In this educational webinar, Dr. Marty Greer, Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services, explores the causes, signs, and solutions for managing pet allergies. Whether your dog is constantly scratching or your cat suffers from chronic ear infections, understanding pet allergies is essential for improving your animal’s comfort and overall health.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to recognize common signs of dog and cat allergies

• Understanding how food, flea, and environmental allergies impact your pet

• Veterinary diagnostics used to identify allergy triggers

• Treatment options for pet allergies, including medications and dietary adjustments

• Practical tips for long-term allergy management in pets

*This is just a brief overview—watch the full webinar for in-depth details!

Allergy vs. Intolerance in Dogs and Cats: What’s the Difference?

Allergies are a damaging immune response triggered by exposure to a substance the body has become hypersensitive to. A key distinction between allergies and intolerances is that allergies involve the immune system, while intolerances do not. For example, a dog cannot be allergic to chicken or a vaccine the first time it’s exposed, but future exposures can trigger a reaction. Intolerances, on the other hand, typically stem from an inability to digest certain ingredients—like lactose or certain vegetables—and while uncomfortable, they don’t cause immune responses.

Common Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs and Cats

In veterinary medicine, allergies in dogs and cats are diagnosed based on symptoms, physical exam, and history. Common signs include itching, licking, ear infections, skin rashes, and respiratory symptoms like runny eyes or nose. Veterinarians also consider when the symptoms began—dogs usually don’t show environmental allergies like pollen or mold until their second summer, often between the ages of two and four. Seasonality plays a role too; pets in warmer climates may show symptoms year-round, while those in colder regions often get a break during winter months when outdoor allergens are minimal.

Sometimes, food allergies or intolerances must be diagnosed through food trials. If a pet’s symptoms improve or worsen with a change in diet, that information helps determine whether an ingredient is the culprit. Understanding the differences between food allergies, environmental allergens, and intolerances allows for better long-term care and management of your pet’s comfort and overall health.

Recognizing Anaphylaxis in Dogs and Cats

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of an allergic reaction and can occur in both dogs and cats. It has a rapid onset and can be life-threatening without immediate treatment. Common triggers include insect stings, vaccines, certain antibiotics (like amoxicillin or cephalexin), snake bites, and even blood transfusions. Though food allergies rarely cause anaphylaxis in pets, reactions can still occur. Symptoms vary but often involve vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, hives, and facial swelling. In some cases, respiratory signs or red, watery eyes may appear.

What Does an Anaphylactic Reaction Look Like in Pets?

Signs of anaphylactic shock in pets can be subtle or dramatic. A dog may suddenly collapse, show signs of extreme weakness, or even have seizures. Their gums may turn pale due to low blood pressure, and they may go into systemic shock. Sometimes, pets will present with no known exposure, making a detailed history crucial for accurate diagnosis. Immediate veterinary care is essential, as this condition can be rapidly fatal—but with quick intervention, most pets survive an anaphylactic episode.

Diagnosing Anaphylaxis in the Veterinary Clinic

At the vet clinic, diagnosis is based on history, clinical signs, and sometimes advanced imaging. One notable tool is ultrasound: a hallmark sign of anaphylaxis in dogs is a “gallbladder halo” caused by fluid buildup in the liver. This finding helps confirm the diagnosis when other symptoms point to a severe allergic reaction. If your pet experiences any sudden symptoms like collapse, facial swelling, or hives, seek emergency veterinary care immediately—anaphylaxis is a medical emergency requiring rapid response.

Vaccination Timing and Allergic Reactions in Dogs

If you’re vaccinating your dog at home, timing is critical. Never vaccinate your dog when your veterinary clinic is closed—such as on a Sunday or after hours—because if an allergic reaction occurs, you need immediate access to professional care. The most serious allergic responses can happen quickly, and being unprepared could be life-threatening. Reactions to vaccines, insect bites, or medications may include facial swelling, puffy eyes, or redness. Having emergency supplies and a steroid such as prednisone in your pet first aid kit is a smart precaution, especially when traveling.

Gastrointestinal Signs of Allergies in Dogs

Some allergic reactions in dogs show up through gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or a general disinterest in food. If your pet is a picky eater—especially a breed known for loving food—it could signal a food intolerance or allergy. Switching to a new diet with different protein and carbohydrate sources may help. Many pet owners discover that their dogs start eating eagerly once their food is changed. Always rule out intestinal parasites with a fecal exam, as worms or protozoa like giardia can mimic food allergy symptoms.

Skin and Ear Issues Linked to Allergies

Skin and ear conditions are among the most common allergy symptoms seen in veterinary clinics. Dogs with itchy ears, constant foot licking, or skin rashes may have atopic dermatitis, often related to environmental or food allergies. If ear infections recur after treatment, it’s time to discuss potential allergens with your vet. Addressing both environmental and dietary triggers can improve symptoms like chewing, licking, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How Often Should You Bathe a Dog With Allergies?

For dogs with allergies or chronic skin issues, weekly baths can be an important part of managing symptoms. While most healthy dogs don’t require frequent bathing, dogs with skin conditions may benefit from regular baths to remove allergens like pollen, mold, and dust from their coat and skin. Medicated dog shampoos such as Banixx Medicated Shampoo or EquiShield IR Shampoo can also help reduce inflammation, soothe itching, and target bacteria or yeast overgrowth. However, it’s important to consult your veterinarian before starting a weekly bathing routine, as bathing too often can sometimes strip the skin of essential oils and worsen irritation.

Allergy Prescription Medications for Dogs and Cats

The Revival Animal Health Pharmacy offers a reliable source for prescription allergy medications for dogs and cats. If your pet is dealing with seasonal allergies, atopic dermatitis, food sensitivities, or chronic skin and ear issues, you’ll find a range of treatment options including Apoquel, Prednisone, Zenrelia, and more. With a licensed veterinary pharmacy and a streamlined online ordering system, Revival helps ensure your pet’s prescriptions are filled accurately and conveniently—so managing allergy symptoms becomes one less thing to worry about.

Need help with pet allergy care? Call our Animal Care Specialists at 800.786.4751.

*This is just a brief overview—watch the full webinar for more in-depth details!