What is an allergy?

Allergy is defined as an abnormal body reaction to a normally harmless substance or "allergen", such as a certain food or dust. Just like humans, allergies in pets can be controlled, but not cured.

What are the symptoms of pet allergies?

The most common allergy symptoms in cats and dogs usually affect the skin and include symptoms such as itching and excessive grooming. Sometimes allergies cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing or sneezing (as in people with hay fever).

What are the most common causes of pet allergies?

There are many causes of allergies in cats and dogs, but the most common ones include:

• flea saliva
• Pollen, dust or other environmental allergens
• food

flea allergy

Flea allergy dermatitis, known as FAD, is considered the most common allergy in dogs and cats. All flea bites are itchy, but if your pet has an allergic reaction to flea saliva, it can cause extreme itching, hair loss, and crusting of the skin (usually on the flanks, thighs, neck, and around the ears). If left untreated, animals may develop secondary skin infections due to a buildup of bacteria or yeast.

Animals with FAD are often very uncomfortable, with itching, biting, and scratching of the skin. Their coats often develop stains and tears due to excessive grooming.

Animals usually first begin to show signs of FAD during the summer , when flea populations are at their highest. Dogs and cats can develop FAD at any stage of life, but it is rare before they are one year old.

Treatment of FAD may involve the use of medications such as steroids, but flea prevention is also crucial. This can be done with a flea treatment available from your veterinarian once the condition has been diagnosed; store-bought flea treatments are usually not enough to kill fleas. The skin itself may also need treatment, for example if your pet has any secondary infections.

In addition to treating your pet, it is also important to treat fleas in your home, and your veterinarian will be able to advise you on the best products. Once the condition is under control, it is vital that your pet continues to receive regular flea treatments to prevent future fleas from appearing again.

environmental allergies

Allergies to substances such as pollen or dust can cause a condition called "allergy," which affects cats and dogs. Environmental allergies can be classified as indoor (such as dust mites and mold) or outdoor (such as grass and pollen).

This is similar to people with hay fever, as levels of allergens in the environment may change seasonally, although symptoms are often quite different. The symptoms of atopic or "atopic dermatitis" are actually closer to those of eczema in humans, including red, itchy and flaky skin. Atopic animals are often seen chewing the skin between their toes.

Allergy screening blood tests can be used to diagnose what substances in the environment your pet is allergic to. Your veterinarian will recommend treatment for atopic dermatitis, but it may include many different options, such as steroids, topical creams, and immunotherapy injections.

food allergy

It is estimated that only 1-2% of dogs and less than 1% of cats have food allergies. They are often confused with food intolerances, which are defined as adverse reactions to ingredients that do not involve the immune system (e.g., upset stomach after eating a heavy meal), and are more common in pets.

The clinical symptoms of food allergy are diverse. However, the most common are itchy skin, ear inflammation and redness, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and weight loss. Secondary skin and ear infections are also common. Food allergies rarely cause more serious symptoms, such as wheezing or anaphylaxis.

Most animals develop food allergies between the ages of one and four years, but any animal can develop these allergies at any time. Certain dog breeds, including German Shepherds, French Bulldogs, West Highland White Terriers and Labrador Retrievers, are more susceptible than others. Common food allergens in cats and dogs tend to be those of the more common food allergens, such as chicken and beef. Dairy is also a common allergen in dogs.