About five years ago, Gail Friedman observed her Parson Russell Terrier persistently licking his paws and displaying significant discomfort.
“The poor dog. I would put baby socks on his feet to prevent him from licking or biting them,” Friedman, from Oak Brook, Illinois, recounted. “I was constantly changing the socks, washing his feet frequently. Nothing seemed to work.”
Ultimately, her furry companion, Mr. Friedman, was diagnosed with allergies.
This is a prevalent and challenging issue in pets, triggered by various factors such as pollen, dust, mold, environmental chemicals, and food. Veterinarians stress that there are several methods to alleviate their distress.
What types of allergies affect cats and dogs?
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to an external substance. Cats and dogs can respond to many of the same allergens as humans do, in addition to pests like fleas.
While there are no up-to-date statistics on how many pets suffer from allergies, research indicates the issue is on the rise.
“I probably encounter allergic dogs and cats daily, sometimes multiple times a day,” noted Dr. Karen Woodard, medical director at Thrive Pet Healthcare-Elmhurst in Illinois.
According to Woodard, approximately 90% of allergic pets react to environmental triggers, while the remaining 10% have food-related allergies.
Dog breeds particularly susceptible include various terriers, boxers, and bulldogs; among cats, Persians, Siamese, and Himalayans are often affected.
Interestingly, pets can even be allergic to other animals—cats to dogs, dogs to cats, or potentially another species.
“It’s possible for them to be allergic to us, just as we can be to them,” explained Dr. Anthea Elliott Schick from Scottsdale, Arizona, former president of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology.
How can pet owners identify allergies in their pets?
Unlike humans, allergic cats and dogs are less likely to sneeze and cough; they are more prone to scratching and licking themselves excessively, shaking their heads, and developing ear infections.
Woodard shared that her Yorkie mix, Teddy, exhibited classic allergy symptoms, such as scratching around his shoulders and persistent rashes and ear infections starting at six months old. Residing in the South at the time, Teddy tested positive for allergies to diverse trees and grasses in the area.
In feline patients, over-grooming is a common indication of allergies, according to Woodard, a member of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association’s board of directors. “Cats shouldn’t be pulling their hair out when they groom. Seeing bald patches, even with normal-looking skin underneath, could signal allergies.”
Even food allergies—commonly to chicken, beef, lamb, or other proteins—often manifest on the skin, though they can also cause vomiting or diarrhea.
Though rare, pets can occasionally experience life-threatening anaphylactic reactions, possibly triggered by insect stings. Nevertheless, most allergies are simply uncomfortable for them.
“It breaks my heart because it gets to a point that not only does Mr. Friedman have socks—which is humiliating for him—but he sometimes becomes so unwell that he has to wear the cone of shame,” Gail Friedman said. “That’s not fair, since he can’t move or sleep properly. It’s heartbreaking.”
How can pet owners help?
The first step involves securing a vet’s diagnosis. This might include allergy testing, or in the case of food allergies, an “elimination diet” involving feeding limited ingredients the pet hasn’t previously consumed.
If the allergy source is environmental, medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs and modern oral or injectable treatments for dogs can block itch-associated chemical signals. For food allergies, tailored diets that feature “hydrolyzed” food—where proteins are chemically reduced into smaller pieces—may be prescribed.
Such treatments can be costly. Friedman estimates she has spent around $10,000 on testing, medication, and care for Mr. Friedman and another allergic dog.
Veterinarians also suggest home remedies like frequently washing their bedding, wiping their fur with a damp cloth, and regular baths.
Outdoors, they “act like little Swiffers, picking up allergens on their skin, which becomes problematic as it penetrates,” Schick advised. “We recommend bathing your dog at least once a week if they’re allergic.”
Despite Friedman trying various solutions, her pets still struggle with allergies, though they show some improvement.
“I’m committed to experimenting until we completely overcome it,” she stated. “All you can do is persevere.”