Allergies can be as troublesome for our pets as they are for humans.

Common signs of allergies in our pets can include:

• Itchiness (scratching, rubbing the face or body, shaking the head)
• Hair loss, or thinning of the hair
• Rashes
• Watery eyes
• Ear infections
• GI signs (vomiting and diarrhea)

There are many reasons why pets can become itchy:

• Seasonal pollen and environmental factors
• Parasites such as fleas, mange, and ear mites
• Food sensitivities
• Infections
• Genetics (some breeds, such as Retrievers, Westies, Shar Peis, and Pugs are among the breeds with a genetic predisposition to allergic skin disease).

The first step in treating itchiness is to try to determine the cause. This involves having a veterinarian perform a complete examination of the skin. Equally important is you providing as complete a history of your pet’s itchiness and symptoms as possible. For example, itchiness that only comes about in the springtime is more likely to be a seasonal, or pollen allergy. Itchiness that is year-round is more likely to be a food allergy or a chronic environmental exposure. Pets with skin and GI signs are more likely to have a food sensitivity. Many pets can have a combination of allergies, which makes the investigation even more challenging!

Simple tests, such as skin scrapings, fungal culture, ear mite checks, ear cytology, and flea checks may be performed. In some instances, intradermal skin testing may be recommended to try to pinpoint environmental allergens. It is important to note that there is no accurate test for food allergies.

Treatment for allergies depends on the underlying cause, and can include:

• Diet change. If a food allergy is suspected, a special hypoallergenic diet trial may be recommended. These diets are specially formulated for food allergic dogs, and are quite different from commercial foods that claim to be hypoallergenic.
• Supplements. Omega 3 fatty acids are very helpful in reducing the inflammation associated with allergies.
• Parasite control. In any allergic pet, topical or oral medications that prevent flea and other parasite infestations are imperative. One flea is all it can take to set off an allergic reaction in sensitive pets. There are a multitude of options available now that are convenient, safe, affordable, and effective!
• Topical therapy. Improving the skin barrier is very important in allergy treatment. This helps prevent the allergens from getting into the skin and triggering the itchiness. Medicated shampoos, conditioners, mousses used on a regular basis can be very helpful.
• Anti-itch medications. Depending on the allergy, medications such as prednisone (a steroid), cyclosporine, apoquel, zenrellia, and cytopoint can be helpful to alleviate the inflammation and itchiness. Antihistamines may help some pets, but are generally not very effective, especially for acute flare-ups.
• Immunotherapy (IT) injections. In cases where intradermal skin testing has been performed, and specific allergens have been identified, IT therapy may be helpful to alleviate the itchiness over the long term by building up the body’s immune system.
• Avoidance. If a specific allergen can be identified, avoidance can be a very helpful way to alleviate symptoms.
• Other medications: Treatment of secondary or concurrent bacterial or yeast infections in the ears and skin is very important.

Although allergies can be a nuisance, there are many means available to us now to help keeps our pets comfortable and symptom-free!