Written by: Antonia
Whilst allergies in our dogs and cats are extremely common, their signs can often be overlooked or unintentionally minimized by owners. At times, these pets will come in for a variety of signs such as licking, scratching, redness, sniffing or gastrointestinal upset, but it can take months before owners recognize these as being associated with an allergy.
Recognizing the pattern matters. Untreated allergies not only affect your pet’s physical appearance, but they can also impact their quality of life, behaviour, digestion and breathing. Let’s begin by breaking down what happens when your pet develops a skin allergy, and when to know it’s time to seek veterinary care.
1. Paw Licking, Chewing & Face Rubbing
Constant licking of the paws or chewing at body parts can oftentimes be mistaken for normal grooming, and in reality, could be a sign of allergy.
2. Recurrent Ear Infections
If your dog is constantly battling with ear infections, this is a sign to rule out skin allergy. Chronic inflammation, redness, odour and discharge are just a few signs that can point to a skin allergy as the underlying problem, and until this is addressed, recurrent ear infections are likely going to remain a problem for your beloved pet.
3. Subtle Skin Changes
While skin changes are often drastic in skin allergy, subtle changes may also occur in the early stages and can sometimes be misdiagnosed. These signs can include scaly or flaky patches, mild hair loss, thickened skin and darker hyperpigmentation changes.
4. Sneezing & Runny Nose
While respiratory signs are typically classified as upper or lower respiratory tract disease, sneezing or nasal discharge can point to seasonal allergy, particularly if they coincide with changes in the season.
Unlike dogs, cats attempt to mask their discomfort or pain, making an allergy diagnosis slightly more difficult for owners to spot.
1. Over-Grooming & Bald Spots
Cats with allergies will often lick or chew at their skin obsessively, until the fur begins to thin. Common locations to look out for include the abdomen and thighs. When you see hair loss, don’t think it’s just over-grooming or stress; there is likely an underlying reason for this pain or irritation.
2. Chronic Ear Infections
Like dogs, cats can develop ear infections that present due to an underlying skin disease. These infections can cause severe skin inflammation and itch or pain.
3. Subtle GI Upset
Frequent vomiting, diarrhea/soft stool and flatulence may not just be due to a “sensitive stomach” but may be a sign to rule out an underlying food allergy.
4. Respiratory or Eye Signs
Sneezing, itchy eyes, or runny discharge can also be allergy-related, oftentimes more frequently than seen in dogs.
Pets with allergies may not show dramatic reactions like humans (no obvious hives or sneezing). Instead, their bodies tend to react with chronic inflammation, meaning:
- Itching comes and goes
- Symptoms may look like infection or poor grooming
- Gastrointestinal signs can be inconsistent
- Seasonal patterns aren’t always obvious
Some pets have both skin and GI symptoms, which can also add to the confusion.
If your dog or cat shows one or more of the following, a veterinary evaluation can determine whether allergies (or something more serious) are the underlying cause:
✔️ Persistent itching
✔️ Recurrent ear infections
✔️ Hair loss, redness or skin sores
✔️ Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
✔️ Sneezing, eye discharge, or respiratory changes