Itchy skin is one of the most common reasons dogs and cats visit the veterinarian. While occasional scratching is perfectly normal, persistent itching, chewing, licking, ear infections, or skin irritation may indicate an underlying allergic condition. Because several different problems can cause similar signs, determining the true cause is the first step toward helping your pet feel more comfortable.
At Pet Wellness Veterinary Center, our goal is not simply to stop the itch—we want to identify the underlying cause and develop a personalized management plan that improves your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
Environmental vs. Food Allergies
Environmental allergies are the most common type of allergy seen in dogs, triggered by grass, tree, and weed pollens, mold, or dust mites. Unlike people, who often develop sneezing or watery eyes, dogs and cats usually develop itchy skin (paw licking, recurring ear infections, face rubbing).
Food allergies are much less common than environmental allergies, but they can look very similar. Because there is no single blood or saliva test that can reliably diagnose food allergies, we follow AAHA guidelines recommending a carefully supervised elimination diet trial using a prescription veterinary diet.
How Are Allergies Diagnosed & Treated?
There isn’t a single test that diagnoses every allergy. Our veterinarians develop a diagnosis through medical history, physical examination, parasite screening, evaluation for secondary infections, and dietary trials if needed.
Treatment is highly individualized. Depending on your pet’s needs, recommendations may include injectable itch-relief medications (such as Cytopoint®), daily oral medications, medicated shampoos, consistent flea prevention, prescription diets, or treatment for secondary bacterial and yeast infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are allergies curable? Most environmental allergies cannot be cured, but they can often be managed successfully with an individualized treatment plan.
- Does changing foods always fix allergies? No. Environmental allergies are far more common than food allergies. Our veterinarian will help determine whether a prescription elimination diet trial is appropriate.
- Why does my pet keep getting ear infections? Recurring ear infections are often associated with underlying allergies. Treating the infection alone may not prevent it from returning if the allergy isn’t addressed.