Veterinarians say the number of dogs and cats with allergies has grown to epidemic proportions in recent years. The good news is newer treatments are showing results. Animals often don't sneeze or wheeze as allergic humans do. Their reaction shows up on the skin. Those caused by fleas, by environmental allergies, or by foods.
Dust mites, grasses and moulds top the list of environmental, or atopic, allergies.
Food allergies are manageable, but controlling them is time-consuming. Unfortunately, there is as yet no test for food allergies. The main treatments for animal allergies were corticosteroids to control itching and antibiotics to control infections caused by scratching. Vets now have safer options. For symptomatic relief, many recommend bathing with shampoos containing oatmeal or Pramoxine.