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 or Atopic Dermatitis: An allergen or foreign substance is inhaled or makes contact with the skin, causing extremely itchy skin. This can lead to skin infections or skin injuries from excessive scratching.

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

• Evaluation by a board certified veterinary dermatologist