Recognizing the Symptoms
Let’s talk allergy symptoms
Persistent itching and skin inflammation are key indicators of atopic dermatitis. Understanding when, how often, and in what context a dog or cat itches is crucial for an accurate diagnosis. Skin irritation can worsen due to secondary infections caused by bacteria (Staphylococcus) or yeast (Malassezia), both of which require treatment. Additionally, recurrent ear infections are linked to allergies in more than 75% of cases.
Other signs include:
- Redness, scratch wounds, fur discoloration (from excessive licking/grooming), and hair loss.
- Lesion variations depending on severity: redness (erythema), thickened skin (lichenification), or excessive keratin buildup (hyperkeratosis).
- Respiratory or digestive symptoms, such as watery eyes, sneezing, asthma, or occasional digestive issues.
Symptoms may appear seasonally or year-round, depending on the allergens involved. Most cases (around 75%) develop between 1–3 years of age, though symptoms can sometimes appear as early as 6 months.
Common Allergy Symptoms in Dogs
Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is one of the most prevalent allergies in dogs, affecting up to 15% of the canine population and accounting for 25% of cases referred for pruritus (itchiness). This hereditary condition causes sensitivity to airborne allergens such as pollen, mites, mold, and dander.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The primary symptom of CAD is pruritus, which leads to skin inflammation, especially on the paws, head, armpits, and groin. Affected dogs often lick or bite their feet and may rub their heads against the floor or objects. Secondary bacterial (Staphylococcus) or yeast (Malassezia) infections can worsen the inflammation. Symptoms typically appear between 1–3 years of age in most cases, though they can sometimes develop as early as 6 months.
Diagnosis is made by ruling out other causes of symptoms. Allergy testing, such as the SPOT Platinum+ Serum Test, helps identify the specific allergens responsible. This test uses advanced monoclonal antibodies and CCD blockers to ensure high specificity and sensitivity.
Lifelong Management and Treatment
Since atopic dermatitis is a lifelong condition, treatment must be continuous. The most effective approach is hypo-sensitization, also known as allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT). This treatment trains the immune system to become less reactive—or even completely tolerant—to the allergens, preventing the allergy from worsening over time.
The most frequent allergies in cats are flea allergy and atopic dermatitis (feline atopy). This hereditary condition causes sensitivity to airborne allergens such as pollen, mites, mold, and dander.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Allergic cats may experience pruritus, asthma, respiratory issues, acne, sneezing, watery eyes, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea. If a cat already has asthma, environmental allergies can worsen its symptoms.
Feline atopy is often underdiagnosed since a key symptom—excessive grooming—is frequently mistaken for normal behavior or anxiety. Diagnosis is confirmed by eliminating other potential causes and performing an allergy test, such as the SPOT Platinum+ Serum Test, which offers high accuracy using advanced IgE serum testing technology.
Treatment and Long-Term Management
Though research on feline atopy treatments is limited, immunotherapy has shown a 70% success rate and is safe for long-term use. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the only treatment that prevents allergy progression, helping the immune system become less sensitive—or even completely tolerant—to allergens.
Insect-bite hypersensitivity (IBH), also known as “sweet itch,” is the most common allergic condition in horses. It is a seasonal allergic reaction triggered by hypersensitivity to the saliva of biting insects, particularly Culicoides species.
Atopic dermatitis in horses is caused by an allergic reaction to environmental allergens such as pollen, mites, dander, and mold. Depending on the allergen, it can be seasonal or year-round.
Symptoms and Complications
Both IBH and atopy share similar clinical signs, with pruritus (itching) as the main symptom. Some horses may suffer from both conditions simultaneously. Self-trauma from scratching, biting, and rubbing can lead to:
- Skin damage: Erosion, ulcers, hair loss, and thickened skin (lichenification)
- Pigment changes and secondary bacterial infections (pyoderma), characterized by scaling, crusted papules, and epidermal collarettes
In some cases, horses may develop recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), an allergy-related respiratory condition caused by exposure to mold spores in hay and straw. Less common allergy-related symptoms include laminitis and head tossing.
Key facts about atopic dermatitis in Dogs & Cats
Usually starts at a young age.
Involves pruritus and can lead to severe and recurrent infections.
Identifying the responsible allergens is crucial, as is the use of a high-quality, specific and sensitive IgE serum test.
Requires lifelong treatment for which the recommended option is Immunotherapy.
Key facts about Equine IBH and atopy
Insect-bite hypersensitivity and atopy are the most common type of allergies in horses.
Pruritus is present and can lead to severe and recurrent infections.
Identifying the responsible allergens is crucial, as is the use of a high-quality, specific and sensitive IgE serum test.
Requires lifelong treatment and the recommended treatment is immunotherapy.