My Pet Won't Stop Scratching! Pet Allergies & Treatments

By LaNita Flanary, Owner & Veterinarian at Flanary Veterinary Clinic

Humans aren’t the only ones who suffer from allergies. Pets can be allergic to anything just like humans. Human allergies usually consist of sneezing and watery eyes, while pets suffer with itching, skin irritations, and ear problems. In fact, allergies are the most common skin problem pets face and can lead to secondary issues, such as bacterial or yeast infections.

Some of the most common signs of allergies in your pet include:

• Excessive itching

• Chewing at the feet so that they become red and inflamed.

• Constant licking or chewing, especially their side or groin areas.

• Dry, flaky/crusty, or reddened skin.

• Waxy or black discharge from ears, or inflamed ears and constant ear infections.

• Puffy, tearing and reddened eyes that they may rub.

Allergic reaction are caused by allergens, and there are three main allergen groups: food, fleas, and atopy. Food allergies are one of the least likely causes of allergies in pets. True food allergies only account for about fifteen percent of allergy problems in pets, however, certain food ingredients can cause an allergic reaction in your pet.

A flea allergy has always been the most common allergy seen with dogs and cats. When a flea bites your pet, it deposits a small amount of saliva onto the skin. Your pet can develop flea allergy dermatitis which is a reaction to this saliva. Just one bite can cause itching for up to three weeks. Just imagine if one flea bite can do that, how miserable your pet would be with 50 to 100 flea bites! Flea control is mandatory in these pets.

The third category of pet allergies is called atopy. Atopy is essentially everything in the pet’s environment. This includes pollens, mold, dust, insects, and even humans! Dogs can even be allergic to cats and vice versa.

To precisely determine what your pet is allergic to, a blood sample can be taken from your pet and sent to a laboratory. This can be extremely helpful when treating your pet for allergies with allergy medications or immune therapy.

There are two new allergy treatment options on the market that are amazing! Apoquel is a daily allergy pill that works to stop itching in four hours and controls for 24 hours. It also decreases skin inflammation, redness, and swelling of the skin so your pet feels better quickly. It is very safe and can be used long term with no side effects.

Cytopoint is another new option for allergy treatment. It is an injection that is safe and starts controlling allergy itching within one day and reduces scratching and other signs up to eight weeks. Both of these medications do not contain steroids so they are far safer treatment options for your pet.

Allergies are no fun! If your pet has allergies, please let us find the proper treatment for your pet. 