Like us, our pets can have allergies. Allergies result from an excessive reaction of our immune system against small protein structures called allergens. Antibodies are produced to fight these allergens, and our symptoms reflect collateral damage.

People with allergies may sneeze or wheeze; our pets may scratch or chew. Human allergy mostly targets the respiratory system; allergies in animals usually attack the skin.

Pets can have three categories of allergies; some are bothered by all three at the same time.

The most common is flea hypersensitivity. Allergic pets can go crazy from a single bite, even when their humans never see the flea. Dogs typically chew the area around their tail or over their back, sometimes developing open wounds, or “hot spots,” that may require antibiotics.

Fleas can also spread tapeworms and diseases. Fleas are easy to manage with monthly prevention. Many options are available; check with your veterinarian to determine which is best for your household.

Pets can also be allergic to a protein in their diet, usually one they have eaten for a while; the immune system must be exposed to an allergen to develop an antibody against it.

Food allergy is diagnosed by feeding a diet with no proteins your pet has eaten previously. An allergy is confirmed if itching decreases while using the new diet and recurs when your pet eats the old one. Avoidance of proteins that trigger the allergy is all that is required to prevent the itch.

Pets can also be allergic to dust, mold, pollen, feathers, danders, and even humans. Rather than causing problems when inhaled, these allergens penetrate microscopic defects in allergic skin. Shampoo therapy and medical management help some pets; others require allergy testing and desensitization, a process in which a mixture of allergens is administered that decrease hypersensitivity over time.

If you suspect that your pet has allergies, check with your veterinarian.

Dr. Laura Stokking is a board-certified specialist in veterinary dermatology at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital (


