Introduction to Pet Allergies

About five years ago, Gail Friedman noticed her Parson Russell Terrier was constantly licking his paws and seemed super uncomfortable. “The poor dog. I would put baby socks on his feet so that he wouldn’t lick them or bite at them,” said Friedman, of Oak Brook, Illinois. “I was constantly changing the socks, washing his feet a lot. Nothing worked.” It turned out her canine companion, Mr. Friedman, had allergies. It’s a common and tricky problem in pets — caused by various things such as pollen, dust, mold, chemicals and food — but veterinarians say there are several ways to ease their suffering.

Understanding Pet Allergies

Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to a foreign substance. Cats and dogs react to many of the same things people do, as well as pests like fleas. There are no definitive recent statistics on how many pets have allergies, but research suggests the problem is growing. “I probably see allergic dogs and cats every single day, probably multiple times a day,” said Dr. Karen Woodard, medical director at Thrive Pet Healthcare-Elmhurst in Illinois. About 90% of allergic pets react to environmental triggers, Woodard said, and the rest have food allergies only.

Gail Friedman holds her dog, Mr. Friedman, while Dr. Karen Woodard checks his ear for signs of allergies in Elmhurst, Ill. on May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Laura Bargfeld)

Types of Allergies in Pets

Dog breeds that are especially vulnerable include various types of terriers, boxers and bulldogs; in cats, it’s Persians, Siamese and Himalayans. Pets can even be allergic to other animals — cats to dogs, dogs to cats and either to another species. “It’s possible for them to be allergic to us, just like we are to them,” said Thrive’s Dr. Anthea Elliott Schick of Scottsdale, Arizona, immediate past president of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology.

Identifying Allergies in Pets

Allergic cats and dogs aren’t as likely as humans to sneeze and cough. More often, they scratch and lick themselves, shake their heads and develop ear infections. Woodard said her Yorkie mix, Teddy, had the classic signs — scratching around his shoulders and getting rashes and ear infections starting as a six-month-old puppy. She lived in the South at the time, and he tested positive for allergies to various trees and grasses there. A common sign of allergies in her feline patients is “overdoing their grooming,” said Woodard, who’s on the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association’s board of directors. “Cats shouldn’t be pulling their hair out when they groom. So if you start seeing bald patches on your cat, even though the skin underneath it looks normal, that could be a sign of allergies.” Even food allergies, often to chicken, beef, lamb or other protein sources, frequently show up on the skin, although pets can have vomiting or diarrhea, too.
Dr. Karen Woodard checks for fleas and ticks on Gail Friedman’s allergy-prone dog, Mr. Friedman, in Elmhurst, Ill. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Laura Bargfeld)

Helping Your Pet

The first step is to get a diagnosis from the vet. This could involve allergy testing, or in the case of food allergies, an “elimination diet,” which involves feeding limited ingredients the pet hasn’t previously eaten. If the allergy culprit is environmental, there are medications like anti-inflammatory drugs and newer oral and injectable medications for dogs to block chemical signals associated with itchiness. Food allergies may be treated with special diets such as “hydrolyzed” food, in which proteins are chemically broken down into tiny pieces. Various shampoos and cleansing products for treating allergies in pets sit on a shelf at Thrive Pet Healthcare in Elmhurst, Ill. on May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Laura Bargfeld)

Home Care for Allergic Pets

All this can get expensive. Friedman estimates she’s spent about $10,000 on testing, medication and care for Mr. Friedman and another allergic dog. But vets say there are also ways to help pets at home by cleaning their bedding frequently, wiping their fur with a wet washcloth and giving them baths. Outdoors, “they’re almost acting like little Swiffers, getting allergens on their skin, and it goes through their skin and actually becomes a problem,” Schick said. “We say bathe your dog, at a minimum, once a week if they’re allergic.” After she’s tried nearly everything, Friedman’s dogs are still vexed by allergies. But they’re doing better. “I’m going to keep experimenting until we find what stops it completely,” she said. “All you can do is try.”

Conclusion

Pet allergies, though common and sometimes challenging to diagnose and treat, can be managed with the right approach. By understanding the types of allergies pets can have, recognizing the signs, and working closely with a veterinarian, pet owners can help alleviate their pets’ suffering. Home care, including regular bathing and cleaning, can also play a significant role in managing allergies. While it may require patience and persistence, finding the right treatment plan can significantly improve the quality of life for pets with allergies.

FAQs

• Q: What are the common signs of allergies in pets?
  A: Common signs include scratching, licking, shaking heads, and developing ear infections. In severe cases, pets might exhibit vomiting or diarrhea, especially if they have food allergies.
• Q: How can I help my pet at home?
  A: You can help by cleaning their bedding frequently, wiping their fur with a wet washcloth, and giving them regular baths. For dogs, bathing at least once a week is recommended if they have allergies.
• Q: What kinds of treatments are available for pet allergies?
  A: Treatments include allergy testing, elimination diets for food allergies, anti-inflammatory drugs, and newer oral and injectable medications to block itchiness. Special diets like hydrolyzed food can also be effective for food allergies.
• Q: Can pets be allergic to other animals or people?
  A: Yes, pets can be allergic to other animals, including cats to dogs, dogs to cats, or either to another species. It’s also possible for them to be allergic to people.
• Q: How much does treating pet allergies cost?
  A: The cost can vary widely depending on the severity of the allergy, the type of treatment, and the frequency of veterinary visits. Some pet owners may spend thousands of dollars on testing, medication, and care.