Stop the Scratch: Practical Tips for Pet Allergies

Spring brings warmer weather, blooming flowers, and the start of allergy season. Like us, pets can suffer from allergies that often appear as itching, ear infections, or digestive issues. While we can’t cure allergies, there are steps we can take to manage them—and help keep your furry family members feeling their best.

What Are Pets Allergic To, Anyway?

Pets can be allergic to all sorts of things, and figuring out what’s causing the reaction is key to treating it. Common triggers include:

• Environmental allergens like pollen, mold, grasses, and dust mites. Pretty much anything inside or outside can be a culprit.

• Food ingredients—especially proteins or carbs, but also preservatives and byproducts in processed pet foods.

• Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD): This is a big one! Even one flea bite can cause intense itching if your pet is allergic to flea saliva. That’s why monthly, year-round flea prevention is non-negotiable.

How Do You Know If It’s Allergies?

The signs of allergies can look different from one pet to the next, but the most common include:

• Skin issues: Itching, redness, hair loss, ear infections, anal gland issues, or hot spots.

• Tummy trouble: Soft stools, diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive gas.

• Respiratory signs: Coughing, sneezing, or wheezing—common in cats with asthma.

Getting to the Bottom of It

If you suspect your pet has allergies, here’s how veterinarians typically start investigating:

• Flea/tick prevention (year-round): This is the foundation. Many oral preventatives also take care of mites, which can cause itching, too.

• Food elimination trial: This involves feeding a prescription hypoallergenic diet or a home-cooked one designed by a veterinary nutritionist for 4–8 weeks—with zero outside treats, flavored meds, or table scraps. Be aware that non-prescription options often have cross-contamination.  It’s strict, but it works!

• Environmental allergy testing: Veterinary dermatologists can perform skin testing (like in people) and create a custom allergy serum to help desensitize your pet over time.

Managing Flare-Ups (and Preventing Them)

Often, pets show up at the vet with full-blown skin or ear infections. However, with a little prevention, we can reduce the number and severity of these flare-ups. Here’s what helps:

• Reduce exposure to allergens:

  • Stay consistent with year-round flea/tick prevention.

  • Avoid known food triggers.

  • Limit time outside during high-pollen days.

  • Wipe paws and underbellies with unscented baby wipes after walks.

• Support the skin and gut:

  • Weekly baths (more often during allergy season!) to wash off allergens

  • Regular ear flushing with a pH-balanced solution (I recommend Dechra’s TrizUltra + Keto)

  • Omega-3 supplements for skin health

  • Probiotics for gut health

• Prevent self-trauma:

  • Use e-collars or pet PJs to prevent licking or scratching.

  • Medications like Apoquel, Cytopoint, or antihistamines can reduce itchiness - discuss options with your veterinarian.

  • Keep an eye out for early signs of skin or ear changes before an infection occurs.

• Consider Integrative Options: 

  • Acupuncture may help calm the immune system and reduce inflammation.

  • Herbal medicine can address the root causes of allergies and reduce itch.

  • Food therapy can be personalized to your pet’s needs.

Allergies can be frustrating for pets and their owners, but flare-ups can be minimized or sometimes eliminated with a proactive approach.  By recognizing triggers and using a combination of medical and integrative strategies, there are plenty of ways to help your pet feel better and enjoy life—no matter the season.