Understanding Allergies in Pets

Pets can struggle with allergies just like we do. Their symptoms might show up differently than the run-of-the-mill sneezing and snot humans get to deal with. But the allergies are no less annoying for our furry family members! 

As we head into spring, the team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital would like to share some know-how about managing pet allergies. 

What Causes Pet Allergies? 

Allergies happen when a pet’s immune system overreacts to a substance it mistakenly perceives as harmful. These triggers are either environmental (pollen, mold, dust mites) or food-related (chicken, beef, or grains). Once triggered, the immune system puts up a whole bunch of symptoms like itchiness, inflammation, or digestive upset. This is the body’s attempt to fight off the apparent threats. 

Recognizing Pet Allergy Symptoms

Pet allergy symptoms can vary from pet to pet. That said, there are a few common signs to watch out for. They include:

• Seemingly nonstop scratching, licking, or chewing, especially on the paws or ears.
• Red, inflamed skin or hot spots (patches of red skin where fur should be).
• Sneezing, coughing, or watery eyes.
• Digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea, which occur more frequently with food allergies.
• Chronic ear infections or head shaking.

If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to see if any of the common pet allergens are to blame. 

Managing Pet Allergies

Once you identify the allergens that affect your pet, you and your veterinarian can put together an allergy management plan. For environmental allergens to things like pollen or dust, regular baths, especially after outdoor activities, can help. A high-quality air purifier can also reduce the amount of allergens inside your home.

For food-related allergies, your vet might recommend an elimination diet for your pet. In this type of diet, you’ll feed your pet a simplified diet with limited ingredients. Slowly, ingredients are reintroduced one by one until you can identify which food seems to be causing the symptoms. From there, switching to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet can work wonders for pets with food sensitivities.

If fleas are the culprit, consistent flea prevention is non-negotiable. Even a single bite can trigger intense reactions in pets with flea allergies.

Allergy Treatments for Pets

If your pet’s symptoms don’t go away with non-medicated management, you might need to level up the treatment plan. Your vet can prescribe antihistamines, corticosteroids, or other medications to manage your pet’s itching and inflammation.

In more serious cases, allergy shots (immunotherapy) can help your pet’s immune system get used to different triggers over time. 

It’s hard to watch your pet struggle with frustrating symptoms that disrupt their life—and yours. That’s why the caring team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital is here to help! Call us today at  (916) 939‑1705 to get help with your pet’s allergy symptoms.