Allergies

An itchy pet is one of the most frustrating things a pet owner can deal with, and allergic skin disease is the most common medical problem we see. Allergies are not life-threatening, but the constant itch can make your pet miserable. Identifying the underlying cause is the key to giving your pet long-term relief.

In allergic animals, the immune system mistakenly targets a harmless protein in the environment (such as pollen, grass, mould, or dust mites) and triggers an itch signal whenever it is encountered. Most allergies look the same: an itchy red pet. Animals rarely show “hay fever” type signs. Pets often have more than one allergy at the same time.

Persistent scratching, chewing, and head rubbing can lead to open wounds, hair loss, and secondary infections. You may notice an unpleasant smell, greasy or flaky skin, recurrent ear infections, or itching around the anal area. Cats more commonly itch around the face or neck, producing scabs and hair loss.

Regardless of cause, most allergies present similarly as an itchy red pet. Some pets are unfortunately allergic to two or more of the following:

Biting insects

Fleas, mosquitoes, and sandflies are common triggers. The allergy is caused by the insect’s saliva and only takes a few bites. Itchy pets often groom adult fleas off their coat, so an absence of visible fleas does not rule them out. In warm climates, fleas survive year-round, so vigilant flea and biting insect control is essential for every allergic patient regardless of the underlying cause.

Food allergy

Some pets develop hypersensitivity to a food protein, carbohydrate, preservative, or dye. Most affected pets have been eating the offending food for years; a recent diet change is not usually the cause. Symptoms are usually skin-related but can include vomiting or diarrhoea.

Contact allergy

Direct skin contact with an irritant such as Rhoeo or certain grasses. Only the skin that touches the irritant becomes red, so the feet, belly, and chest are typically affected.

Atopy (atopic dermatitis)

One of the most common causes of itch in animals, with a strong genetic and immune component. It usually presents between 1 and 3 years of age and is triggered by environmental allergens such as pollens, moulds, and dust mites. The skin barrier in atopic pets does not form the normal tight protective layer, allowing allergens and infection to penetrate. Classic signs include chewing the paws, red itchy ears, and a red itchy belly. It is often seasonal at first.

Secondary infections

Allergies are commonly the underlying cause of recurring bacterial and yeast skin and ear infections. These secondary infections increase the level of itch significantly and need to be confirmed through skin testing. Treatment usually involves oral or topical antibacterials and antifungals alongside medicated bathing.

There are several trials we can run to identify which group your pet falls into. These trials must be done 100% by the book, otherwise the result is meaningless.

Biting insect trial

Vigilant flea and biting insect control on your pet, all in-contact pets, and the environment. Anti-inflammatory medication may be needed short-term to settle the reaction and allow healing. Once an insect bite allergy develops, there is no cure. For mosquitoes, avoidance is most effective: keep your pet inside in a screened area at dusk and dawn. Animal-safe insect repellents may help, but use with caution in cats.

Food allergy trial

The only reliable way to diagnose food allergy is a strict hypoallergenic diet trial for 8 to 12 weeks. The diet must contain a unique protein source broken down into the smallest possible units to minimise reaction. Home-prepared diets cannot match this. We recommend Royal Canin Anallergenic. No table scraps, treats, or titbits during the trial. If signs resolve on the diet, a food challenge with the previous diet is performed to confirm. Blood and skin tests are not reliable for food allergy in dogs and cats.

Contact allergy trial

Approach is tailored to your pet and discussed at your consultation. Closed patch testing may be required.

Atopy trial

Performed last if the other three trials are negative. Diagnosis is made through intradermal skin testing by a dermatologist, which identifies allergens for an allergen-specific immunotherapy “vaccine” to reduce sensitivity. Improving skin barrier function and controlling secondary infections is critical for success. Approximately 50% of dogs receiving immunotherapy have an excellent response, 25% have a moderate response, and 25% have no response.

Skin barrier and nutrition

Healthy skin requires ceramides and balanced essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) to maintain its barrier function, reduce inflammation, and stay hydrated. Several specialist skin support diets have been shown to reduce atopy symptoms. Oatmeal shampoos and conditioners, ceramide conditioners, and bath oils all help short-term hydration and irritation relief. Always use an animal-licensed, low-irritant shampoo as directed by your vet.

Anti-allergy medications can reduce itching, but they do not cure the underlying allergy. Without addressing the cause, the itch returns when medication stops. Long-term use of some medications, particularly steroids, can cause significant health problems. Working with us to identify the cause may reduce the need for medication or allow more targeted treatment.

No. Allergy is usually a life-long condition that takes time and patience to control. If your pet is only affected for a few weeks each year, a short course of treatment may be all that is needed. More severe or chronic cases need long-term management. We will tailor a plan to improve your pet’s quality of life.

Track your pet’s response week by week. If anything is worsening, or not improving as expected, contact us.

• Itch level: reducing in frequency and intensity (less scratching, chewing, head rubbing)
• Skin: less redness, no new wounds, hair regrowing in affected areas
• Ears: no head shaking, no smell, no discharge, comfortable to touch
• Coat: less greasy or flaky, no unpleasant smell □Behaviour: sleeping comfortably, less restless, normal energy levels
• Treatments: all medications, shampoos, and ear products given as directed
• Diet: if on a food trial, no scraps, treats, or flavoured medications
• Parasite control: flea and biting insect prevention given on schedule, year-round.