Understanding the ins and outs of allergy treatments for pets is crucial for pet parents. This article delves into the various treatment options available for atopy, food allergies, and contact dermatitis in pets. With around 90% of allergic pets responding well to the right treatment, it’s important to know the spectrum of options at your disposal.
Atopy: Inhalant Allergies
Atopy, often characterized by excessive grooming and skin lesions, can initially follow a seasonal pattern but may evolve into a perennial issue. Some pets might exhibit milder signs, which can be managed with treatments for dry skin, skin infections, or fleas.
Avoidance
Identifying and reducing exposure to allergens is key in managing atopy. While it’s impossible to eliminate all offending agents, many can be minimized with simple measures. Intradermal skin testing helps identify allergens, and avoidance is typically used alongside other treatments.
| Allergen | Avoidance Suggestions |
|---|---|
| House dust | Keep pets out of rooms when vacuuming, use plastic covers on pet beds, wash bedding in hot water, and avoid stuffed toys and carpets. |
| Molds | Keep pets out of basements, avoid dusty pet foods, clean humidifiers, use dehumidifiers, and limit houseplants. |
| Pollens | Rinse pets after outdoor activities, keep them indoors during high pollen seasons, and use air conditioning. |
Topical Therapy
Topical treatments, including shampoos, rinses, and anti-itch solutions, provide immediate relief. Hypoallergenic or colloidal oatmeal shampoos are recommended, and hydrocortisone-containing solutions can help with localized itching.
Fatty Acids and Biotin
Omega-3 fatty acids have shown promise in reducing histamine effects and improving skin conditions in pets. Biotin, a B vitamin, has also been effective in treating dry, itchy skin when used in conjunction with fatty acids.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are widely used to control allergies in pets, with varying degrees of effectiveness. They should be used under veterinary guidance due to potential side effects and the need for individualized dosing.
| Antihistamine | Trade Name | Possible Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Diphenhydramine | Benadryl | Sedation, dry mouth |
| Hydroxyzine | Atarax | Sedation, no dosage for cats |
| Clemastine fumarate | Tavist | Sedation, dry mouth |
| Chlorpheniramine | Chlor-Trimeton | Lethargy, diarrhea |
Steroids
Steroids are potent for relieving severe itching and inflammation but should be used cautiously due to potential side effects. They are typically reserved for severe cases or when other treatments have been exhausted. Injectable and oral forms are available, with oral administration allowing for more precise dosing.
Food Allergies
The primary treatment for food allergies is avoidance. Once the problematic ingredients are identified through a food trial, they must be eliminated from the pet’s diet. Short-term relief can be achieved with fatty acids, antihistamines, and steroids, but dietary elimination is the only long-term solution.
Contact Allergies
Contact allergies are less common but can be managed through avoidance, or with treatments like fatty acids, antihistamines, biotin, and topical shampoos if avoidance isn’t feasible.