Skin allergies are common in pets. Manifestations such as skin itch, eye and nasal expulsions and sneezing, and/or stomach upsets and/or lesions may be signs of an allergy occurring. Skin allergy is one major cause of several skin diseases visible in pets.

Common Causes

As defined, an allergy is a hypersensitivity response to allergy-causing factors also known as ‘allergens’ or ‘antigens.’ Humans as well as pets often acquire allergies in all stages of life, and the appearance of signs can be delayed or abrupt.

Flea saliva is on typical source of allergy for pets. The presence of a single flea can trigger severe itching on these allergic pets. The symptoms of allergies are according to climate zones where fleas are eradicated by the cold season and a year-round dilemma during the hot season.

Atopic dermatitis and allergic inhalant dermatitis, otherwise known as Atopy, is a skin problem in pets caused by the reaction to inhaled particles including house dust, pollens and molds. This common type of allergy typically begins at a moderately early age. In very rare cases, pets may also be allergic to chemical ingredients in carpets, flea collars, soaps, and waxes. Some pets can also acquire allergies due to insect bites and stings. Food allergies often lead to diarrhea and/or skin lesions.

Signs and Symptoms

The primary symptom of allergic skin reaction is severe itching. On the surface the affected area may look normal or ‘hot spots’ may appear red and moist in some areas. The bacterial infection may result in producing dried crusts and pus.

The pet is most likely to scratch persistently and lick the skin irritation. Flea allergies usually begin over the pet’s tail and near the back area. The pet’s abdomen, chest, face, and feet are more prone to dust-type and pollen allergies. Contact allergies are visible mostly on the hairless spots of the abdomen and on the palms of the feet or paw.


Treatment

Typically, allergies can be controlled if not cured. Antihistamines and corticosteroids are the main prescriptions by your veterinarian to relieve your pet from the severe itching. And it has been proven that such treatment will stop the self-mutilation. The pet owner will be directed to provide corticosteroid tablets in diminishing dosages for a couple of months.

Potent drugs like corticosteroids should not be carelessly administered for over a period of time without prescription. The secret in managing flea allergies in pets is to eliminate the parasites not only on the animal itself but also with its surroundings.

Hyposensitization (immunotherapy) is another development in allergy control. In this treatment, a proper diagnosis by blood or intradermal testing is needed. The pet is then injected with small amounts of the allergenic substance at different intervals for the whole year round.