Understanding Common Pet Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Does your pet constantly scratch, sneeze, or suffer from red, irritated skin? Just like humans, pets can develop allergies that make their daily lives uncomfortable. But what exactly triggers these reactions, and how can you help? In this FAQ, we’ll cover everything pet owners need to know about allergies, from causes to treatments.

Pet allergies occur when a pet’s immune system overreacts to a typically harmless substance, treating it as a threat. This reaction leads to inflammation, itching, and other symptoms. Allergies can affect dogs, cats, and even smaller pets like rabbits and guinea pigs.

There are several common triggers for pet allergies:

• Environmental Allergies - Pollen, mould, dust mites, and even grass can cause seasonal or year-round allergic reactions.
• Food Allergies - Some pets are allergic to specific proteins (like beef, chicken, or fish) or ingredients like dairy, wheat, or soy.
• Flea Allergies - A single flea bite can trigger an intense allergic reaction in some pets, leading to severe itching and hair loss.
• Contact Allergies - Certain fabrics, cleaning products, shampoos, or even plastic food bowls can irritate a pet’s skin.

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of allergy but often include:

• Skin Issues: Itching, redness, rashes, hot spots, excessive licking, or hair loss.
• Ear Infections: Frequent head shaking, scratching at the ears, and a strong odor.
• Respiratory Symptoms: Sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and nasal discharge.
• Digestive Problems: Vomiting, diarrhea, or chronic gas, especially in food allergies.
• Paw Chewing or Licking: Pets with allergies often bite or lick their paws excessively.

If your pet has occasional itching, it may be due to dry skin, minor irritation, or even boredom. However, if the scratching is persistent, accompanied by hair loss, or leads to skin infections, allergies are a likely culprit. A vet visit can help determine the root cause.

A veterinarian may use one or more of the following methods:

• Physical Examination - Checking for signs of irritation, redness, or infections.
• Allergy Testing - Skin or blood tests to identify environmental allergens.
• Elimination Diet - A trial of a limited-ingredient diet to pinpoint food allergies.
• Flea Control Assessment - Ensuring flea allergies aren’t the cause.

Treatment depends on the allergy type but may include:

• Medications: Antihistamines, steroids, or specialized allergy medications like Apoquel or Cytopoint.
• Hypoallergenic Diets: Special diets with novel proteins (like duck or venison) for food allergies.
• Flea Prevention: Year-round flea control to prevent flea allergy dermatitis.
• Environmental Management: Reducing allergens by using air purifiers, bathing pets with hypoallergenic shampoos, and washing bedding frequently.
• Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): For pets with severe environmental allergies, desensitisation therapy may help over time.

There is no outright cure for allergies, but they can be managed effectively with the right treatment plan. Many pets with allergies live happy, comfortable lives with proper care and symptom management.

If your pet’s symptoms persist despite home care, or if they develop secondary infections (such as ear infections or hot spots), it’s time for a vet visit. Early intervention can prevent more serious health issues. Don’t wait—schedule a consultation with us today to get your pet the relief they need! Book an appointment now.