Cat and Dog Allergies and Dermatology

Allergies and skin conditions can be extremely uncomfortable for pets and can develop at any stage in life. If your dog or cat is showing signs of itching, irritation, or recurring skin or ear issues, it is important to consult a veterinarian. From diagnosis to management, our team is here to help your pet find relief and maintain healthy skin.

Types of Cat and Dog Allergens

Just like people, pets can develop allergies if their immune systems overreact to something in their environment. In turn, their bodies react to that allergen in an abnormal way. These allergens can be grouped into several categories.

Environmental allergens

Common environmental allergens include pollen, grass, dust mites, mold, and fibers from plants or animals. Many allergens may be present in your home or yard, making identification and management especially important.

Food allergens

Food allergies may develop over time and are often linked to specific proteins.

• Common cat food allergens: beef, fish, chicken
• Common dog food allergens: beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat

Contact allergens

Some pets may react to materials they come into direct contact with, such as wool or synthetic fibers found in carpets, bedding, or clothing.

Other allergens

Your pet might have an allergic reaction to a bee, wasp sting or spider bite. Though rare, pets can also have an allergic reaction to a vaccination.

Common Dog and Cat Allergy Symptoms

Allergies can affect multiple body systems. Common signs include:

Skin

• Excessive scratching or itching, chewing or licking (especially face and paws)
• Red, inflamed, or oozing areas (“hot spots”)
• Hair loss, rashes, hives or skin discolorations

Ears

• Frequent ear infections
• Head shaking or scratching
• Redness, swelling or odor.

Eyes

• Watering or crusty eyes
• Excessive squinting

Digestive System

• Vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or decreased appetite
• Increase or decrease in urination or defecation

Respiratory System

• Sneezing
• Runny or congested nose
• Coughing or “noisy” breathing

Seasonal Allergies in Dogs and Cats

Just like people, pets can experience seasonal allergies. Common triggers include pollen, mold, and grass, especially in spring, summer, and fall. Depending on where you live, these allergies might pop up at other times of the year too.

How do veterinarians diagnose allergies in dogs and cats?

To diagnose your pet's allergies, our veterinarians will start by taking a detailed history and doing a physical exam. In some cases, we may also do skin testing to check for bacterial infections or other issues or food trials, if food allergies are a potential concern.

Pet Allergy Treatment

While allergies cannot be cured, they can often be successfully managed. At MetroVet Veterinary Clinic we will tailor a treatment plan to your pets specific needs, which may include:

• Allergy medications such as antihistamines or steroids
• Allergy injections or immunotherapy
• Prescription diets or elimination diets
• Strategies to reduce exposure to known allergens.

Other Cat and Dog Dermatology Conditions That We Treat

In addition to allergies, our veterinarians can diagnose and manage a variety of skin conditions, including:

• Skin and ear infections
• Fleas and flea allergy dermatitis
• Ringworm
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Dry or flaky skin
• Hot spots
• And more!

Veterinary Dermatology Specialist Referrals

While we provide comprehensive dermatology care, some chronic or complex conditions may require advanced diagnostics and treatments. In these cases, we may recommend a consultation with one of the dermatologists within our extended hospital network. At MetroVet Veterinary Clinic, we have access to multiple board certified specialists that act as an extension of your pets’ health care team. For some pets, referral directly to a dermatologist may be needed. We will walk you through the steps to have a smooth and successful referral process.

Pet Dermatology Near You

If you think your pet is suffering from allergies or another skin condition, call us at (857) 277-7781 or book an appointment online below!