Living in Florida, our pets are exposed to way more environmental allergens than in other climates. Between the warm weather, exposure to the hot sun, denser grasses and vegetation, and threats of insects, these all take a toll on our pet’s skin and fur. These make them more prone to skin and coat conditions and allergies.
What Is a Pet Allergy?
According to an article from urgentpet.com, “An allergy occurs when a dog or cat’s immune system overreacts to substances that are usually harmless. These substances, known as allergens, can trigger an allergic response when inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with the pet’s skin. During this reaction, their body mistakenly identifies these normal environmental substances as threats, leading to a variety of physical symptoms. The severity of these reactions can vary greatly, ranging from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening conditions.”
What are the different types of pet allergies?
1 Direct contact to allergens- such as pyrethrins found in flea collars, pesticides used on the lawn, grasses, materials such as wool or synthetics used in carpets or bedding, etc.
Symptoms: skin irritation and itching at the points of contact, usually the feet and stomach.
2 Insect bite allergy- the inflammatory response to the bite or sting of an insect (including fleas, blackflies, deerflies, horseflies, mosquitoes, ants, bees, hornets and wasps, and arachnids such as spiders and ticks) Flea saliva is the most common insect allergen in dogs and cats.
A Veterinary Specialist from cats.com writes: “This may be called ‘flea allergy’ or ‘flea allergic dermatitis’ (FAD). Flea allergies are thought to be the cause of around a third of skin problems in cats, and some cats are so sensitive they may react even if you haven’t seen a flea on them.”
Symptoms: minor local irritation from fleabites. Severe local itching causing hair loss. A secondary bacterial infection may develop in the broken skin.
Pets On The Bay recommendations: aside from in-home flea and tick treatment, we suggest a more holistic approach to treating and preventing insect allergies in dogs and cats. To treat further spreading we suggest professional bathing and then regular baths to prevent chronic skin irritations and problems. This includes our Signature Bliss Bath & Brush service with a flea treatment add on using all natural topical spray before the bath, then an all natural specialty flea shampoo. We follow the treatment with a moisturizing conditioner to put the healthy oils back into the skin and coat.
3 Inhalant Allergy- seasonal irritants such as tree pollens (cedar, ash, oak, etc.), grass pollens, weed pollens (ragweed), molds, mildew, and house dust mites. Others such as molds, mildew, and house dust mites occur year-round.
Symptoms: itchy skin, face rubbing, feet licking, body scratching.
Pets On The Bay Recommendations: regular professional bathing and grooming is necessary for certain dog breeds and when pet parents are busy, unable or choose not to do this at home. Although too much bathing can lead to dry, flaky skin and coat problems. Depending on the breed and coat type of your dog, monthly and bi-monthly baths and grooms are recommended to further treat and/or prevent skin and coat problems. For minor skin conditions: this includes our Signature Bliss Bath & Brush service with a specialty shampoo and conditioner add on with nurturing ingredients such Tee Tree Oil, Oatmeal & Aloe. For preventative care: this includes our Signature Bliss Bath & Brush service with a specialty shampoo and conditioner add on such as Shea Butter and Argan Oil.
4 Skin Contact Allergy or Food Allergy- food hypersensitivity from any protein or carbohydrate component of food. It most commonly develops in response to protein of the food of a particular food origin; dairy products, beef, wheat gluten, chicken, chicken eggs, lamb, and soy.
Symptoms: itching, digestive disorders, and respiratory distress.
General allergy symptoms to look for in your pet:
Scratching and biting their coat or skin
Red, inflamed, or infected skin
Excessive shedding
Compulsive paw licking in dogs
Boot scoots or licking their anal glands
Chronic ear infections or red, waxy ears (common for dogs who are prone to ear problems in the first place)
Respiratory issues, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing (more common in cats)
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian may perform a variety of tests, including:
Skin tests: Skin tests involve injecting small amounts of allergens into your pet’s skin and observing their reaction. Skin tests can help identify the specific allergens that are causing your dog’s allergic reactions.
Blood tests: Blood tests can measure the levels of antibodies in your pet’s blood in response to different allergens. Blood tests can help identify the specific allergens that are causing your pet’s allergic reactions.
“With cats, if food allergies have been ruled out and it is determined that they are suffering from some sort of environmental allergy, blood tests or skin tests are usually performed using subcutaneous injections to test for a response. In some cases, referral to a veterinary dermatologist may be necessary, especially if your clinic doesn’t have the appropriate equipment for skin tests, or if your cat’s case is difficult.”- Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, MRCVS
Treatment
A local Florida vet hospital suggests the following possible treatments they use to treat allergies:
Medications, including antihistamines like benadryl can reduce the impact of itchy skin.
Injectable or oral steroids work quickly to reduce painful scratching.
Non-steroidal medications can be used to control itching.
Fatty Acids can deliver powerful anti-inflammatory benefits to pets with allergies, but their impact may take between 1-3 months. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can be administered in chewable tablet, liquid form, powder or in capsule.
It can be an itchy scratchy situation when your pet develops allergies. Above all, prevention and detection are key in avoiding allergies before they become chronic. When they do persist, and your pet seems to suffer constantly from them, there are many different treatment options available. Just knowing you have a great care team in place (you, your groomer, and your vet) makes the itchy scratchies much more bearable for you and your furry baby.
Resources adapted from petallianceorlando.org, wfla.com, akc.com, vester.com, edis.ifas.ufl.edu, acmecanine.com, urgentpet.com
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