Why is my pet so itchy…is it allergies?

Constant scratching, paw chewing, and head shaking can leave you wondering whether allergies are behind your pet’s misery, and very often they are. Allergies are one of the most common causes of itchy skin in dogs and cats, but fleas, food sensitivities, and skin infections can look almost identical, so a closer look is the only way to know for sure.

At Pawtown Veterinary Care in Bend, Oregon, we care for dogs and cats, and we know how hard it is to watch a pet scratch and chew. Our comprehensive exams are a good first step for itchy skin, because a veterinarian can look at your pet and talk through the symptoms you have noticed at home before recommending treatment.

How Allergies Cause Itching in Dogs and Cats

Allergies happen when a pet’s immune system overreacts to something harmless. With environmental allergies, the triggers are often pollen, grasses, mold, and dust mites. Pets can breathe these particles in, so symptoms can start without any direct contact, and they often show up on the skin and in the ears.

Two other culprits are worth knowing about. Food allergies can cause the same itching and ear problems, so it is best to talk with your veterinarian before changing diets or starting a medication. Flea allergy is another common trigger, and some pets react to a single bite even when you cannot see a flea. Year-round flea and tick care helps take that trigger off the table.

Common Signs of Pet Allergies

Itching does not look the same in every pet, so it helps to know the signs. These are common signs to watch for:

• Itchy skin: scratching, biting, rubbing, or rolling more than usual, sometimes with redness or hair loss.
• Paw licking or chewing: constant attention to the feet, especially between the toes.
• Ear trouble: head shaking, scratching at the ears, or infections that keep coming back.
• Overgrooming in cats: cats often hide itching by grooming more instead of scratching.

Symptoms range from mild to severe and often get worse as pets get older. According to veterinary dermatologists at Tufts University, allergies are the most common cause of skin issues in dogs and cats in Western countries, and all that itching can lead to secondary skin infections. These infections are usually bacterial, yeast, or a combination of both, which is why recurring ear infections in pets are often a clue that an underlying allergy needs attention.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Allergies

Allergies can be tricky to diagnose, so a veterinarian will usually start with your pet’s history and a physical exam. It helps to know when the itching began, what your pet eats, and whether the symptoms return around the same time each year. A yearly pattern can sometimes support a presumptive diagnosis of a seasonal or environmental allergy.

From there, diagnostics help rule out other causes of itching, such as infection or parasites, and blood or skin testing can help identify environmental allergies. Pets with year-round symptoms may need a food trial first. Your veterinarian can talk through which steps make sense for your pet.

Treatment Options for Itchy Pets

Allergies are usually managed rather than cured, so treatment focuses on easing symptoms and keeping flare-ups under control.

Clear Up Infections and Fleas First

The first step is treating any skin or ear infection, because an infection keeps a pet itching until it clears, regardless of any other allergy treatment. Keeping your pet on flea prevention matters too, because one flea bite can set off a flare in an allergic pet.

Medications and Supportive Care

Antihistamines help some pets, but they are often not enough on their own, so many pets need a different or additional approach. Oral or injectable medications that block the inflammation pathway are often the more immediate option for relief. Medicated shampoos, wipes, ear flushing, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements can also support the skin and ears.

Allergy Desensitization Shots

For pets with confirmed environmental allergies, allergy testing can guide a custom serum for desensitization injections. Patience is important, because it can take six months to a year, and sometimes longer, to know how well they are working.

Get Itch Relief at Pawtown Veterinary Care

Itchy pets are uncomfortable, and allergies rarely resolve on their own, so it is worth having a veterinarian take a look as soon as the scratching, licking, or ear problems begin. Our team can help you work out whether allergies, fleas, or infection are involved, and same-day appointments are available when your pet needs relief quickly.

Dr. Erin Miller and Dr. Lauren Stayer founded Pawtown Veterinary Care to give the Central Oregon community a comfortable, inviting place for high quality, comprehensive veterinary care, with the small, hometown feel of a locally owned practice. We also offer financing through CareCredit and Scratch Pay to help with unexpected visits. If your pet is scratching, chewing, or shaking its head, contact our team today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Allergies