to an array of allergy symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Allergies in Pets

• Itchy, Inflamed Skin: Pets might scratch, bite, or lick their skin excessively due to irritation. You might notice areas that appear red, raw, or have a rash.
• Hair Loss: Continuous scratching or licking can cause noticeable hair loss.
• Hot Spots: These are areas of inflamed skin that feel warm and can become infected due to persistent scratching.
• Ear Issues: Allergies can make your pet’s ears look red and lead to infections characterized by excess wax, odor, or crusts.
• Scooting: Dogs might drag their bottom on the floor to alleviate anal itching.
• Respiratory Problems: Symptoms can include sneezing, coughing, eye discharge, wheezing, or a runny nose.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Some pets may experience vomiting or diarrhea due to food allergies.

Allergy Treatment Options

Effective treatment begins with identifying the allergens affecting your pet. Consult our doctors at Willow Glen Pet Hospital for a thorough diagnosis, which may involve examining skin scrapings or conducting allergy skin tests. If food allergies are suspected, a feeding trial with hypoallergenic food might be necessary. This helps pinpoint specific food ingredients that cause reactions.

Should your pet be allergic to certain foods, our veterinarians can recommend safe alternatives. For severe seasonal allergies, medications might be prescribed to reduce itching or alter the immune response to allergens.

Improving Allergy Symptoms at Home

Managing your pet’s allergies can be straightforward with these tips:

• Reduce Home Allergens: Regularly clean floors and your pet’s bedding. Wipe your pet’s paws and your shoes to minimize indoor allergen transfer.
• Bathing: Weekly baths with hypoallergenic shampoo can remove allergens from your pet’s fur and skin. Be cautious not to over-bathe, as this can dry out their skin and worsen itching.
• Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids can soothe skin discomfort. Always consult our doctors before starting any new supplement.
• Flea Protection: Use flea prevention treatments and consider treating your yard with flea spray to protect against flea-induced allergies.
• Monitor Allergy Forecasts: Check daily pollen or allergen levels to limit your pet’s exposure on high-risk days.

If your pet shows signs of allergies, don’t hesitate to contact Willow Glen Pet Hospital to schedule an appointment with our veterinary team.

For more assistance or any questions, call us at Willow Glen Pet Hospital,  (669) 342-7472, 1033 Willow Street, San Jose, CA, 95125, US. Hours: Monday – Saturday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. Consult Dr. Gillon or Dr. Shani or visit us online.