Pet Allergies: Scratching the Surface

Just like people, our pets can suffer from allergies too—and in many cases, they’re just as miserable about it. Whether it’s seasonal, environmental, or food-related, allergies are a common cause of discomfort for both dogs and cats.

So what do allergies look like in pets? Most commonly, we see itchy skin, chronic ear infections, paw licking, and red, irritated eyes. Unlike people, pets don’t typically sneeze or get a runny nose with allergies—instead, they show their discomfort through excessive grooming or skin problems.

There are three main types of allergies we see in pets: flea allergies, food allergies, and environmental allergies (like pollen, dust, or mold). Sometimes, a combination of all three is to blame, which makes diagnosis and treatment a bit more complex.

At Two Rivers Veterinary Hospital, we start by narrowing down the most likely cause of your pet’s symptoms. We always start with flea (and therefore tick prevention), which we recommend year-round, life-long. Treatment may include a change in diet, prescription medications to relieve itching and inflammation, or allergy testing for more targeted solutions.

Allergies can’t always be cured, but they can be managed with the right care—and your pet doesn’t have to suffer in silence. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into the options we use to bring relief to itchy, uncomfortable pets.