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Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been having a conversation about allergies in dogs and cats. Allergic symptoms in pets tend to flare up in the fall and spring, as the seasons change and various allergens become more exposed. Our first allergy post described atopic dermatitis and discussed the most common symptoms of environmental allergies: itchy skin. In our second post, we zoomed in on ear infections and explained why pets with allergies may experience chronic ear infections if allergies go untreated. Now it’s time for the final post in the Allergy Trilogy. Let’s dive into the basic physiology of allergies and discuss some less-common ways that environmental allergens manifest in pets.
Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been having a conversation about allergies in dogs and cats. Allergic symptoms in pets tend to flare up in the fall and spring, as the seasons change and various allergens become more exposed. Our first allergy post described atopic dermatitis and discussed the most common symptoms of environmental allergies: itchy skin. In our second post, we zoomed in on ear infections and explained why pets with allergies may experience chronic ear infections if allergies go untreated. Now it’s time for the final post in the Allergy Trilogy. Let’s dive into the basic physiology of allergies and discuss some less-common ways that environmental allergens manifest in pets.
First thing's first: what is an allergy?
This sounds like such a simple question, but many of us don’t actually know why our bodies (and our pets) experience allergies. To put it simply, an allergy is a bodily state in which our immune system overreacts when exposed to a particular substance. Any substance that causes an overreaction by the immune system is called an allergen — many of these are proteins that come from plants, animals and food.
The immune system is a defender against infection, disease, and all sorts of other nasty things. A strong immune system keeps a pet (or person) strong and healthy. In the case of an allergy, however, the immune system works against the body and causes the allergic reaction. Because the immune system is hypersensitive to a substance, any exposure to that substance kicks the immune system into overdrive and causes harm to the body (displayed in the various allergy symptoms, like itchy and irritated skin, ear infections, sneezing, congestion, watery/goopy eyes, and reverse sneezes). So how exactly can the immune system harm the body? When the immune system recognizes an allergen, it releases chemicals called histamines, which create inflammation and cause redness, swelling, and itching. If released in moderate amounts, these substances help to heal the body and protect it from harmful substances. In the case of an allergy, though, the immune system’s reaction is a bit over the top.
The immune system is a defender against infection, disease, and all sorts of other nasty things. A strong immune system keeps a pet (or person) strong and healthy. In the case of an allergy, however, the immune system works against the body and causes the allergic reaction. Because the immune system is hypersensitive to a substance, any exposure to that substance kicks the immune system into overdrive and causes harm to the body (displayed in the various allergy symptoms, like itchy and irritated skin, ear infections, sneezing, congestion, watery/goopy eyes, and reverse sneezes). So how exactly can the immune system harm the body? When the immune system recognizes an allergen, it releases chemicals called histamines, which create inflammation and cause redness, swelling, and itching. If released in moderate amounts, these substances help to heal the body and protect it from harmful substances. In the case of an allergy, though, the immune system’s reaction is a bit over the top.
Upper-Respiratory Symptoms
The only allergy symptoms that we haven’t described so far are those associated with the upper respiratory system, which include:
- watery, itchy eyes
- mucus-like discharge from the eyes and nose
- sneezing
- wheezing
- coughing
- congestion
How to Address Your Pet's Symptoms
Now that you know about the many ways allergies can manifest in our wonderful pets, what should you do if you think your pet is experiencing symptoms due to allergies?
If allergy symptoms are mild, like a case of watery eyes, and don’t seem to be bothering your pet, we may recommend simply cleaning the affected area daily. If allergy symptoms are making your pet uncomfortable, then it may be time to intervene and provide your pet with some relief.
Itchy eyes (with or without discharge) can be managed with an eye ointment or drop that contains steroids. Congestion, sneezing, and post-nasal drip (causing reverse sneezing) can be alleviated with an oral antihistamine. Cats that are experiencing wheezing and/or coughing may have asthmatic issues that are triggered or exacerbated by allergies. These patients may need short courses of oral or inhalant steroids.
Refer to our previous two allergy posts for more information about managing allergy symptoms related to the skin and ears.
As we mentioned in one of our earlier posts, allergies are managed and treated as best as we can, but they can never be cured. Controlling allergies and their symptoms early-on is a lot easier than waiting until your pet is very uncomfortable to do so. Because many allergies are seasonal and recurrent, being prepared to treat at the first sign of a flare-up will keep your pet living a happy, comfortable life!
If allergy symptoms are mild, like a case of watery eyes, and don’t seem to be bothering your pet, we may recommend simply cleaning the affected area daily. If allergy symptoms are making your pet uncomfortable, then it may be time to intervene and provide your pet with some relief.
Itchy eyes (with or without discharge) can be managed with an eye ointment or drop that contains steroids. Congestion, sneezing, and post-nasal drip (causing reverse sneezing) can be alleviated with an oral antihistamine. Cats that are experiencing wheezing and/or coughing may have asthmatic issues that are triggered or exacerbated by allergies. These patients may need short courses of oral or inhalant steroids.
Refer to our previous two allergy posts for more information about managing allergy symptoms related to the skin and ears.
As we mentioned in one of our earlier posts, allergies are managed and treated as best as we can, but they can never be cured. Controlling allergies and their symptoms early-on is a lot easier than waiting until your pet is very uncomfortable to do so. Because many allergies are seasonal and recurrent, being prepared to treat at the first sign of a flare-up will keep your pet living a happy, comfortable life!
