Warmer springtime weather can trigger an onset of allergies affecting your pet. Over the last decade the percentage of dogs and cats experiencing allergies has been on the rise. During this ten-year span, studies have shown the incidence of dogs and cats suffering from environment-related allergens has increased almost 31% for dogs and 11.5% for cats. It’s estimated that 20% of pets will develop allergies over their lifetime. These allergies can be triggered by pollen, grass, mold, feathers, dust and more – and many of which can be found in the home. 

Pet allergies typically manifest as itching, but there are a number of other telltale signs. A common misconception of pet owners is: If it itches, it must be an allergy. If pruritus – the medical term for itchy skin – persists or worsens, a veterinary dermatologist will often be required.

“Allergy in pets is almost always skin disease,” says Michael Groh, DVM, founder of  Midwest Veterinary Consultants, a Missouri-based exclusive practice focusing on veterinary allergies and dermatology. But there are a few respiratory allergies documented in cats, dogs and horses which are clearly not skin issues, explains Dr. Groh. “Food allergy can masquerade as inflammatory bowel disorders,” he notes, “although in much smaller numbers than allergic skin disease.” He goes on to say that because allergy is an inherited trait, avoidance is unpredictable.

Durvet Can Help -
While establishing a relationship with a veterinarian is always recommended, practical homecare is also important. Bathing pets every six weeks and clipping and grooming them may not be sufficient to protect them from infection or parasites. “Especially if pets are allowed outside to play in multi-pet backyards or to be exposed to other neighborhood pets who maybe unvaccinated or parasitized,” says Dr. Groh.

But, he points out, there are products that have been proven to be effective, safe and of good value to the pet owner. Common problems like parasites and simple infections like staphylococci and yeast organisms can often be resolved with appropriate insecticides and antibiotics. And there are many specialized, all-natural products to treat dog and cat pruritus resulting from various pet allergens.

Durvet offers a broad selection of natural and medicated topical and grooming allergy products, such as these:

• No-Bite(TM) IGR Flea and Tick Mist – provides effective control of fleas, ticks and lice; it also prevents fleas from developing into egg laying adults.
• Remedies 3 in 1 Oatmeal PLUS Shampoo – a pleasantly-scented botanical shampoo designed to relieve itchy, sensitive skin caused by allergies to fleas and tick bites, grass or food allergies. Desensitizes and soothes inflamed skin in dogs & cats.
• Naturals Oatmeal Mist – a botanical spray designed for dogs, cats, ferrets and rabbits with dry, itchy skin caused by allergies to food, grass, flea bites and other environmental allergens.
• Medicated Itch Relieving Spray – for dermatological conditions responsive to Hydrocortisone and Pramoxine HCL; it also contains oat extract to naturally relieve itching and scratching and Lanolin derivatives to protect and soothe irritated skin.

 These Duvet products – and many more in the line – are available OTC.

Sources:
National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Institutes of Health (NIH), February 1, 2018.

2023 AAHA Management of Allergic Skin Diseases in Dogs and Cats Guidelines, American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), October 31, 2023.