Why Your Pet Can’t Stop Scratching

Allergy season is here. Your nose is running, your throat and ears itch. Pets suffer from allergies, too. Allergies are when the immune system overreacts to normal things in the environment called allergens. Allergens include plant pollens, dust, mold spores, insect bites and certain foods. When exposed, a pet’s immune cells release chemicals that can cause itching, redness, swelling, ear and skin infections and breathing or digestive problems.

Flea bites are the most common cause of allergies in dogs and cats. When a flea bites your pet it injects a small amount of saliva into the skin. A single flea bite can cause severe itching for up to two weeks. In California we have fleas year round, so long lasting flea prevention is a must. Safe oral and topical preventatives are available while flea baths provide only temporary relief.

Environmental allergies are caused by pollens, molds and house dust. Symptoms may be seasonal or can occur all year round depending on which allergen is causing your pet’s symptoms. In pets environmental allergens are absorbed through the skin causing itching, redness and skin infections. Cats can be so itchy that they will groom excessively. As they lick themselves cats can swallow large amounts of fur causing vomiting and hairballs. Some cats may develop asthma, which can become life-threatening. Signs include coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing. A cat breathing with its mouth open should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Treating pets suffering from allergies can be very frustrating and can get very expensive. Many allergic pets are on oral and topical medications and are frequently bathed with medicated shampoos. Allergies can not be cured; the goal is control. It can be a lot of work at first but if you stay on top of it the costs will be less and your pet will be happier.

How do you choose from the thousands of products for sale labeled to help with your pet’s allergies? Many products do not control fleas or itch as promised. I have seen many clients who were at their wit’s end because they spent so much money and time on products that did not help their pets. The best way to treat your pet’s allergies is to work with your veterinarian, who can recommend the treatment plan that’s right for your pet. 

In my next article I will discuss allergy testing and treatment.