All animals, including pets, can develop allergies to food, dust, fleabites, or certain chemicals. Mold, pollen, feathers, dust mites, and danger may trigger allergic reactions, too, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Generally, dogs with allergies experience itching, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and digestive distress. Cats exhibit similar symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, localized reactions, and respiratory problems.
Pet allergies are usually treated with medications and ointments or through desensitization. For example, your vet may prescribe corticosteroids to keep inflammation under control. Antihistamines, on the other hand, can ease your pet’s symptoms by suppressing histamine, a chemical that regulates the immune response, explains the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Treatment depends on the severity and type of allergy.
This health condition is more than just a nuisance. In some cases, pet allergies can become fatal or cause complications. Today’s Veterinary Practice warns that pets may develop anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency care. Other complications can impact your pet’s skin, eyes, or internal organs, leading to lifelong problems.
Skin allergies may cause secondary infections in pets
Is your pet licking or chewing his paws or rubbing her face against the carpet? If this problem persists, it might be a sign of atopic dermatitis, says the American Animal Hospital Association. Atopic dermatitis impacts about 10% of dogs, being one of the most common skin allergies in pets. Its symptoms range from constant itching to sneezing and watery eyes. Dogs with skin allergies may also exhibit behavioral problems, such as excessive grooming, mounting, and chewing things around the house.
Cats can develop skin allergies, too. The symptoms are similar to those of canine atopic dermatitis and may include itchiness, crusts, and hair loss due to excessive scratching. This condition can also increase their risk of ear infections, causing even more itching and discomfort. You may also notice open sores and ulcers on your cat’s skin, warns PetMD.
As the American Kennel Club notes, pets with skin allergies are prone to secondary infections. The constant scratching and licking may cause wounds that can become infected with bacteria or fungi. Some pets develop yeast dermatitis, a fungal infection characterized by dark spots, flaky or thickened skin, inflammation, redness, and foul odors. This problem may also increase the risk of ear infections, such as otitis externa.