Signs of allergies are slightly different in animals versus people. Animals tend to scratch, rub, lick and chew themselves rather than sneezing and becoming congested. An unfortunate group develop all the signs and really suffer! Often all this activity leads to hair loss and rashes. The rash actually represents an infection of the skin, this is called dermatitis. Often there is a slightly pungent odor associated with dermatitis due to the bacterial levels on the skin. Occasionally, animals will vomit or have diarrhea and this is often due to a food allergy. Felines will often have skin problems without any itching.

What are allergies anyway you ask… Allergies represent the body’s immune system reacting abnormally to various common substances found in the environment. Virtually anything may cause an allergy, each creature is unique in his or her allergic threshold. We may see allergic problems seasonally or all year round. The immune system works to protect the body from alien substances, such as bacteria, viruses or fungus. Antibodies are produced, which act to destroy the alien forces. In the allergic dog or cat, the immune system recognizes common elements from the environment as alien, waging the war against them. These elements are called allergens and represent a vast array. Dust, pollen, grasses, trees, insects, mold, dander, foods and chemicals are just a few of the common allergens. They irritate the immune system, causing the release of antibody defenders, which seek out the allergen and bond to it. This results in a series of chemical reactions, releasing substances in the bloodstream, which produce itching, and inflammation. One of these substances, or mediators, is histamine. This is the reason for anti-histamines, such as Benadryl. They work to block histamine and painful itch and redness.

Although there are numerous types of allergies in dogs and cats, these are the three, which cause the bulk of the problems: Flea Bite Allergic Dermatitis, Atopy and Food Hypersensitivity. Flea Bite Allergic Dermatitis is the reaction to fleas biting the animal, injecting saliva, which starts the immune system cascade and reaction. Often only a few fleas can cause a significant problem in the animal, making it miserable. Since fleas like the dark, warm areas the best they often hang out around the rear and belly. Itching will be pronounced there and usually result in hair thinning and loss. Atopy refers to allergies due to the environment, which are inhaled, such as the pollen and molds mentioned before. Food hypersensitivity represents those allergies due to a substance in the animal’s diet. There are many possible items; common causes are dairy products, beef, fish, pork, chicken, wheat, corn and soy.

Finding out the culprit or culprits behind the allergy is a tricky affair without an easy approach. Since there are so many causes of allergies, there is not a single test to prove one or another. Usually, your veterinarian will start with a thorough physical exam and family history. Occasionally, the presence of certain patterns on the skin will indicate the problem, such as in the case of Flea Bite Allergic Dermatitis. Other diagnostic options are skin scrapings, fungal cultures, bacterial culture, heartworm test, fecal exam, and complete blood counts. After ruling out these tests without successfully finding the problem, skin biopsy and allergy testing may be done. A skin biopsy usually shows exactly what is going on at the cell layer of the skin, often reflecting the inciting process. Allergy testing is done either intradermally (via the skin) or as a blood test. This identifies the specific allergens, which allows direct desensitization to the allergens. There are advantages and disadvantages to either method and your veterinarian can best explain them to you.

Treatment involves a myriad of methods depending on the cause. Food allergies are probably the most straight forward to treat. A special diet, an elimination diet, is fed for a certain period of time (usually 4 – 6 weeks). An elimination diet is a diet, which has a limited number of protein sources and no artificial flavors or colors. Examples are Fish and Potato, Lamb and Rice, Venison and Potato even Kangaroo. The goal is to offer the digestive system something which it has never been exposed to and most dogs in the United States have definitely eaten a kangaroo before! This allows their immune system to idle and prevents that nasty tirade of events. Only the special diet may be fed, so treats are a no-no and may spur on trouble. Other therapies may include oral medications, injections, special shampoos, topical ointments or environmental treatments. If fleas are the problem they can be eliminated via topical and oral medication from your veterinarian. If allergy testing has been performed, the animal can undergo hyposensitization. Don’t worry this is not as awful as it sounds! Basically, a special mixture of allergens is created based on your companion’s allergies. This solution is injected into the animal following a specific schedule designed by your veterinarian. Usually, only a small amount is needed and the needles are tiny, so your beloved barely feels the prick. Approximately 75% of the animals respond within 9 months of treatment. Some still require additional medication, while others only need regular injections spaced out in intervals.

Recently, diets have been developed which contain substances called fatty acids. These are the omega fatty acids found in fish, which are so good for our hearts. They also serve to decrease the inflammation and itch in at least 25% of the allergic animals. Your veterinarian may prescribe a fatty acid supplement in addition to a special diet. These supplements are formulated with a specific ratio of the different types of fatty acids to best support the skin function.

Overall, allergies are a nuisance to our animal companions and us. By working with your veterinarian and following their recommendations, hopefully your pet will enjoy a more comfortable existence and you will sleep easier. Best of luck!