They can't tell you what they're allergic to. That's where we come in.

Just like humans, dogs, cats and horses can be allergic. The immunological mechanisms underlying allergy in dogs, cats and horses are essentially the same as in humans. Allergy is a condition of hypersensitivity to substances which are common and harmless to most animals. The hypersensitivity is caused by a dysfunction in the pet’s immune system. The substances that cause allergy – allergens – include pollens, mites, moulds, insects and foods.

Canine allergic disease (atopy) often presents as a skin disease known as atopic dermatitis. Up to 15% of dogs suffer from an atopic condition. Atopy is a hereditary form of allergy to pollen of plants (for example grasses, weeds, trees), fungi or various dust and storage mites.

The first symptoms typically occur between 1-3 years of age (around 75% of all cases). Sporadically, symptoms occur in animals under 6 months of age.

Just like dogs and cats, horses too can be allergic. Insects, weeds, grasses and tree pollens often cause allergies in horses. Other allergic triggers are dust mites, foods and moulds contained in damp hay or straw.

A proper allergy diagnosis requires a thorough physical examination including a complete dermatological history. Clinical skills and experience help to differentiate the pet allergies from one with itchy skin caused by another issue. All other known causes of itching must be ruled out before hypersensitivity can be diagnosed. When other triggers of the symptoms can be ruled out, allergy testing should be your next step.

Pets that have symptoms for 3 months, or more, in a year can be considered for allergen-specific immunotherapy such as Alergovet Immunotherapy. The treatment helps to ensure that the condition is kept under control and that the symptoms are greatly reduced or even eliminated.