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The snow has melted, and rain has arrived. Spring is officially here, and with it comes those wonderful allergies that we all love so much. As the world around us thaws out, trees start budding and grass goes from brown to green. Particles of pollen, molds, dust, dander and other allergens are kicked up into the air. All of these airborne allergens gain entry to our bodies through our eyes, nose, mouths and skin, and they overwhelm our immune system. Dogs and cats are affected by allergens too. Their symptoms tend to manifest more commonly in the skin whereas human allergies more often affect our upper respiratory system (eyes, nose, mouth and sinuses). While we’re all blowing our noses and trying to see our computer screens through watery eyes, our pets are dealing with a rather uncomfortable itch. This type of allergic reaction is called “atopic dermatitis.” Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. The best we can do is control symptoms so that our fur babies stay comfortable as the seasons change.
*Pets can also experience ear infections and upper respiratory symptoms due to allergies, including nasal discharge, goopy eyes, and sneezing. We’ll cover these types of allergies in future blog posts. Today we are focusing on symptoms of the skin.
First of all, we’d like to make it clear that environmental allergens are not the only reason why a pet may be itchy. Parasites, fleas, food allergies, and infections can all cause skin irritations. So how do you know if your pet is itchy from allergies, or from something else? The best thing you can do is speak with your veterinary practice. Keep reading for some information to consider when trying to determine if your pet is suffering from atomic dermatitis.
The snow has melted, and rain has arrived. Spring is officially here, and with it comes those wonderful allergies that we all love so much. As the world around us thaws out, trees start budding and grass goes from brown to green. Particles of pollen, molds, dust, dander and other allergens are kicked up into the air. All of these airborne allergens gain entry to our bodies through our eyes, nose, mouths and skin, and they overwhelm our immune system. Dogs and cats are affected by allergens too. Their symptoms tend to manifest more commonly in the skin whereas human allergies more often affect our upper respiratory system (eyes, nose, mouth and sinuses). While we’re all blowing our noses and trying to see our computer screens through watery eyes, our pets are dealing with a rather uncomfortable itch. This type of allergic reaction is called “atopic dermatitis.” Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. The best we can do is control symptoms so that our fur babies stay comfortable as the seasons change.
*Pets can also experience ear infections and upper respiratory symptoms due to allergies, including nasal discharge, goopy eyes, and sneezing. We’ll cover these types of allergies in future blog posts. Today we are focusing on symptoms of the skin.
First of all, we’d like to make it clear that environmental allergens are not the only reason why a pet may be itchy. Parasites, fleas, food allergies, and infections can all cause skin irritations. So how do you know if your pet is itchy from allergies, or from something else? The best thing you can do is speak with your veterinary practice. Keep reading for some information to consider when trying to determine if your pet is suffering from atomic dermatitis.
Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs
Atopic dermatitis develops when a dog absorbs allergens through the skin. There are certain areas of a dog’s body that are more likely to have a defective skin barrier. These areas are more likely to develop allergic symptoms and include the eyes, ears, armpits, abdomen, legs, feet and anus.
Development of Symptoms
Dogs with atopic dermatitis tend to chew and lick their feet. If your dog is a bit more obsessed with his paws, he may be feeling itchy. Constant scratching, licking and chewing can discolor the fur and even cause hair loss. The ears are also commonly affected by atopic dermatitis. Dogs with environmental allergies can develop inflammation in the ear canal, causing recurrent ear infections, redness of the ear pinna, and smelly/waxy ears. Remember that seasonal allergies are just that — seasonal. Dogs with atopic dermatitis will show symptoms most commonly in the spring and fall.
Food allergies can also cause itchy symptoms in dogs. These symptoms can occur any time a dog is exposed to the food allergen, and they are not seasonal. A hypersensitivity to a food protein, carbohydrate, or other ingredient can cause an immune response. The only way to diagnose a food allergy vs. an environmental allergy is to place your dog on a food trial. A food trial involves changing the ingredients in your dog’s diet and monitoring for resolution of symptoms. Food trial guidelines are extremely strict, and these trials are best conducted with the guidance of a veterinarian.
Food allergies can also cause itchy symptoms in dogs. These symptoms can occur any time a dog is exposed to the food allergen, and they are not seasonal. A hypersensitivity to a food protein, carbohydrate, or other ingredient can cause an immune response. The only way to diagnose a food allergy vs. an environmental allergy is to place your dog on a food trial. A food trial involves changing the ingredients in your dog’s diet and monitoring for resolution of symptoms. Food trial guidelines are extremely strict, and these trials are best conducted with the guidance of a veterinarian.
Testing
The gold standard for skin allergy testing in dogs is an intradermal skin test performed by a veterinary dermatologist. Some labs also offer blood or cheek swab testing for allergies, which can be helpful but are not as accurate as intradermal testing.
Treatment & Management
Treatment involves relieving symptoms so that dogs feel more comfortable. The first thing your vet will do is rule out other causes of the itchiness, such as fleas. They will then look for any secondary infection. Allergies that go untreated can cause bacterial and yeast infections of the skin. Antibiotics and anti-fungal medications will resolve the infection and help to relieve itchiness/irritation.
Besides treating any secondary infections with an antibiotic, veterinarians may recommend allergy medications in a pill or injection form. These medications work similarly to human antihistamines to block inflammation and itchy symptoms.
Aside from medications, there are additional measures that dog owners can take to give their pups relief from the itch of atopic dermatitis. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals within the skin. Unlike medications, supplements take longer to show effects (up to six weeks). Veterinarians will often recommend that dogs with atopic dermatitis be put on both supplements and medications, so that immediate symptoms like itchiness can be controlled while skin health is also supported long-term.
Keeping your dog and home clean is another simple action you can take to reduce allergen exposure. Bathing your dog weekly will help to remove allergens from her coat and soothe her skin. Regular baths also reduce bacterial and yeast populations and repair the skin barrier. For dogs with more severe allergies, medicated shampoos provide more long-term itch relief and moisture. These can be purchased from your veterinary clinic. In addition to washing your dog, make sure to also wash her bedding on a weekly basis.
There are a multitude of other topical products available to help provide comfort to dogs with seasonal skin allergies. These products range from ear cleaners and ear medications to medicated sprays, mousses, and ointments. Your veterinarian will help customize a plan that works best for you, your pet, and your budget. Many food companies have created diets high in omega 3’s and other ingredients that may promote skin health by strengthening the skin’s barrier against allergens.
Pearl is an excellent example of the wonders that allergy treatment can do for a pet’s quality of life! Take a look at some “before and after” photos…
Besides treating any secondary infections with an antibiotic, veterinarians may recommend allergy medications in a pill or injection form. These medications work similarly to human antihistamines to block inflammation and itchy symptoms.
Aside from medications, there are additional measures that dog owners can take to give their pups relief from the itch of atopic dermatitis. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals within the skin. Unlike medications, supplements take longer to show effects (up to six weeks). Veterinarians will often recommend that dogs with atopic dermatitis be put on both supplements and medications, so that immediate symptoms like itchiness can be controlled while skin health is also supported long-term.
Keeping your dog and home clean is another simple action you can take to reduce allergen exposure. Bathing your dog weekly will help to remove allergens from her coat and soothe her skin. Regular baths also reduce bacterial and yeast populations and repair the skin barrier. For dogs with more severe allergies, medicated shampoos provide more long-term itch relief and moisture. These can be purchased from your veterinary clinic. In addition to washing your dog, make sure to also wash her bedding on a weekly basis.
There are a multitude of other topical products available to help provide comfort to dogs with seasonal skin allergies. These products range from ear cleaners and ear medications to medicated sprays, mousses, and ointments. Your veterinarian will help customize a plan that works best for you, your pet, and your budget. Many food companies have created diets high in omega 3’s and other ingredients that may promote skin health by strengthening the skin’s barrier against allergens.
Pearl is an excellent example of the wonders that allergy treatment can do for a pet’s quality of life! Take a look at some “before and after” photos…
Atopic Dermatitis in Cats
Itchy cats will scratch, chew, lick and rub their skin in an effort to experience relief. Allergies aren’t the only contributor to itchiness; fungal infections and external parasites are other common culprits. Just like with dogs, cats are exposed to allergens through the skin barrier. Fleas are a common cause of allergies in cats (particularly if they go outside), and the easiest allergen to control. Simply treating a cat year-round with a monthly flea preventative like Frontline will keep a cat symptom-free. If your cat is already on a monthly flea preventative and is still showing signs of itchiness, he may be allergic to one or more allergens in his environment.
Food allergies can also cause itchy symptoms in cats. These symptoms can occur any time a cat is exposed to the food allergen, and they are not seasonal. A hypersensitivity to a food protein, carbohydrate, or other ingredient can cause an immune response. The only way to diagnose a food allergy vs. an environmental allergy is to place your cat on a food trial. A food trial involves changing the ingredients in your cat’s diet and monitoring for resolution of symptoms. Food trial guidelines are extremely strict, and these trials are best conducted with the guidance of a veterinarian.
Food allergies can also cause itchy symptoms in cats. These symptoms can occur any time a cat is exposed to the food allergen, and they are not seasonal. A hypersensitivity to a food protein, carbohydrate, or other ingredient can cause an immune response. The only way to diagnose a food allergy vs. an environmental allergy is to place your cat on a food trial. A food trial involves changing the ingredients in your cat’s diet and monitoring for resolution of symptoms. Food trial guidelines are extremely strict, and these trials are best conducted with the guidance of a veterinarian.
Development of Symptoms
Atopic dermatitis develops when a cat absorbs allergens through the skin in areas with a more sensitive skin barrier. Cats with atopic dermatitis tend to over-groom and bite at the abdomen, and they may develop ear infections. The eyes, mouth, abdomen, feet, ears, and anal area are most likely to become inflamed and itchy in a cat experiencing atopic dermatitis. Obsessive licking, scratching and grooming can cause further skin irritation and even hair loss in these areas. Some cats will develop red plaque-like lesions. These can occur on the back of the rear legs, the belly, and around the mouth.
Treatment & Management
Just like with dogs, there is no way to cure a cat with atopic dermatitis. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. Oral allergy medications are usually recommended and come in pill and liquid forms. Omega-3 fatty acids can be given as well to support skin health. These come in capsule form with liquid contents that taste fishy and can be squeezed out on food — most cats consider these to be a delicious addition to their daily meal! Fish oil supplements will take longer than oral medications to show effects, and most veterinarians recommend that medications and supplements are given in conjunction for optimal relief of dermatitis symptoms.
Over-grooming in a cat can also be a sign of stress. Your vet may ask you about any recent changes in your household that may have created an unrecognized stress in your cat before considering the use of medications or a food trial or diet change.
Over-grooming in a cat can also be a sign of stress. Your vet may ask you about any recent changes in your household that may have created an unrecognized stress in your cat before considering the use of medications or a food trial or diet change.
