by Jennifer Sharpe
With winter behind us and warm weather ahead, there’s no better time than spring to enjoy fresh air and the Oklahoma sunshine. For many of us though, springtime also brings seasonal allergies and nagging symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes and itching.
Unfortunately, our pets can suffer from allergies too. Just like humans, their allergies can be triggered by environmental factors or food.
How do I know if my pet has allergies?
Look for clues that your pet is itchy.
“The most common clinical signs associated with allergies include scratching, licking or chewing at their paws, and red or irritated skin,” says Kelly Baptiste, DVM, of Britton Road Veterinary Clinic in Oklahoma City.
Recurrent ear infections are also common, Baptiste says.
Hair loss around the eyes, muzzle, nose and paws can occur as well, says Erin Stayton, DVM, of Veterinary Associates in Tulsa.
“Symptoms depend on what the pet is allergic to,” Stayton explains. Skin issues can include recurrent infections, and “sometimes pets have gastrointestinal signs like vomiting, diarrhea, nausea or loss of appetite.”
It’s important to see a veterinarian and rule out other causes of itching, such as fleas and skin mites.
Food allergies versus environmental allergies
Since the signs are similar, it’s important to know how to determine whether your pet is experiencing a food allergy or seasonal allergy.
“Environmental allergies typically start between 1 and 2 years old. They’re chronic and progressive,” says Stayton.
If the symptoms are worse during a particular time of year, like March or November, it might be more of a seasonal, outdoor issue. “If symptoms are year-round, we’re thinking more indoor allergen or food,” she says.
Any recent changes to food or diet can also help pinpoint a possible food allergy, Stayton adds.
“With GI signs — vomiting and chronic diarrhea — usually it’s the protein in the food. The most common food protein allergy is going to be chicken and beef, just because that’s what most pets are exposed to,” she said.
If you want to know exactly what your pet is allergic to, see a veterinary dermatologist, advises Stayton. “There are a few in the state of Oklahoma, and you might have to travel a little bit. They’re quite booked out because this is a high-allergen area.”
Using intradermal skin testing, a veterinary dermatologist can determine exactly what your pet is allergic to.
“It’s the same process as it is in humans,” says Stayton. “Your pet must be off steroids and antihistamines for a week or two before the appointment. In the office, they’ll shave a patch of skin on your pet’s side, and then they inject allergens into the skin. And if the animal gets big welts, they’re allergic to it, same as it is in people. It’s the most accurate way to test for allergies.”
Are allergies more common in some breeds?
In short, yes. But it’s very individualized.
“While allergies can occur in any breed, we frequently observe a higher incidence in Doodle-type breeds,” Baptiste says.
“Just like in humans, some people really suffer with allergies, and others never have an issue,” says Stayton. “The same is true for pets.”
Treatment options
Many options are available for treating allergies in pets, and treatment plans are individualized based on the pet and owner.
“Which road we go down, based on which allergy it is, is going to depend on clinical signs, the owner, the pet and what else is going on,” Stayton says.
“Obtaining a detailed history from the owner is essential to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan,” Baptiste explains. “In general practice, environmental allergies are typically managed in two ways: oral medications such as Apoquel or Zenrelia, or an injectable option called Cytopoint. Some pets require a combination of treatments or a trial period to determine what works best. If food allergies are suspected, a diet trial or prescription diet may be recommended.”
If it’s a seasonal allergy, simply removing pollen from your pet can make them feel noticeably better.
“You can do baths with a colloidal oatmeal-based shampoo,” Stayton says. “In-between baths, you can wipe down their paws with pet grooming wipes or baby wipes, just to remove the pollen when they come in from outside.”
Antihistamines, both over the counter and prescription, can also help. Stayton says Zyrtec over the counter is safe for dogs and cats, and some owners also find success with Claritin or Benadryl.
“There are also prescription antihistamines, like chlorpheniramine and hydroxyzine, which are nice because they don’t have a lot of negative side effects,” she says. “They can be on it long term, and we don’t have to run blood work. With some other allergy meds, we have to run blood work every six months to make sure they’re handling it OK.”
In some cases, a low-dose steroid can also be used, she adds.
With the right combination of care, medications and veterinary guidance, most pets with allergies can still enjoy the outdoors right alongside their owners.
