Allergies & itchy skin

Itchy skin and ear disease in dogs & cats are commonly seen by our vets at Bentleigh Vet Clinic.

Allergies cause these and it can be a very frustrating condition for both the pet and the pet owner. But, there are many things you can try to help alleviate the symptoms. Most skin allergies are due to airborne pollens and not food. It is estimated that over 85% of cases are due to the inhalation or ingestion of pollens. Skin allergies are difficult to determine and blood or skin testing is often required to help diagnose the problem.

Types of allergies include:

Flea bite (flea saliva sensitivity)
Food
Atopy (inhaled allergies)
Contact

SIGNS

The development of illness due to an allergic reaction to an inhaled,

contact, or ingested allergen.

Pets show signs of allergies in very different ways to our typical signs of sneezing and coughing. So, it's important for us to be able to detect signs of allergies in pets:

Excessive licking
General odor
Ear inflammation or discharge
Copper-stained paws
Hair loss
Circular crusty skin lesions
Red pimples
Greasy skin
Dandruff
Thickened skin

The distribution of skin lesions may also indicate the cause of allergies. Here are some commonly affected areas by allergic causes. Please note that this may not apply to all cases.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis of allergies is based on:

History
Physical exam
Parasite control
Skin smears
Skin scrapings
Cultures
Urine tests
Blood tests
Allergy testing

MANAGEMENT

Allergy management may consist of:

Avoidance of allergens
Air filters to reduce allergens in the home environment
Removal of shoes to minimize allergens being brought into the home environment
Regular flea control
Veterinary medications to relieve symptoms such as antihistamines or corticosteroids
Veterinary medications such as Oclacitinib or Cyclosporine
Dietary supplements such as fatty acids
Topical treatments such as medicated shampoos or skin ointments
Desensitization from allergy testing and shots