{"id":17289,"date":"2020-12-23T09:00:09","date_gmt":"2020-12-23T14:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=17289"},"modified":"2024-08-02T11:20:40","modified_gmt":"2024-08-02T15:20:40","slug":"allergy-medicine-for-dogs-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/allergy-medicine-for-dogs-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Stop the itch: How to treat allergies in cats and dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"

If your cat or dog seems to be itching and scratching incessantly, or has a cough and nasal congestion, they might be suffering from allergies. Just like their owners, pets can be allergic to dust mites, pollen, mold, insects and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make an appointment with a veterinarian at the first sign of allergy symptoms to identify the source of your pet\u2019s discomfort and to find the best allergy medicine for dogs and cats. If allergies go untreated, wounds and secondary infections can form, which increases your pet\u2019s scratching and discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are pets allergic to?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are three main types of allergies in cats and dogs: insect, food, and environmental allergens.<\/span><\/p>\n

Insect allergies<\/span><\/h3>\n

The same way that humans can have a severe reaction to a bee sting, dogs and cats can have an exaggerated inflammatory response to bites or stings from insects. These commonly include ticks, spiders, deer flies, horseflies, blackflies, mosquitoes, ants, bees, hornets, wasps, and most commonly, fleas.<\/span><\/p>\n

For pets that are sensitive to flea saliva, even one bite can trigger severe itching. When your pet scratches, broken skin can become infected and lead to even further itching and chronic wounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Food allergies<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cats and dogs can experience food allergies. \u201cPets can be allergic to individual proteins or grains in their food such as beef, dairy, wheat or chicken\u201d says Lara Sypniewski, DVM, a clinical professor at Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. This type of allergy can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal issues, and respiratory problems in severe cases.<\/span><\/p>\n

Environmental allergies<\/span><\/h3>\n

Environmental allergens are one of the main causes of allergies in pets, including pollen, mold, grass, and weeds, explains Rosanna Marsella, DVM, a professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inhaling an allergen can make your pet\u2019s immune system overreact, leading to respiratory symptoms or dermatitis. \u201cAllergic skin disease is a very common diagnosis for dogs and cats,\u201d Dr. Sypniewski says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Allergy symptoms in pets<\/span><\/h2>\n

The most common symptoms of allergies in <\/span>cats<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>dogs<\/span><\/a> are:<\/span><\/p>\n