Skin Allergies and Itching in Dogs and Cats
Allergies cause itchy skin in dogs and cats and are a very common problem here in South Texas.
Symptoms: itchy skin and ear infections,
Allergies can be from the air, fleas, food, or from contact with grass, or any type of material that the pet may
step or lie on.
In cats: small bumps may appear on the head, neck, shoulders, and the tail-head area.
Airborne allergies are the most common allergies seen in pets and people.
 The pet inhales the airborne allergen particle, like pollen or mold, which is then carried to the skin of the
ears, lower back and feet and causes an intense itchy reaction.
 The pet scratches his body and creates areas of self trauma that show up as hair loss and red, inflamed,
and sometimes even raw bloody skin. These are known as hotspots. High heat and humidity also
contribute to the above condition.
Common allergens: cedar and oak trees, molds, grasses, ragweed, and even house dust mites.
 It varies pet to pet, and it can show up at anytime in the pets’ life-(usually at 2-6 years of age)
 The pets body must see the allergen for a while before it over reacts to it, which is why allergies are
usually seen in pets who are least 6 months or older.
Cortisone shots or pills are the most direct, effective, and simplest way to control and treat allergies.
 Cortisone shot can be given as often as once a month, but no more than five times a year.
 Cortisone pills are not as dramatic and thorough as the shot, but they work reasonably well and are very
helpful for mild conditions or for older pets.
 Pets 8 years of age or older require blood work to check the: gall bladder, liver, kidneys, sugar, and
protein levels, as an abnormality in these areas may prevent the use of cortisone or other medicines.
Flea allergies cause: hair loss on the lower back/tail head area, as the fleas cause severe itching and
scratching.
 Flea products like Advantage, Frontline, Revolution, or Advantage Multi on a monthly basis year round
may be enough to eliminate all the scratching, although airborne allergies may also be contributing to the
reaction.
*Again, year round flea control is the solution for flea infestations.*
Food allergies can present its self with the same symptoms as the airborne allergies: with itchy skin and
inflamed ears.
 For food allergies, a special diet of Duck and Potato, or Science Diet Z/D formula is available for both
dog and cats.
 In 20-30% of pets this special diet is often helpful in removing or drastically reducing the reaction.
Contact allergies cause: red, inflamed, itchy skin where the pet steps on or lies down on something that irritates
the skin or feet.
 Grass is a common problem.
 Solutions are limited in these situations, as one must just avoid the allergic substance and contact.
*Cortisone shots and pills will relieve the itching.
Other treatments include:
Antihistamines like Benadryl, fish oil fatty acid supplements, and sometimes just plain old corn oil.
 The antihistamines are at times mildly effective,
 Fish oil supplements stops 20-50% of the itching, depending on the patient.
 The pet owner can decide to run allergy testing, and can give actual allergy injections every 1-3
weeks for desensitization of the allergens in south Texas
*testing and injections have varied results depending on the patient’s individual response.
Lastly, moving out of Texas usually cures the allergies. This is not an option for most of us. But people who
do move usually report that their pet’s skin problems disappear rapidly. We recommend that the pet owner use
what is most effective and workable for the pet. **Please call us with any questions you may have and we will
help you find the most relief possible for your pet. **