Pet Allergies in Dogs and Cats. Allergic dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that occurs after exposure to an allergen. An allergen is something to which the body is allergic. The number-one sign of allergies in pets is itching. Pets lick, bite, chew and scratch themselves to the point of self-mutilation when suffering from allergies. The result is red, raw areas of skin with oozing sores and hair loss in your dog and/or cat. The difficulty that vets face is isolating the allergen responsible for the reaction because in many cases there is usually more than one substance involved.
TYPES OF PET ALLERGIES
- Fleas are the number one cause of allergies in pets. Over half of all canine and feline allergies are due to fleas. The pets are actually allergic to a protein component of the flea saliva. One fleabite in these pets can cause intense itching lasting up to 14 days.
- Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis is also referred to as Atopic Dermatitis and/or Atopy. These terms are used for allergies that develop in response to inhaled particles. Inhaled allergens, like house dust, mold and pollen, are the second most common type of allergy in pets. These allergies start at a younger age in pets and some breeds seem to be more prone, such as west highland white terriers and sharpeis.
- Food allergies account for 10-20 percent of dog and cat allergies. Skin infections (Dermatitis) are the primary sign. Consider organic, natural diets for your pet as opposed to commercial grocery store brands. Home made diets take more time but are well worth the extra effort.
Dr. Carol’s TIP: Identifying the source of an allergy can be frustrating. Pet bedding that contains cedar chips or other scented material can be responsible.
WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO
- Today, Intradermal skin testing is the most accurate method available to figure out what’s causing your pet’s allergy. Small amounts of different substances called allergens are injected into your pets skin. If your pet is allergic to one of the substances, the skin reacts by getting red and swollen at the injection site within 15 to 30 minutes. Once you know what your pet is allergic to, it may be possible to avoid it, for example, pet beds with cedar chips.
TIP: An elimination diet is used to diagnose the offending dietary ingredient in a food allergy.