Is My Pet Allergic? A Vet-Guided Guide to Pet Allergies

Pets can suffer seasonal or environmental allergies, typically manifesting as itchy skin and hot spots rather than human-like sneezing; diagnosis starts by ruling out infections, mites, and fleas, since many itchy pets aren’t allergic. At-home tests advertised for pets are unreliable, and a veterinary dermatologist may perform intradermal skin testing to identify culprits. Treatments range from anti-itch medication and shampoos to new targeted drugs; allergen-specific immunotherapy can desensitize the immune system but costs about £1,000 ($1,300) and may take a year, with possible side effects. Keeping a diary of symptoms, noting seasonal patterns, and considering lifestyle changes can help identify triggers. Advances in therapy may shorten the timeline in the future.