Stop scratching!!

Dogs and cats, just like humans, can suffer from allergies. If your pet itches, scratches, bites and licks a lot, this can be a sure sign of a common condition known as allergic or atopic dermatitis. It is the most common symptom of pet allergies, it can last a lifetime, the causes can be difficult to diagnose and, once identified, can resist treatment attempts.

Signs of allergic dermatitis usually appear within the first two years of life. If your pet begins to overgroom, licking and biting its paws, abdomen, and hindquarters, then it may be suffering from allergic dermatitis. Also check the ears, which may be red and warm to the touch. Check the armpits, muzzle, and between the toes for saliva stains. On light-colored pets, it appears as a reddish-brown stain. In chronic cases, the skin on the abdomen may change from pink to red to mottled black.

What causes allergic dermatitis? Take a look around you right now. Chances are your pet is allergic to half a dozen different substances; even microscopic substances like dust mites and mold. Food, carpets, blankets, pollen, plastic food dishes, furniture padding, plants, and grass all have the potential to trigger an allergic reaction in your dog. Food allergies are so common that pet food manufacturers have invested millions of dollars in research and development to help treat dogs and cats with food allergies.

So what can you do to limit your pet’s exposure to allergy triggers? Let’s start with something even humans are often allergic to, dust mites and mold spores. Do some extra cleaning. Even small amounts of floating dirt and dust can trigger symptoms. Dust corners and move furniture so you can clean under it. While you clean up and kick up clouds of dust, keep your pet in a different area until you’re done. Dust mites are microscopic and often flourish in mattresses and bedding. One way to keep them under control is to wash your pet’s bedding in hot water once a week. This will help keep their numbers down and hopefully reduce your pet’s symptoms. For mold spores, you may want to consider installing electrostatic filters on your heating and cooling systems. While these filters can be expensive, if you or your pets are severely allergic to mold, they can be a lifesaver.

Another common trigger for pet allergies is fleas. Pets with fleas often scratch the back half of their bodies, especially above the tail and along the back of their legs. The flea itself is not to blame. It is their saliva that causes an allergic reaction. An allergy skin test can be performed to determine if your pet is allergic to flea saliva. If the test is positive then a strict flea control regimen is required. There are many good flea remedies on the market and many natural remedies and steps a pet owner can take to reduce a pet’s exposure to fleas. Check out our Resources tab for more specific tips on natural flea control.

Pollen and inhalants can trigger allergic dermatitis in a dog or cat. A dog with hay fever usually itches on the front half. It causes face rubbing, foot licking, armpit scratching, and neck and chest scratching. Cats with hay fever tend to itch all over. They may develop small crusty bumps under their fur. The most common breeds affected by inhalant allergies are terriers, golden retrievers, poodles, dalmatians, German shepherds, sharpeis, shih tuzus, lhasa apsos, pugs, Irish setters, and schnauzers. Recurring ear infections can also be a sign of allergies to inhalants. How can you help? Quit the smoking habit. Secondhand smoke can trigger inhalant allergy symptoms in your pet. The concentration at ground level is higher than people realize. If you suspect that hay fever is making your pet itchy, bring him inside during the height of pollen season. This is particularly true in the early morning or late afternoon, when pollen counts tend to be highest. Use dust-free litter in your cat’s litter box. Dust kicked up when your cat starts digging can be an allergy trigger.

Food allergies account for only 10 percent of allergy problems in dogs. They can become allergic to a food they have eaten for years, causing owners to overlook the possibility of a food allergy. Pets often cannot tolerate soy products, wheat, corn, beef, port, chicken, milk, whey, eggs, fish, chemical preservatives, or artificial sugars in their food. In addition to itchy skin, food allergies can manifest as head shaking, ear swelling, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, sneezing, asthma symptoms, behavior changes, or seizures. Allergies to specific foods can be time consuming and difficult to pin down. Here are some tips: Don’t share your plate. There are a number of human foods that can cause problems in pets. Fermented cheese, beef sausage, canned tuna, egg whites, or even tomatoes can make symptoms worse. Some pets, like people, can be lactose intolerant. Your vet can recommend an elimination diet for your pet. This will involve completely eliminating your pet’s current diet and replacing it with a food they have never had until the symptoms subside. Then, gradually reintroduce the old foods, one at a time, until the symptoms return. Then you will know what is causing the problem. This should only be done under the supervision of a vet. Once you know what triggers your pet’s symptoms, it should be relatively easy to better control his diet.

If your pet itches, scratches, licks, or has an unhealthy-looking skin and coat, you and your pet need a diagnosis before treatment begins. Treatment of allergic dermatitis symptoms by a veterinarian may include soothing baths, ointments, and sprays with topical medications. Oral antihistamines can neutralize some of the symptoms. Be patient and be persistent. Remember, just like with humans, there is no cure for allergies. All we can do is avoid the food, material, or parasite that triggers the immune response, treat skin symptoms to lessen discomfort, and ensure your pet receives a high-quality diet.