Pet Allergies and Dermatology

Dogs and cats typically experience three different types of allergies:

• Flea allergy: The bite of a flea on your dog or cat causes an intense allergic reaction resulting in itchy skin.

• Food allergy: Something in the diet of your dog or cat triggers a reaction such as itchy skin, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal problems.

• Skin allergy: An allergen or outside substance that is inhaled or comes into contact with the skin cause extremely itchy skin that can lead to skin infections or other skin injuries from excessive scratching. Skin allergies are known at atopic dermatitis.

Other options for itch relief include:

• antihistamines combined with essential fatty acids

• anti-itch conditioners

• topical steroid sprays

• oral steroids

• anti-itch prescriptionss

• oral or injectable immunotherapy

• option for a referral to a board certified veterinary dermatologist for evaluation