Could It Be Allergies?

Written By Andrew Marshall, DVM
 

Is your dog constantly licking their paws? Does your cat scratch behind the ears until the skin is raw? Are ear infections becoming a frustrating routine? If so, you’re not alone — and your pet may be dealing with allergies.

Allergies are a common cause of chronic skin and ear problems in both dogs and cats. The signs can be subtle at first: a bit more scratching here, some licking there, a pink belly, or a musty-smelling ear. Over time, these signs can become more severe and harder to manage without help. Fortunately, there’s a lot we can do.

What Do Pet Allergies Look Like?

Allergic pets don’t sneeze the same way people do. Instead, allergies in dogs and cats often show up as:

- Constant scratching or biting at the skin

- Licking or chewing the paws

- Red, irritated skin or rashes

- Frequent ear infections or head shaking

- Hair loss or scabbing

- Scooting or excessive grooming

These symptoms may flare up seasonally or persist all year long.

Common Causes of Allergies in Pets

When we’re trying to get to the bottom of your pet’s itchiness, we think about three main categories of allergies:

1. Fleas/parasites on the skin: Even WITHOUT A FLEA INFESTATION, just one flea bite can cause intense itching, especially in allergic pets. That’s why our first step is always to ensure your pet is on an effective flea and tick preventative year-round.

2. Food: Food allergies often develop over time and can cause similar signs to environmental allergies. To rule this out, we often recommend a 6–8 week diet trial using a hydrolyzed protein diet — this means a special food that’s broken down so the immune system can’t recognize the proteins as allergens.

3. Environmental Allergies (Atopy): If flea control is in place and food trials are unsuccessful, we likely have an allergic pet who is reacting to environmental triggers like pollen, dust mites, or mold.

You’re Not Alone — and Your Pet Doesn’t Have to Suffer

Allergies can be frustrating, but with a step-by-step approach and a little patience, we can dramatically improve your pet’s quality of life. Every scratch, lick, and head shake is your pet trying to tell you something — and we’re here to help you listen.

If your dog or cat is showing signs of allergies, schedule an appointment with us today. Let’s work together to make your best friend comfortable again, using evidence-based medicine.

How We Help Itchy Pets Feel Better

The good news? There are many effective tools to relieve your pet’s discomfort — and support long-term health.

1. Daily Support for Skin Health

Adding a daily Omega-3 fatty acid supplement can reduce skin inflammation and improve coat health. There are a lot of ineffective products on the market, with not enough Omega-3s. Look for high-quality products like:

- Welactin

- JustFoodForDogs Omega Plus

- Nordic Naturals for Pets

2. Over-the-Counter Antihistamines

For some pets, Zyrtec (cetirizine) can offer mild itch relief. The general dosing is:

- Dogs: 10mg per 10 pounds of body weight, given once or twice daily

- Cats: 5mg per cat, given once daily

(Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any medication at home, as this medication can interact with others.)

3. Bathing and Topicals

If environmental allergies are to blame, frequent medicated baths (2–3 times a month) can help rinse allergens off the skin and reduce flare-ups. Topical mousses, sprays, and leave-in conditioners can also soothe irritated areas between baths.

4. Prescription Medications for Itch Relief

Some pets need stronger tools to break the itch-scratch cycle:

- For dogs: Apoquel – A daily oral medication that blocks the itch signal quickly and effectively.

- For dogs: Cytopoint – An injection that provides itch relief for 4–8 weeks by targeting specific itch-causing proteins in the body.

- For cats: Atopica – An immune-modulating liquid medication given daily that can greatly reduce the signs of environmental allergy in cats.

When to See a Specialist

If your pet’s allergies are persistent or difficult to manage, a veterinary dermatologist may be the next best step. These specialists can offer advanced testing, customized immunotherapy (“allergy shots”), and long-term management plans.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQ)

Q: Do indoor pets still get allergies?
A: Absolutely! Indoor pets are still exposed to allergens like dust mites, mold, and even indoor plants or foods. Allergies don’t require outdoor exposure.

Q: What are the most common types of allergies in pets?
A: Dogs and cats can develop allergies to environmental triggers (like pollen or dust), certain foods, or flea bites. These often show up as itchy skin, ear infections, or paw licking.

Q: How do I know if my dog or cat has allergies?
A: Signs include constant scratching, licking paws, red or inflamed skin, recurring ear infections, or scooting. If these symptoms don’t resolve quickly, an underlying allergy could be the cause.

Q: Can allergies be cured, or just managed?
A: Most pet allergies can’t be “cured,” but they can be well managed with a combination of supplements, diet trials, flea control, bathing, supplements, and medications.

Q: What’s the best way to treat allergies at home?
A: Start with consistent flea prevention, consider an Omega-3 supplement, and talk to your vet about doing a prescription food trial. Regular medicated baths and antihistamines like Zyrtec can also help.

Andrew Marshall, DVM
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