Allergies in Pets: Common Causes, Symptoms & How We Treat Them

At myVet, we help identify the cause and create a tailored treatment plan to relieve symptoms and improve your pet’s wellbeing. Whether it’s environmental, food-related, or flea-related, we’re here to help bring your pet relief.

Common Causes of Allergies in Pets

Allergies in dogs and cats can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:

• Flea bite dermatitis — the most common allergy, caused by flea saliva
• Food allergies — certain proteins or ingredients in their diet
• Environmental allergens — pollen, dust mites, mould spores, grasses, and weeds
• Contact allergens — substances like certain shampoos, cleaning products, or fabrics

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Allergy symptoms can appear in different ways depending on the pet and the allergen involved. Common signs include:

• Persistent itching and scratching
• Red, inflamed, or irritated skin
• Recurrent ear infections or head shaking
• Hair loss or bald patches
• Hot spots (areas of infected, moist skin)
• Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing (less common in pets than people)
• Gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhoea (especially with food allergies)

How We Diagnose Allergies

Diagnosing allergies in pets can be tricky because symptoms often overlap with other conditions. At myVet, we perform a thorough physical examination and gather a detailed history. Diagnostic steps may include:

• Skin scrapings or cytology to rule out infections or parasites
• Food trials to test for dietary allergies
• Blood tests or intradermal skin testing for environmental allergens

Managing and Treating Allergies

The goal of treatment is to reduce your pet’s discomfort and improve their quality of life. Management options include:

• Flea control: Preventing flea bites is essential to avoid allergic reactions
• Dietary changes: Hypoallergenic or novel protein diets to reduce food allergy symptoms
• Medications: Antihistamines, corticosteroids, or other immune-modulating drugs to relieve itching and inflammation
• Topical treatments: Medicated shampoos and sprays to soothe irritated skin
• Allergen-specific immunotherapy: “Allergy shots” or oral drops designed to desensitise your pet to environmental allergens over time

Why Early Intervention Matters

If left untreated, allergies can lead to chronic skin infections, painful hot spots, and significant discomfort for your pet. Early diagnosis and management help prevent complications and keep your furry friend happy and healthy.