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Jun 02 2025
5Dogs and cats are not immune to allergies, and for many pet owners, managing their pets' allergic reactions has become a frustrating and ongoing challenge. One such pet owner, Gail Friedman of Oak Brook, Illinois, has firsthand experience. About five years ago, she noticed her Parson Russell Terrier, affectionately named Mr. Friedman, constantly licking his paws and displaying signs of severe discomfort.
"The poor dog. I would put baby socks on his feet so that he wouldn’t lick them or bite at them," she recalled. "I was constantly changing the socks, washing his feet a lot. Nothing worked." Eventually, Mr. Friedman was diagnosed with allergies—an increasingly common issue among pets.
Veterinarians report that allergies in cats and dogs can stem from a wide range of triggers, including pollen, dust, mold, chemicals, and certain foods. Although exact figures are unavailable, anecdotal evidence suggests that the number of allergic pets is on the rise.
Dr. Karen Woodard, medical director at Thrive Pet Healthcare-Elmhurst in Illinois, emphasized the frequency of these cases. “I probably see allergic dogs and cats every single day, probably multiple times a day,” she said. According to Woodard, about 90% of allergic reactions in pets are related to environmental factors, while the remaining cases involve food allergies.
Certain breeds appear more susceptible. Among dogs, various terrier breeds, boxers, and bulldogs are especially prone. In cats, Persians, Siamese, and Himalayans often show signs of allergies. In rare instances, pets can even develop sensitivities to other animals—or even humans.
Dr. Anthea Elliott Schick of Thrive in Scottsdale, Arizona, noted, "It’s possible for them to be allergic to us, just like we are to them."
Recognizing the symptoms can be tricky. Unlike humans, allergic cats and dogs typically don’t sneeze or cough. Instead, they often scratch excessively, lick themselves persistently, shake their heads, or develop ear infections. In cats, one telltale sign is excessive grooming that leads to bald spots, even if the skin appears normal underneath. Food allergies, most commonly triggered by proteins such as chicken, beef, or lamb, can also result in skin issues, as well as digestive symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea.
In rare cases, pets can experience severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, often triggered by insect stings. But for most animals, the symptoms are chronic and deeply uncomfortable.
Friedman described the toll allergies have taken on Mr. Friedman: “It breaks my heart because it gets to a point that not only do I have socks on poor Mr. Friedman—which is humiliating for him—he sometimes gets so bad he has to wear the cone of shame.”
Veterinarians recommend that pet owners first seek a diagnosis from their vet, which may involve allergy testing or an elimination diet to identify food triggers. Environmental allergies may be managed with anti-inflammatory drugs or newer oral and injectable medications that reduce itchiness. For food allergies, specialized diets like hydrolyzed protein foods can help.
Friedman estimates she has spent around $10,000 on treatment for her two allergic dogs. While treatment can be costly, there are also home-care strategies that can make a difference. Regularly cleaning pet bedding, wiping their fur with a damp cloth, and giving weekly baths are all recommended steps.
“They’re almost acting like little Swiffers, getting allergens on their skin, and it goes through their skin and actually becomes a problem,” explained Schick. “We say bathe your dog, at a minimum, once a week if they’re allergic.”
Despite years of trial and error, Friedman remains committed to improving her dogs’ health. “I’m going to keep experimenting until we find what stops it completely,” she said. “All you can do is try.
Source:https://phys.org/news/2025-06-dogs-cats-allergies-ways-furry.html
This is non-financial/medical advice and made using AI so could be wrong.
