Many pet owners are surprised to discover that pets are allergic to the exact same things that people are. Pets scratch, bite, lick, and chew while people suffer from sinus congestion and runny eyes. With people, the majority of these reactive cells (such as ‘mast cells’) are mainly found in the upper air passages and sinus areas of the face, so we sneeze and get head congestion, runny noses, runny eyes. In dogs and cats, the allergy-reactive cells are mostly in the skin. That’s why pets bite, scratch, chew, lick, rub, etc. An important difference between pets and people is that allergies in people are driven by a “histamine pathway”. This is why we can take antihistamines to reduce the effects of allergies. In pets, however, allergies are driven by a “cytokine pathway,” not histamine which is why anti-histamines seldom benefit pets.
Seasonal Allergies in Pets
- Spring is a time for allergies to Pollens from Trees (March through May).
- Summer is a time for allergies to Pollens from Grass (May through August).
- Autumn is a time for allergies to Pollens from Weeds (September through December), and fleas are at their peak in NC.
Environmental (Indoor) Allergies in Pets
When symptoms are year-round, we consider 3 possibilities:
- Environmental (Indoor) allergies
- Food Allergies
- Both
Environmental Allergies result mostly from house dust, dust mites and molds and mildews. Many other allergens can be potential year-round problems: cigarette smoke, feathered pillows, comforters, wool fabrics.
The easiest tip we pass on to pet owner is to take a wash cloth with cool water (do NOT use baby wipes or pet wipes!) and give a full-body wipe-down, focusing attention on the feet (tops and bottoms), legs, chest and belly, the hind end, and the face, nose and neck. We’re wiping off the pollens that get onto the fur, then work their way to the skin, and migrate into the body where they will trigger the effects of allergies. Otherwise, your pet will bring the pollen inside the house. It is important to wipe down ALL pets that go outside to keep as much pollen outside as possible.
Can Allergies Be Cured in Pets?
Our Goal at CVPC is to control and manage the allergies and find relief from the symptoms. Visit our clinic and ask for a consultation with our veterinarian for more allergy treatment options.