While many humans are allergic to cats and dogs, did you know that our pets can have allergies too? Pets can be allergic to a wide variety of things-including food, pollen, fleas, and more. That being said, your pets may display their allergy symptoms different than us humans do. Here’s a list of common symptoms so you can spot your pet’s allergies!
Common Dog Allergy Symptoms:
- Increased itching/scratching/chewing (if particularly itching at the base of tail or back, this is commonly a flea allergy)
- Itchy ears and reoccurring ear infections
- Licking or chewing at themselves (especially at their paws)
- Formation of “hot spots” (red, irritated lesions that appear on the skin)
- Sneezing
- Itching at face/eyes
- Scooting, itching at rear (often a sign of overly full anal glands, which can be a symptom of allergies)
Common Cat Allergy Symptoms:
- Increased itching/scratching (like dogs, cats with flea allergies often itch at the base of the tail or their backs)
- Wheezing/Coughing
- Itchy ears and reoccurring ear infections
- Licking or chewing at their paws (especially if the paws are swollen)
- Itchy and/or runny eyes
For both cats and dogs, severe allergic reaction symptoms can include difficulty breathing, hives on the face and body, vomiting, diarrhea, and uncontrolled urination. These severe reactions can also lead to anaphylaxis and death, so it’s important to get your pet to a veterinarian immediately once you see these symptoms.
Do you or your pet have any allergies? Some of our pets do (and our staff members too)! Let us know your allergens in the comments below!