Spring in our area brings many welcome delights—budding flowers, warmer weather, rain, and new beginnings. Unfortunately, the season also brings pollen and intensely itchy pets. If your pet has been licking their paws or scratching more than usual, they may be going through what many of us experience in the spring—seasonal allergies. But, we sometimes miss allergy signs in our pets, because most humans react to their allergies with sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes. To prevent discomfort in your allergic pet, here’s a quick guide from Flora Family Veterinary Hospital on what to look for and how to help. 

What are allergies in pets? 

Allergies are an immune system response that causes inflammatory symptoms in pets. The most common signs are itchiness and other uncomfortable skin issues. 

The three most common allergy types are: 

  • Environmental allergies — Seasonal allergies typically occur when pets inhale or come into contact with an environmental allergen, such as pollen, molds, weeds, grasses, dust, and trees. Although most environmental allergies begin seasonally and often are more severe in the warmer months, allergies can become a year-round problem for your pet if they are not treated. 
  • Flea allergies – Fleas are a common cause of allergies for many pets, and flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is one of the most frequently treated pet allergies. All itchy pets should be on a safe and effective flea control schedule.
  • Food allergies — Your pet may be allergic to an ingredient in their food. Pets are commonly allergic to beef, dairy, chicken, wheat, or soy.

No matter their cause, allergies can make your pet miserable. Allergy signs include:

  • Head shaking
  • Excessive scratching, licking, or biting of skin or paws
  • Rubbing the face or body on the carpet or furniture
  • Redness of the skin or inside the ears
  • Foul or yeasty odor from the ears
  • Hair loss
  • Hot spots

Chronic ear infections can also indicate allergies, so if your pet suffers from reddened, waxy, or foul-smelling ears, schedule an appointment so we can diagnose the problem and help your pet feel better. 

Other allergy signs are more subtle, but can still make your pet miserable. They typically cannot get comfortable, lose their appetite, and may sneeze, wheeze, and cough in addition to, or instead of, itchy skin.

How to help your itchy pet

Understanding the causes and symptoms of your pet’s allergies is the first step toward helping them feel better, and your pet will need to see your veterinarian for a wellness exam. During an exam, we will likely recommend tests that may include blood work, skin cytology, cultures, and skin allergy and blood antibody testing to pinpoint the exact allergens causing your pet problems. Consulting with a veterinarian is imperative, as diagnosing allergies can be a long and complex process, especially if your pet has more than one type of allergy. Careful testing is required to rule out each allergen.

Some pets may be helped with supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids and medications such as steroids or antihistamines. In addition, they may require antibiotics if a secondary skin or ear infection is present. After allergy testing, your veterinarian may also recommend allergen-specific immunotherapy (i.e., allergy shots). Many pets in our care also benefit from acupuncture to treat allergies.

Preventing allergy symptoms at home

In addition to veterinary treatment, you can make your pet more comfortable at home by reducing the allergens that cause discomfort.

  • Bathe your pet once a week using a hypoallergenic pet shampoo and conditioner.
  • Launder pet bedding and blankets weekly.
  • Vacuum carpets and furniture often.
  • Wipe your pet’s feet or wash them in lukewarm water whenever they come in from outside.
  • Use air filters inside your home and keep windows closed.

An important note—allergies cannot be cured. But, they can be managed, and often management can keep your pet comfortable and symptom-free most of the time. Call our Flora Family Veterinary Hospital if you have additional questions about itchiness and allergies in your pet, or if you want to schedule an appointment. We will help you stop that itch.