Excessive licking and scratching by our pets aren’t usual behaviors; they are extreme reactions to a severe irritation. Allergies can be a chronic and debilitating condition for pets. Identification of allergic triggers and choosing the best treatment option can bring a suffering pet much relief.
Types
Skin allergies are the most common reason for a visit to the veterinary office. There are four common types of pet allergies:
- Atopy is the most common type of allergy among pets involving airborne allergens that are usually seasonal like pollen, ragweed, mold and dust mites. Cigarette smoke and perfumes are also potential triggers for an allergic reaction.
- Contact dermatitis is a reaction to environmental allergens like cleaners, shampoos, fabrics including carpets, and materials such as plastics when they have direct contact with the skin.
- Flea allergy dermatitis is a severe reaction to fleas which can be managed through flea prevention and treatment.
- Food allergies can cause skin symptoms as well as unpleasant reactions, such as gastrointestinal problems and frequent bowel movements, to trigger foods like chicken or wheat. About 10 to 15 percent of allergies diagnosed in pets are related to food and associated with another allergy type such as atopy.
Symptoms
Reactions to the various allergens are similar among the allergy types and range from mild to severe. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms, it’s recommended to seek consultation with a veterinarian for immediate treatment, testing, and to develop a plan of prevention and management.
- Inflammation in the ears and recurring infections
- Extreme scratching
- Sneezing
- Rubbing of the face and ears against furniture or along the carpet
- Itchy eyes and skin irritation around the eyes
- Licking and chewing of the feet or swollen pads
- Constant licking, especially the around the groin area
- Reddish skin, frequent blisters and scabs
- Hot spots on the skin and recurring skin infections
- Difficulty breathing
- Gastrointestinal problems including vomiting and diarrhea usually associated with food allergies
- Areas of discolored hair or balding spots due to excessive licking
- Extreme reactions include hair loss, facial swelling and anaphylaxis—a rare but immediate, life-threatening allergic reaction to an allergen causing respiratory or cardiac failure, resulting in death if not treated quickly with epinephrine and emergency medical attention.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Your Pet’s Allergies
Dogs and cats can develop allergies at any time during their life. Proper treatment begins with a complete history and an examination by a veterinarian. Skin and blood tests may be necessary to determine a cause or to confirm an ear or skin infection. Food allergies are determined by eliminating a range of ingredients from the diet then slowly adding back each eliminated ingredient to discover which one causes a reaction.
Asking your veterinarian to test your dog for allergies is easy. The Allercept Allergy & Treatment Program is an industry-leading test covering 83 universal allergens, including fleas, and results are available within 48 hours. Testing for a broad range of allergens is beneficial. If you reside in a warmer climate during the winter months, a dog that does not show signs of an allergy in the northern portion of the country may develop symptoms in southern areas. Once the allergens are identified, the best treatment options can be discussed.
In extreme cases, a referral to a board-certified veterinary dermatologist may be recommended for further diagnostic testing. Talk to your veterinarian about which treatment options are the most effective for your pet’s allergy.
Treatments include:
- Immunotherapy is one of the safest and most effective treatments targeting specific allergies by using injections or drops placed underneath the tongue which contain small amounts of the allergen to help develop a tolerance.
- Flea prevention treatments for flea allergy dermatitis keep skin problems under control.
- Dietary restrictions, prescription foods and vitamin supplements can improve symptoms and skin conditions.
- Avoidance of environmental triggers by keeping your dog or cat away from grassy fields, certain carpets, furniture, types of bedding or food dishes. Regular washing of the bedding and vacuuming reduces exposure to dust mites and other environmental allergens.
- Medicated shampoos and topical treatments calm the skin and provide immediate relief and protection of the skin.
- Prescription medicines such as antihistamines, antibiotics and steroids control more severe reactions and symptoms.
Consult with your veterinarian if your dog is showing any symptoms of an allergy. Proper diagnosis and treatment can bring relief to a suffering pet. Doylestown Veterinary Hospital is offering a special discount on the Allercept Allergy Test & Treatment Program during May. Not only is the test offered at a discounted price, rebates apply toward either a negative test result or recommended immunotherapy treatment if started within 3 weeks of testing. Call 215-345-6000 for more information and to schedule an appointment.
