Many pet owners are concerned about allergies in their pets, which can cause severe discomfort and skin issues. However, allergy signs in our four-legged friends vary, and a veterinary diagnosis is required to determine the specific allergy type affecting your pet and the appropriate treatment options. Our Sonoran Sky Pet Hospital team uncovers pet allergy indicators and explores various treatment methods to alleviate allergic reactions in your furry friend. 

Does my pet have allergies?

Many pet owners wonder whether their pets have allergies when they see them sneezing or scratching more than usual. Pets, like people, can be allergic to many substances in their environment. While allergies can disrupt health in many ways, some of the physical manifestations often observed in allergic pets include:

  • Itchy skin — One of the most prominent signs of pet allergies is excessive itching. Pets may constantly scratch, lick, or chew their skin and paws, leading to redness, irritation, and sometimes hair loss and infection.
  • Skin irritations — Allergic reactions can manifest as various skin irritations, such as rashes, hives, or hot spots. These can be localized or spread across your pet’s body.
  • Ear infections — Allergies can contribute to ear infections in pets, resulting in redness, swelling, odor, and ear discharge. Ear infections can be painful and require veterinary attention to prevent permanent inner ear damage.
  • Gastrointestinal issues — Some pets may experience gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or flatulence, if they have food allergies or food sensitivities.
  • Respiratory issues — Allergies, particularly seasonal allergies, can also affect the respiratory system, resulting in watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, or nasal discharge.

What are the pet allergy types?

Allergies are an overreaction by the immune system to foreign substances. Allergy types are based on the specific allergens that trigger your pet’s immune system reaction. Common pet allergy types include:

  • Environmental allergens — Airborne substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and certain plants, cause these allergies. The same way seasonal allergies affect people, these substances can impact pets, particularly during spring and fall.
  • Parasite allergies — Flea saliva, mites, spiders, and insects can trigger allergic reactions in some sensitive pets.
  • Food allergens — Ingredients with protein, such as beef, chicken, dairy, and grains, and certain additives and preservatives in pet food can cause allergic reactions in cats and dogs.
  • Contact allergies — These allergens include substances found in fabric, cleaning products, laundry soap, and other chemicals that can irritate your pet’s skin and cause rashes. 

How do you treat your pet’s allergies?

Before attempting at-home solutions, contact our team for a thorough exam and allergy testing. We can pinpoint the cause of your four-legged friend’s discomfort only through these methods. Treating pet allergies varies, depending on the allergen, but typical treatments may include:

  • Medications — Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive drugs can help alleviate allergic conditions in pets, but they should be used only with a veterinarian’s guidance. 
  • Topical treatments — Shampoos, sprays, and creams that contain soothing, medicated ingredients can relieve itching and skin irritation.
  • Immunotherapy — Our team may recommend immunotherapy (i.e., allergy shots) to gradually desensitize your pet’s immune system to specific allergens, especially for pets with severe or recurring allergies.
  • Dietary changes — Switching to hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets can benefit pets with food allergies or sensitivities. If the new diet eliminates your pet’s reaction, you can try adding back ingredients from the previous diet to identify the culprit.
  • Allergen avoidance — You can help minimize your furry friend’s exposure to allergens through environmental adjustments, including laundering pet beds and bedding regularly, frequently vacuuming floors and rugs, and using air purifiers with HEPA filters throughout your home. 

While allergies can significantly impact your pet’s health and quality of life, they can be managed successfully once they have been accurately diagnosed, and most allergic pets can lead happy, healthy lives. If you suspect your pet has allergies, contact our Sonoran Sky Pet Hospital team for an appointment.