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Itch-And-Scratch-Bite-And-Lick!
Allergies in Dogs and Cats
Coping with an itchy pet can be an extremely frustrating experience for you, the pet owner, and can truly test the limits of the human-animal bond. Allergy is a state of hypersensitivity in which exposure to a harmless substance known as an allergen induces the body's immune system to "overreact."
How can I tell if my pet has allergies?
The incidence of allergies is increasing in both humans and pets. People with allergies usually have "hay fever" (watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing) or asthma. Pets rarely have respiratory symptoms. Your dog may lick its feet, appear itchy, scratch, scoot, chew or bite at themselves and rub their face with their paws or against the floor or furniture. Cats tend to pull out their hair and get patchy hair loss on their ears, legs, abdomen and around their eyes. Depending on the cause of the allergy, you may see these signs worsen during certain seasons of the year. Some pets can have year long allergies. The key to making your pet comfortable is to find out the cause of the itchiness. Determining the source of the allergies will help with the treatment.
Types of allergies
There are 4 types of allergies that pets can get: Atopic (inhalant), Contact, Food or Flea.
- Atopic (inhalant/environmental) Allergy: This is the most common cause of allergic problems in our area. Inhaling in or directly contacting airborne particles in the environment such as pollens, molds, dust mites, and weeds will activate atopic allergies. Dogs generally start showing signs of atopic allergies between the ages of 1-3 years.
- Food Allergies: Some pets develop specific hypersensitivity's to components of their diets. Pets can become allergic to foods even after eating the same food for several years. The allergen usually contains a protein source that causes the allergy. Dogs usually are allergic to beef, soy, chicken, corn and wheat. Cats are usually allergic to fish, milk, beef and eggs. If a food allergy is suspected in your pet, we recommend a 3 month food trail feeding a "hypoallergenic" diet. One diet type is made from a novel protein source like venison, duck or rabbit. Another is a hydrolyzed diet where protein has been changed so the body cannot recognize it (Science Diet z/d). Some pets with food allergies may have vomiting or diarrhea.
- Flea Allergies: Flea allergic dermatitis is the most common type of allergy in pets nationwide. The offending allergen is actually the protein in flea saliva left in the skin after a flea-bite. The signs of flea allergies are skin infections and irritations over the rump, tail and back legs. It only takes a few bites to induce a problem that causes a sudden onset and can be quite severe in our pets.
- Contact Allergies: Contact allergens include grass, wool, and plastic. On occasion, pets seen at our hospital with "plastic dish dermatitis," an irritation to the skin on the nose or chin caused by a reaction to an antioxidant found in plastic food/water dishes. Pets can be allergic to contact chemicals such as cleaning products and lawn fertilizers.
Treating allergies in our pets
Although allergies can't be cured, we can control the atopic/inhalant/environmental allergies through medications for occasional flare-ups. Antihistamines, shampoos, steroids and fatty acid supplements are useful. Flea control in all pets is important, especially those with signs of allergies. A food trial is recommended to help rule out food allergies as cause of signs. Allergy testing by a dermatologist for intradermal skin testing or a blood test for antibody levels is a good option for dogs with year round allergies. In many allergy dogs this is extremely effective, leading to partial or complete resolution of allergic signs thereby greatly decreasing the need for on-going medications.
If it is recommended that a specialist in dermatology would be helpful for your pet. Dr. Mckeever, a board certified dermatologist, routinely sees pets in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Dr. Mckeever will want your pet to have been on flea control medications and have already conducted a food trial with your veterinarian. Dr. Mckeever has the insight to determine what is truly bothering your pet and the skills to control it.
How can we help?
As you can see from reading above, there are numerous ways to control allergies. Scheduling an examination with one of our veterinarians is the first step in helping you and your pet find relief. Controlling the early symptoms is very important. Allergies are something that requires ongoing adjustments to medication and continual communication with your veterinary heath care team. Each treatment plan will need to be modified to each individual patient.
Author: Rachel Butkowski, LVT of Valley Veterinary Hospital