The most common allergies in dogs and cats fall into 3 categories: atopy (allergy to substances in the environment), flea allergy, and food allergy.

Dogs and cats can be allergic to the same things that make people sneeze. Unlike allergies in humans, however, allergies in small animals are more likely to affect the skin and ears than the respiratory system.1 Symptoms of allergies in dogs and cats can include the following:

Itchy feet

Itchy face

Reddish-brown discoloration of the feet (from saliva staining)

Red skin, especially on the abdomen, legs, or armpits

Smelly or itchy ears

Hair loss

Scabs, crusts, or bumps on the skin

Conjunctivitis

The most common allergies in dogs and cats fall into 3 categories: atopy (allergy to substances in the environment), flea allergy, and food allergy. Some pets have allergies in more than one category.

Atopy

Atopy is a hypersensitivity to environmental particles that are inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Atopy is often seasonal but can be year-round, depending on the cause. Skin testing, usually performed by a veterinary dermatologist, can identify the specific allergens that cause reactions in a pet with atopy. Triggers may include these common causes:

Pollens, especially from trees and grasses

Mold

House dust

Dust mites

Other animals (dander)

Atopy has a genetic component and is often seen in terriers and retrievers, although any dog can be affected. Animals with atopy typically start showing symptoms at a young age: under 3 years in dogs and under 5 years in cats. In dogs, licking the front feet is a classic sign of atopy. Cats with atopy, however, are often itchy around the head and neck and may develop small scabs anywhere on the body.

Flea Allergy

Animals with a flea allergy have an intensely itchy reaction to the bite of even a single flea. Because flea-allergic pets groom themselves excessively in response to the itching, few or no fleas may be visible on the skin. Flea allergy symptoms can be seasonal or year-round, depending on the climate; the peak is often in the late summer or fall.

Food Allergy

Food allergies are less common than atopy but can cause similar symptoms in dogs and cats, although the symptoms are not seasonal. Pets can become allergic to any ingredient they have eaten in the past; common culprits are beef, chicken, eggs, and corn. The only way to diagnose a food allergy is by feeding an elimination (hypoallergenic or novel ingredient) diet and watching for symptoms to resolve. It is best to consult a veterinarian before planning a diet trial.

Secondary Infections

Dogs and cats with allergies commonly develop secondary skin infections caused by bacteria, yeast, or both. These infections can also be very itchy, and allergy treatment alone will not make a pet comfortable until a skin infection is under control. An ear infection is sometimes the only sign of an underlying allergy and may not be noticed by the owner. Signs of a skin infection can include the following:

Scabs

Raised bumps

Crusts

Redness

Odor

Thickened skin

Treatment

An allergy is a chronic condition that can get worse over time, so it’s best to seek veterinary care early. Any pet with itching or other symptoms that do not respond fairly quickly to home care should be seen by a veterinarian. Home care can include the following:

Use flea control for all dogs and cats in the household (both indoors and outdoors). Depending on the climate, this could mean treating all year long. Prescription flea products have made flea control much easier than it once was; talk to your veterinarian.

Bathe your pet with a mild pet shampoo. This removes allergens from the coat and can provide some relief from itching. An oatmeal-based shampoo is often a good choice. Do not use OTC medicated shampoos without first consulting your veterinarian because some of them can irritate the skin.

If you know your pet’s allergy triggers (from skin testing, for instance), reduce exposure as much as possible. For example, vacuum often and use a HEPA filter if your dog or cat has a dust mite allergy.

Your veterinarian may perform diagnostic tests to identify skin and ear infections and rule out diseases that mimic the symptoms of allergies. The treatment plan depends on the diagnosis and clinical signs and can vary over a pet’s lifetime. Treatments prescribed by your veterinarian may include the following:

Medicated shampoos, conditioners, sprays, or other topical agents

Antihistamines

Antibiotics

Antifungal drugs (for yeast infections)

Fatty acid supplements

Short-acting corticosteroids

Immune-modulating drugs, such as cyclosporine

Immunotherapy injections (allergy vaccines individualized for each patient)

Everything has been cleaned. Again. Final stuff is in the dryer on “sanitizer” mode. All of the cats have been given more flea stuff: Capstar. Flea stuff has been sprayed, carpets have been vacuumed. Chicken has been baked and ground turkey has been cooked so Demon Spawn can have some iron-rich snacks. Demon Spawn was also given some allergy medicine to help with the itching. It’s 3pm and I am ready for a nap.

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