Can Animals Get Allergies Just Like People?

Pollens and other allergens can be as bothersome to pets as they are to people. And things can be worse for pets because they can't tell us they're suffering. Learning the triggers and how to recognize the symptoms can save your four-legged housemates from a lifetime of allergy problems. Always consult your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has allergies.

  1. Airborne Allergens

    • Tiny particles floating in the air can cause allergic reactions in dogs and cats. Atopic dermatitis, or atopy, a skin reaction caused by breathing pollens, household dust or molds, is common in cats. Atopy may or may not occur seasonally and the signs and symptoms, though they vary, typically include itching on the head and neck or a rash along the neck and back that causes excessive grooming or licking. Other common airborne allergens for dogs and cats include dander, feathers, perfumes and cigarette smoke.

    Food Allergies

    • Allergic reactions to foods are quite common in pets, but can be hard to detect̵2;especially in dogs, who eat a more varied diet than cats. Dogs with food allergies typically have itchy skin or difficulty breathing. In worse cases they may suffer from nausea or diarrhea. A common way to find the problem is by feeding an elimination diet, removing specific ingredients from your pet's food until you find the troublemaker. Food allergies may show up at any age.

    Flea Allergies

    • Fleas are terrible pests for four reasons̵2;their bites are painful to pets, they can spread disease, their saliva can cause skin reactions in pets and the chemicals used to treat them can sometimes be another allergen for people and pets. Maintaining monthly flea treatments with topical solutions such as Advantage and Frontline can help keep fleas and ticks at bay, but allergies to the treatments are not uncommon. Greener solutions, such as essential oils or diatomaceous earth̵2;a mineral-based pesticide that comes from fossilized water plants̵2;are also effective. Ask your vet about these treatments.

    Treating Allergies

    • Before you reach for any products to treat allergies in your pets, it's best to consult your veterinarian. Typical treatments include shampoos formulated to remove pollens from fur and skin, steroids and antihistamines. Antibiotics may be necessary if scratching, nipping or skin reactions have caused infected wounds. You can also eliminate suspected allergens from the house, brush cats often, and wash bedding in hypoallergenic detergents. Never give pets any medicines without a veterinarian's prescription, and be patient. Allergies can sometimes take a while to clear up.