ALLERGIES IN PETS

Pets Versus the World: Allergies in Dogs and Cats

No one—including your innocent pet—can escape the persistent irritation and discomfort of allergies. Considered one of the most common pet health complaints among dog and cat owners, allergies overwhelm not only veterinary clinic schedules but also steal your pet’s comfort, rob you of sleep, and lead to increasingly negative changes in your pet’s health, well-being, and quality of life. Let’s scratch allergies’ itch and learn how you can help your pet find relief.

What are allergies in pets, anyway?

Besides being defined as a major frustration for people and pets alike, allergies are an exaggerated immune reaction that occurs when the body encounters a specific substance or antigen. When a pet is first exposed to an antigen, their immune system studies it—much like any other perceived threat—and produces antibodies (i.e., proteins) to defend itself. When the pet reencounters the substance, this carefully crafted defense allows the body to respond quickly by causing a cascade of irritating, uncomfortable, and sometimes dangerous inflammatory processes.

What are the most common allergies in pets?

Allergies are one of the most common pet health issues that veterinarians treat. Allergies are generally divided into categories including:

• Environmental allergies — These are allergies triggered by grasses, pollen, mold, dust, and other substances your pet may encounter in their environment, such as fabrics, detergents, insect bites, or plastic food and water bowls. Depending on your pet’s triggers, environmental allergies may be seasonal or year-round.
• Food allergies — Ingredients in pet food and treats can be allergenic to some dogs and cats. In addition to itchy skin, food allergies can cause gastrointestinal (GI) signs such as vomiting, loose stool, diarrhea, and gas.
• Flea allergies — Some pets are sensitive to a protein in flea saliva. One flea bite is all it takes to send these pets into a spiral of scratching, biting, licking, and misery.

What are common allergy signs in pets?

Allergy signs may vary based on your pet’s triggers. Potential signs include:

• Itching — Allergies most often manifest as chronic itching and irritation. The itching may be local (i.e., limited to one area, especially the ears, feet, and tail area) or generalized (i.e., all-over itchiness), and is caused by histamine release. In normal amounts, histamine plays a natural protective role in the body, but too much can cause it to act like an inflammation grenade.

• Sneezing and red or watery eyes — Similar to humans, airborne or inhaled allergens may trigger upper respiratory or ocular signs in pets.

• Digestive upset — In addition to itching, dietary allergies—often caused by proteins—can cause GI signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, loose stool, and gas. 

Do allergies always require veterinary care?

Ideally, yes. While seasonal allergies are cyclical, persistent short- or long-term inflammation has a cumulatively negative effect on pet health. Irritated and uncomfortable pets are more likely to lick, chew, or scratch irritated skin areas, leading to secondary bacterial infection and worsening inflammation. Moreover, ongoing inflammation ultimately alters your pet’s internal state and can lead to increased disease risk later on. Taking a proactive approach to allergy management is the best way to relieve your pet of present discomfort and future health problems.

How do I find out what’s triggering my pet’s allergies?

With the help of specific medications, diets, and topical treatments, many pets’ allergy signs can be successfully managed without needing to identify their allergic triggers. However, pets who continue to struggle despite veterinary attention and diligent at-home care will benefit from more specific diagnostics and targeted therapy. This is generally achieved via a blood test at your primary veterinarian or specialized allergy testing at a veterinary dermatologist. 

Can my pet’s allergies be cured?

While allergies cannot be cured, their signs can be effectively managed by avoiding allergen exposure—easier to do with a confirmed food allergy—or desensitization therapy, also known as hyposensitization. Desensitization is ideal for unavoidable allergens such as pollen and mold, and involves gradually exposing a pet to small allergen amounts to reduce the immune system’s reactivity. Although this management strategy requires commitment and patience, desensitization therapy can significantly reduce allergy signs, simplify ongoing care, and improve a pet’s quality of life.

Based on the severity of your pet’s condition and their known or suspected allergens, your veterinarian can help you determine whether a combination of prescription and at-home care strategies is enough to manage your pet’s signs. If not, consider seeking a more effective resolution with desensitization therapy.

How can I help my pet at home?

If your pet is suffering from uncontrolled allergies, a veterinary visit is in order to rule out other causes for your pet’s signs but also to ensure they can get relief quickly from inflammation and secondary infections. After your pet’s initial treatment plan is underway, or between allergy flare-ups, certain proactive efforts can help reduce allergen exposure and keep unpleasant itching and irritation in check. These at-home strategies include:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines — Ask your veterinarian before administering nonprescription medications. While these have limited effect, they can be helpful in a pinch. Zytec (cetirizine) can be dosed at 1 milligram per 2 pounds of body weight and given every 24 hours. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can be dosed at 1 milligram per pound and administered every 12 hours. 

• Regular grooming — Bathing your pet with a moisturizing shampoo (e.g., aloe- or oatmeal-based) and regular coat brushing can nourish the skin barrier and remove irritating debris. If your pet suffers from environmental allergies, wiping their coat and paws with a damp cloth after outdoor activity can reduce exposure.

• Flea preventives — While many products require fleas to bite your pet before they die, year-round prevention can reduce your pet’s risk for severe infestation. If your pet has a flea allergy, aggressive environmental management (e.g., vacuuming, laundering, and pet-safe yard treatments) is also advised.

• Routine cleaning — Keeping your pet’s environment clean and tidy can reduce allergen exposure. In addition to dusting and vacuuming all surfaces, consider running an air purifier to pull harmful particles from the air.

• Immune system support — Build an appropriate allergy defense—and help your pet recover from inevitable inflammation flare-ups—by supporting healthy and robust immune function. This can be achieved by enhancing your pet’s bowl with powerful additives such as:

• Fresh whole foods
• Natural anti-inflammatories (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids)
• Longevity Plus

Allergies are a lifelong health condition for pets, but with greater awareness, accurate assessment, and diligent care, your pet doesn’t have to live in misery. Help your pet overcome their allergic struggles and achieve greater overall health by working closely with your veterinarian and taking proactive steps to minimize their daily exposure.

Are you interested in learning more about how to combat inflammation and help your pet live a longer, healthier, and happier life? Find that and more by downloading our free ebook,  exploring our line of dietary supplements, or scheduling a concierge consultation to unlock the secrets of Helping Pets Live Longer.