Pet allergies are on the rise, leaving millions of dogs and cats suffering nationwide. The owners such as Gail Friedman are telling their stories to inform others about this serious issue. Friedman has spent upwards of $10,000 on testing, medication, and care for her Parson Russell Terrier. She’s even allocated some of her funds to help treat another allergy-ridden pup. This catastrophic financial burden underscores the importance of pet owners being educated about allergies and their management.
The majority of allergic pets—over 90%—are actually allergic to things in their environment like pollen, dust mites, and mold. Of the rest, 10% have food allergies—further muddying the waters on diagnosis and treatment. Five years ago, Friedman exhibited and observed Mr. Friedman’s allergies. The dog started chewing or licking his paws, or exhibiting other signs of distress. This behavior is a great red flag for allergies with dogs.
Allergic pets are a daily occurrence for Dr. Karen Woodard, medical director at Thrive Pet Healthcare-Elmhurst in Illinois. In addition, she has been a member of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association’s board of directors. She goes on to clarify that the typical symptoms that dogs show in response to allergies are scratching, rash and ear infections. Teddy, her small Yorkie mix, exhibited the same signs of distress. He purposefully started scratching around his shoulders and then soon thereafter had rashes and ear infections ever since he was six months old!
Allergies—the most common culprit In feline patients, a classic sign of allergies is over-grooming. And as all cat lovers know, cats will excessively groom their fur if allergens are making them itchy or uncomfortable. Certain breeds are more prone to allergies. In dogs, terriers, boxers and bulldogs are especially at risk. Within the cats, Persians, Siamese, and Himalayans have to contend with similar issues.
Mr. Friedman also responded to allergy tests for the following types of trees and grasses. These plants are typical of the Gulf States region of the Southern United States. This diagnosis galvanized Gail Friedman to involve him more in the day-to-day management of his condition. To prevent him from licking or biting at his paws, she resorted to putting baby socks on his feet—a practical solution that provided some relief.
The best place to start with pet allergies is getting an accurate diagnosis from your veterinarian. This often includes allergy testing to pinpoint specific triggers. Once the allergens are identified, pet parents can re-focus with their veterinarian to develop the most effective treatment plan. This can involve medications, dietary adjustments, or hormone regulation through environmental changes to decrease exposure to allergens.
Veterinarians recommend a multi-faceted approach as the most effective way to tackle allergies. In cases of environmental allergies, preventing exposure by keeping pets indoors when pollen counts are high and using HEPA air purifiers are both effective steps. Frequent grooming can help limit allergen accumulation on pet fur. In cases where food allergies are identified, a transition to a hypoallergenic diet often resolves symptoms.
She highlighted that when it comes to controlling allergic conditions in pets, the earlier the intervention, the better. Allergy testing pet owners need to be aware of the potential of allergies for their pets. The sooner an animal receives veterinary care, the more likely they are to recover. She explains that if allergies go untreated, they can result in secondary infections and more complex health issues.
As awareness about pet allergies grows, it is essential for pet owners to educate themselves about the signs and management strategies available. Here’s how to keep your furry friends allergy-free. If they receive the right care from a veterinary professional, you can significantly improve their quality of life.
