Does Your Pet Have Allergies?

Both my German Shepherd (Heidi) and tiger cat (Simba) are obsessively licking and chewing at their feet lately. I’m sneezing and have itchy eyes. Yes, allergy season is here. Pets have reactions to some of the same things we’re allergic to. Grass pollen, for example, makes Heidi sneeze and her feet itch.

Depending on the type of allergy, your pet may exhibit different symptoms. Although pets occasionally exhibit watery eyes and some sneezing, the most common reaction is scratching. Simba licks himself raw. Constant scratching and licking may lead to raised infected welts, open sores, and loss of hair. Ear infections are also common in dogs with allergies.

As pet owners, we can help alleviate some of that suffering by knowing the signs of allergies and finding the right type of product relief for the symptoms.

Allergies That Affect Pets

Allergies caused by airborne particles are called atopy. Sources of these particles are found in pollens, molds, and dust mites. Allergies that result from flea-bites are referred to as flea allergy dermatitis. Certain allergies occur from items your pet ingests, and are typically called food allergies. Contact allergies are caused by something your pet comes in direct contact with, such as carpet fibers, plastics, and other things. Contact allergies are far less common than atopy and flea allergy dermatitis in pets.

Atopy

Atopy is the most common form of allergy in dogs and cats and is seasonal. If your pet is allergic to ragweed, symptoms occur in the fall. Pets who are allergic to spring tree pollen will show signs in April and May. If your pet is allergic to dust mites, the symptoms may be most dramatic in the winter when more time is spent inside. Signs of atopy include:

• Chewing at your dogs/cats feet/paws
• Rubbing the face
• Inflammed ears
• Hot spots; facial scabbing (cats)
• Asthma-like wheezing and respiratory problems (more likely in cats)

How to treat these allergies? The best course of action is to speak with your vet. Some clients of our purchase dog wipes and will wipes dogs down following a walk or even quick pee break outside. Some dogs respond well to Benadryl. Again, check with your vet before you give your dog or cat any over the counter drug and don’t rely on what you read on the internet.