How do we differentiate between the causes of itch?
Frustratingly, allergies in cats and dogs, regardless of the cause, can appear identical. There is no simple way to differentiate between allergies to fleas, food and environmental allergens, and so your veterinarian will need to perform a series of tests for an accurate diagnosis. Your veterinarian will usually begin by eliminating all parasites and infections by ensuring your pet is up to date with parasite preventatives and assessing your pet’s skin for infection and treating accordingly. Although food allergies are relatively uncommon, your vet may perform a dietary elimination trial to rule in or out a diagnosis of food allergy. This involves feeding your cat or dog a specific and strict diet for a period of around 8 weeks. As food allergies in pets are typical
If your pet has allergic skin disease, you may notice them scratching, biting and/ or rubbing at areas on their body, shaking their head, scratching at their ears, or even scooting their bottom. All of these are signs your pet may be itchy. You may also notice your pet’s skin looks visibly irritated, red and sore, or has patches of hair loss.
to a protein, your veterinarian will select a diet that either contains a protein your pet has never eaten before (i.e., therefore, cannot be allergic to), or a diet containing protein that has been hydrolysed (modified) so that it is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
What is causing the itch?
Fleas are one of the most common causes of itch in cats and dogs. When fleas bite your pet, they inject their saliva into your pet’s skin. Some cats and dogs are allergic to flea saliva, causing an intense itch and skin irritation. Fleas, however, can be difficult to diagnose - although we expect to see them in our pet’s coat, fleas only jump onto your pet to bite them and spend most of their time living in your pet’s environment, such as in the dirt in your outdoor areas, or in the carpet of your home. As such, you may never see a flea on your pet. However, it doesn’t mean they are not there! This is especially true for cats, who fastidiously groom the fleas from their coat. Managing allergies to fleas relies on ensuring your pet is on effective and up-to-date flea prevention all year round. It is a popular misconception that food allergies cause the majority of itch in cats and dogs; however, food allergies are a relatively uncommon cause of itch, estimated to affect only 1-2% of pets. The majority of itchy skin observed in our pets can be attributed either to fleas or an allergen in their environment.
The most important causes of allergic skin disease in cats and dogs are parasites (e.g. fleas), infection (e.g. yeast, bacteria), food and environmental causes (e.g. pollen, house dust mites).
A diagnosis of atopic dermatitis or environmental allergies is usually a diagnosis by exclusion of all other causes of skin disease.
Management of your pet’s allergies
The treatment of your pet’s allergies will depend on the underlying cause. The most challenging allergic skin disease to manage is atopic dermatitis or environmental allergies – this is because the allergens are all around the pet and are not easily avoided! Therefore, management relies on a multi-modal approach, with the intention of reducing skin reactions and itch. For best success, your veterinarian may recommend a combination of medications (tablets or injections), medicated shampoos, lotions and creams, and nutrition to help. In more severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend further skin testing and desensitization vaccines with a veterinary dermatologist.
Environmental allergies in pets are commonly associated with an underlying condition – atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is estimated to affect 1 in 10 dogs in Australia and is a relatively common cause of itch, especially in certain breeds. Atopic dermatitis in people is called ‘eczema’ – people with this condition abnormally react to, or are sensitive to, otherwise harmless substances in their environment. Pets with atopic dermatitis are alike and typically react to allergens such as plant pollens, house dust mites and mould spores. The inflammation triggered by environmental allergens can cause itch, skin redness, hair loss and even ear infections.
As every animal is unique, we encourage you to speak with your veterinarian for further advice on your pet’s skin condition and the most appropriate diet.
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