Your Complete Guide to Allergies in Dogs and Cats

Your Complete Guide to Allergies in Dogs and Cats

In Arizona, we are knee-deep in pet allergy season, which typically runs from March through May and September through November. This can change, of course, due to weather and your specific location, but in general, seasonal allergies in dogs and cats tend to walk through our practice doors the most in the spring and the fall. 

The topic of allergies in cats and dogs is a large one, with many nuances. In this blog, we will aim to answer some of your most common questions! 

Seasonal vs. Year-Round Allergies in Dogs and Cats

Seasonal allergies and year-round allergies in dogs can both cause similar symptoms, but they differ in their underlying causes and triggers.

Seasonal Allergies (Atopy): Seasonal allergies in dogs and cats, also known as atopy, are typically triggered by environmental allergens that are present in higher levels at certain times of the year. Symptoms often worsen during specific seasons when these allergens are prevalent. Common triggers include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, dust mites, and mold (all common in Arizona). 

Year-Round Allergies: Year-round allergies in cats and dogs are usually caused by allergens that are present throughout the year, such as food, airborne proteins (like certain molds and dust mites), and some pet danders. These allergens can be found indoors and outdoors, and symptoms can persist, or worsen, regardless of the season. In other words, pets with year-round allergies will display symptoms all year long. 

What Are the Signs of Allergies in Dogs and Cats?

Pets with allergies can present with a variety of symptoms, which can vary depending on the type of allergy and the individual animal. 

Here are some common signs that a pet may have allergies:

• Itching (Pruritus): This is one of the most common signs of allergies in pets. Dogs and cats may scratch, lick, or chew at their skin excessively, especially in areas like the face, paws, ears, and belly.
  Cats often itch their face and neck, and will present with scabs and/or hair loss. Dogs tend to itch their face, ears, booty area (“butt dragging”), and chew on their legs or feet excessively. 
• Skin Irritation: Allergic reactions can cause redness, inflammation, and irritation of the skin. Pets may develop rashes, hives, or hot spots (localized areas of inflamed skin).
• Hair Loss: Constant scratching and licking can lead to hair loss, especially in areas where the pet is focusing its grooming efforts.
• Ear Infections: Pets with allergies may be more prone to developing ear infections, which can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, discharge, and odor.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Some pets with food allergies may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive gas.
• Respiratory Symptoms: Inhaled allergens (such as pollen or dust mites) can sometimes trigger respiratory symptoms in pets, including sneezing, coughing, and wheezing.
• Secondary Infections: Constant itching and scratching can damage the skin, making it more susceptible to bacterial or yeast infections. These infections can further exacerbate the pet’s symptoms.
• Behavioral Changes: Pets with allergies may be irritable or restless due to discomfort from itching and skin irritation.

*It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. This is what can make allergy diagnosis challenging and why it is essential to have your pet evaluated by a Revel Veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.*

The Signs of Food Allergies in Pets

Food allergies in dogs and cats occur when their immune system overreacts to certain proteins in their diet. Unlike food intolerance, which does not involve the immune system, food allergies trigger an immune response that leads to symptoms. 

There are different opinions on the incidence of food allergies in dogs and cats, but here are a few signs that might point to food being the culprit.

For one, if your pet starts showing allergy symptoms before 6 months of age or after age 5 to 6 years old, there is a greater chance that it is a food allergy.

Secondly, if corticosteroids have not been effective for treatment, there is a higher probability that it is a food allergy, and not a seasonal or environmental allergy.

Dealing with food allergies in cats and dogs involves identifying the allergen and eliminating it from the pet’s diet. 

Here are steps to manage a food allergy in your pet:

1. Consult Your Revel Veterinarian: If you suspect your pet has a food allergy, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. They can help confirm the diagnosis and recommend an appropriate diet and treatment plan. 
2. Elimination Diet Trial: The gold standard for diagnosing a food allergy is an elimination diet trial. Your veterinarian will recommend a hypoallergenic diet. Typically, the hypoallergenic diet contains one protein source that the pet has never eaten before. It usually takes many years to develop a food allergy, so your pet should not be allergic to this “novel protein.” 
   This diet should be fed exclusively for 8-12 weeks, during which time you should not give your pet any other food, treats, or table scraps. Make sure that your whole family and anyone else who cares for your pet is onboard, so there are no secret or accidental treats given.
3. Monitor for Improvement: During the elimination diet trial, monitor your pet for any improvement in symptoms. If the symptoms improve, it suggests a food allergy. If there is no improvement, let us know and we will consider other causes for your pet’s symptoms.
4. The Diet Challenge: After the elimination diet trial, we typically recommend reintroducing the original diet to identify and confirm the specific allergen. If symptoms return after reintroducing a particular ingredient, it indicates an allergy to that ingredient.
   Most pets will generally start showing allergy symptoms again in about 14 days if food was the true reason for discomfort. 
5. Selecting a Long-Term Diet: Once the specific allergen is identified, we will help you select a commercial hypoallergenic diet that avoids the allergen. 
6. Avoidance of Allergen: Prevent your pet from consuming any food that contains the allergenic ingredient. Read ingredient labels carefully, and be cautious with treats and flavored medications.
7. Regular Monitoring: After identifying and managing the food allergy, continue to monitor your pet for any signs of relapse. Your Revel Veterinarian may recommend periodic check-ups to assess your pet’s condition.

Other Considerations for Solving Allergies in Pets

When solving the allergy crisis in pets, there are a few other things to consider:

• If you have multiple pets, feed them separately to prevent accidental sharing and ingestion of the allergen.
• Many animals can have more than one allergy at the same time. Any pet that is prone to itchiness should have a perfect (or as close to perfect as possible) flea and tick control protocol! Be vigilant about this and talk to us at your next appointment about which medication is best for your pet. 

Allergies can be painful and uncomfortable for both you and your pet! Think of it like eczema on your hands. It doesn’t start out as the worst condition, but it is certainly irritating and can become very painful if not dealt with appropriately in a timely fashion. 

Call us today to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet. For those new to Revel, use the code NEW20 when booking your first patient exam to receive 20% off.