Just like people, pet allergies occur when your dog or cat’s immune system overreacts to harmless substances like dust, pollen, or certain foods, treating them as threats. These pet allergic reactions can lead to itchy skin, red patches, ear infections, watery eyes, and ongoing discomfort that can make your pet miserable. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common pet allergies, how to recognize the symptoms, and simple ways to manage them to keep your pet healthy, comfortable, and allergy-free all year round.
Allergies in Cats
Common causes of allergies in cats are1:
- Environmental allergens such as pollen, mold, grass, and dust mites
- Food allergens containing certain proteins like chicken, beef, dairy, or grains
- Flea allergens from reactions to flea bites or saliva
- Contact allergies from reactions to shampoos, detergents, or fabrics.
Signs your cat might have allergies:
- Constant scratching, licking, or chewing their paws
- Red, irritated, or flaky skin
- Hair loss or scabs
- Sneezing, wheezing, or watery eyes
- Frequent ear infections or head shaking
How you can help your cat experiencing allergies2,3:
- Treat secondary infections your cat may have: cats with allergies can often develop bacterial or yeast infections which make itching worse. Treatments usually involve antibiotics or antifungal medications and sometimes medicated shampoos.
- Keep fleas under control: use year-round flea prevention and treat all your pets at home.
- Relieve your cat’s itching and inflammation: your vet may prescribe steroidal medication to control itching. These should only be given under vet supervision, however omega-3 supplements or fish oil supplements can reduce inflammation and improve skin health.
- Allergy shots: allergy shots are one of the most effective long-term treatments for seasonal allergies, but this process requires patience and commitment. It involves testing to identify specific allergies and then creating a “vaccine” to desensitize your cat to these allergens overtime.
- Home remedies and lifestyle tips: make your home as hypoallergenic as possible such as using an air purifier with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter, minimizing dust, and washing fabric surfaces often. Protective pet clothing can prevent scratching and give irritated skin a chance to heal.
Allergies in Dogs
Common causes of allergies in dogs are4:
- Environmental allergens such as pollen, mold, grass, and dust mites
- Food allergens containing certain proteins like chicken, beef, dairy, or grains
- Flea allergens from reactions to flea bites or saliva
- Contact allergies from reactions to shampoos, detergents, or fabrics.
- Medications
Signs your dog might have allergies:
- Persistent itching or scratching
- Licking or chewing paws
- Red, inflamed, or irritated skin
- Hair loss or bald patches
- Frequent ear infections or head shaking
- Scooting or chewing near the tail
- Watery eyes or runny nose
- Sneezing or coughing
- Vomiting or diarrhea (especially with food allergies)
- Rashes or hives on the skin
How you can help your dog experiencing allergies5:
- Create an allergy-free home: make your home as hypoallergenic as possible by using an air purifier with a HEPA filter and vacuum fabric surfaces weekly to eliminate allergens. Limit your dog’s access to damp areas like basements or laundry rooms where mold tends to grow.
- Keep bedding, surfaces, and soft dog toys clean because they can trap allergens.
- Adjust outdoor routines: avoid walks in the early mornings or late afternoons when pollen levels are highest and steer clear of fields and parts with common allergenic plants during peak allergy seasons. After walks, wipe your pet’s body and paws with a moist cloth to remove pollen and dust. You can also soak your dog’s paws in a gentle apple cider vinegar solution (containing 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar) or use dog shoes to prevent contact with irritants.
- Incorporating fish oil supplements and probiotics can alleviate inflammation and soothe itchy skin.
When To Take Your Pet To The Vet:
If your pet’s allergy symptoms don’t improve with home remedies or seem to get worse, it’s time to visit your vet! Be sure to consult your vet is you notice:
- Licking, biting, scratching that causes bleeding or open sores
- Hair loss or scabs
- Troubled breathing like wheezing or coughing
- Swelling around the face or paws
- Ear infections with bad odours
- Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than a day or two
Pet allergies can be challenging for both you and your pet, but with the right care, your pet can feel much better. Simple habits like keeping your home clean, wiping their paws after walks, washing their bedding often, and adding supplements to their diet can make a big difference. Since diet plays a major role in managing allergies, it’s important to choose food that supports your pet’s overall health. Check out our post on Buying Pet Food for Better Health to learn which ingredients to look for and avoid. With patience, consistency, and guidance from your vet, your pet can enjoy healthier, allergy-free days all year round.
