If your pet is constantly scratching, licking, or dealing with frequent ear infections, allergies could be the reason. Just like humans, pets can have allergic reactions to all kinds of things—from pollen to food—and those allergies can have a direct negative impact on overall health and quality of life.
What Causes Allergies in Pets?
There are a few main sources of pet allergies, finding the trigger is the first step toward helping your furry friend feel better. Allergies are broken into three main categories: environmental, food, and fleas.
Environmental allergies, also known as atopy, are one of the most common. These are reactions to things like pollen, mold, dust mites, or even other animals’ dander. If your pet’s symptoms seem to flare up during certain seasons, environmental allergies could be the cause.
Food allergies can also be a culprit, though they can be a little trickier to identify. People often blame grains, but food allergies in pets are usually associated with meat proteins like beef, chicken, dairy, or fish. These allergies can show up as skin disease and itching, or even digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea. Pets with food allergies are likely to exhibit symptoms year-round.
The third category is flea allergy dermatitis, or other parasite debris. Some pets are extremely sensitive to flea saliva, and even a single bite can cause a full-body reaction. You might notice them scratching intensely, especially around the base of their tail or thighs. This category is not limited to fleas, and may include ticks or mites, as these pesky parasites can cause quite the havoc.
Signs Your Pet Might Have Allergies
Every pet is different, but there are a few telltale signs to watch out for. These include constant or excessive scratching, licking or chewing their paws, red or inflamed skin, hair loss, or frequent ear infections. Some pets might sneeze more often, have watery eyes, or show signs of digestive upset if food is the issue.
If your pet seems uncomfortable or their symptoms are persistent, don’t wait too long to reach out. Allergies can lead to more serious issues if they aren’t treated—especially skin infections or ongoing inflammation.
When to Call the Vet
If you’re noticing symptoms that don’t go away or seem to be getting worse, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit. This is especially true if your pet has open sores, strong odors from their ears or skin, or if they’re just not acting like themselves. Home remedies and over-the-counter products often fail to provide lasting relief and can sometimes make things worse if misused.
At Scott County Veterinary Clinic, we take pet allergies seriously. Our team can help identify the root cause of your pet’s symptoms and guide you through treatment options like prescription diets, allergy testing, flea prevention, or medications to ease the itching and irritation.
Helping Your Pet Feel Better
Allergies can be frustrating—for both you and your pet—but with the right care plan, they can be managed. Whether it’s changing their food, starting a new medication, or adjusting their environment, we’re here to help every step of the way.We may recommend:
- Allergy testing
- Diet trials
- Flea prevention plans
- Medications to reduce itching and inflammation
- Topical or injectable treatments for long-term relief
Every pet is unique, and our approach is tailored to your pet’s specific needs.
If you think your pet might be dealing with allergies, book an appointment through our pet portal or by calling our office.
Let’s get your pet back to feeling their best—happy, healthy, and itch-free!