Allergies in Our Pets
As the warm humid days are upon us, it is not only us who suffer the familiar allergies that
come with this change in weather.
The high pollen count forecast which so many further south dread is not such a big problem
here in Orkney, but we still get our share of seasonal allergies in our pets.
Recent work on allergic skin disease in pets confirms that similar things bother them too –
especially pollen of various kinds, dust, dust mites, moulds, flea bites and some foods.
Just now we are seeing many pets with a summer seasonal itch- when pollens of different
kinds can cause a reaction.
Itchy Skin
The main problem most dogs and cats can get if allergic is an itchy skin. The areas affected
are those which come into contact with the pollen and dust – mainly this is the underside of
the body, - armpits and groin, and the ear flaps and feet – where there tends to be less
protective hair also. Some cats can get asthmatic with inhaled dust or pollens.
Flea Allergies
Flea allergy is very common in cats and much more prevalent in summer when more fleas
are around – and the main itch then is along the top of the back and around the neck as the
fleas prefer these areas.
What You Can do to Help
If your animal has a summer itch you can do a lot to help keep it under control:
Avoid too much running through long grass, and if unavoidable, wash down under parts,
legs and feet after a walk to remove the pollens from the skin. Special soothing shampoos
are available which can help used regularly.
Walk dogs early in the day where possible, and on really warm days try the beach rather
than fields.
For flea allergy, use regular flea control with a good spot-on, anti-flea treatment.
Supplements containing high dose essential fatty acids and evening primrose oil are often
very helpful, and in 20% of pets control the itch with no other treatment.
Visit Your Vet
If the problem is getting out of hand the skin can get red, sore and broken where the itch
has been scratched or licked. A visit to your vet may be needed to get treatment to control
things, and as well as anti-inflammatory and steroid medications, which can be given to get
things under control, antihistamines can help a proportion of cases, especially if used
alongside all the other management strategies and supplements.
Allergen Testing
An option, if control is difficult, is to have allergen testing done, and a special vaccine can be
made to help an individual animal.
Don’t Worry!
Don’t dread that pollen forecast – the itch can be controlled! Unfortunately control is what
we have to do – as in people, we can’t cure allergies completely - but we can give your pet a
more comfortable summer.
If you are worried your pet may have an allergy of any kind please feel free to contact the
surgery for more information