Achoo! Understanding Pet Allergies It’s Not Just a Sneeze

We all know that familiar 'Achoo!' from people with allergies. But did you know our pets can suffer from allergies too? Unlike humans, who usually experience sneezing and a stuffy nose, pets typically show allergic reactions through their skin—manifesting as rashes and persistent itching. Today, let’s dive into what pet allergies really look like.

What is an Allergy? 

An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to common substances in the environment, such as pollen, mold, insects, food, or household items. These triggers are known as allergens.

Human vs. Pet Allergies What’s the difference?

While humans suffer from runny noses and watery eyes, pets primarily experience skin-related symptoms, including intense itching and infections of the skin and ears.

Warning Signs of Pet Allergies

• Redness of the skin (symptoms may flare up and subside periodically)
• Biting or chewing at their own skin
• Red rashes around the eyes and ears
• Rubbing their face against the floor or frequent face-scratching
• Patchy hair loss (Note: Once a pet has developed an allergy, it is likely to recur throughout their life.)

Common Types of Allergies in Dogs

• Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) Dogs and fleas are ancient rivals. This condition is caused by a sensitivity to flea saliva. Just one bite can cause a dog to itch for up to three weeks!
• Atopy (Atopic Dermatitis) This occurs when a dog inhales airborne allergens like pollen, mold, or dust mites.
• Food Allergy Ingredients in their daily meals can trigger reactions, usually appearing as skin issues, though some dogs may experience vomiting or diarrhea.
• Contact Allergy Triggered by physical contact with chemicals or irritants, such as carpets, air fresheners, or household cleaning products.
• Treatment and Management The primary goal is to avoid known allergens. However, since we cannot always control airborne triggers, we offer a specialized treatment called ‘Immunotherapy.’ This involves administering small, controlled amounts of the allergen to desensitize the pet’s immune system.

Before starting, a diagnostic test is required to identify the specific cause (e.g., a food trial for suspected food allergies). If you suspect your pet is suffering from allergies, we recommend consulting our Veterinary Dermatologists for a specialized care plan.