Does your Pet have Allergies?

By: Tiki Cole, CVT

This is the time of year Allergies are in full swing. Dogs and Cats can suffer from the same type of allergens that we do. Dog allergy symptoms include itchy watery eyes, excessive paw licking or chewing, dry flaky or scaly skin, bad skin odor, red patches, scabs, crusts or thickened skin, hair loss, generalized itching and chronic ear infections. Cat allergy symptoms include asthma, sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose as well as the skin issues. In a good number of cats, skin lesions without associated itching are the only signs of allergy.  This can be miserable for our pets and their owners. Secondary skin infections, yeast and bacterial overgrowth are also common in dogs and cats that have allergies.  We see a lot of patients this time of year for allergies. Unfortunately, treatment for seasonal allergies only controls the symptoms, it does not cure them. Your pet may be allergic to either food or environmental factors like dust, pollen or mold. A blood sample can be tested which will identify the different substances that are responsible for your pets allergies. Once we have received results of the allergy testing, we can then begin to give your pet allergy injections. A food trial can be prescribed by your veterinarian to rule out food allergies.  There are several things that can be done at home to try to avoid skin infections caused by allergies. Antihistamines can be given daily, wipe feet with a non-scented hypo-allergenic baby wipe every evening, bathe regularly with a “soap free” or oatmeal based shampoo and conditioner. Give cool water bathes during really itchy episodes to help reduce skin inflammation. Supplementing their diet with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, found naturally in fish oil, will help nourish and protect your pet’s skin, prevent dryness and help control inflammation. Allergies can affect dogs and cats of all breeds.  If your pet starts showing signs of allergies this season please consult with your veterinarian right away