Signs of Allergies in Dogs and Cats

 Allergies are very common but at the same time they are frustrating as well, both for our fur babies and for us as well. But sometimes we do not recognize the symptoms of allergies and rather think that there is some infection or some other issues going on in the body. Vet visits are always extremely tiring and super expensive. Although vets are able to diagnose and treat to the best extent of their knowledge, there are indications which needed to be noticed at home and get an idea that these can be allergy symptoms.

So let's start from the Ears. If you notice ears getting a lot of brownish or blackish wax, it can be the first sign of allergy, Although no doubt that it can be an infection as well, but infections sometimes are a results of allergies getting uncontrolled. Other signs to look for are, ears getting red, shaking the head and itching  ears excessively. You will often see scratch marks on the inner side of ears which if remains uncontrolled can lead to hardness of the inner surface of ears. This process is usually called as Lichenification of ears. Sometimes all other signs are present but you never see any wax in the ears, that's because of constant irritation of body towards allergies. Often you will notice a fruity yeasty odour from the ears.

Secondly, pay attention if your pet is licking, chewing and biting between digits of the paws which often leads to loss of hair, redness between interdigital spaces, hardening of skin and sometimes discoloration of the nails, especially if nails are white in colour. 

Next comes the skin present under fore and hind legs. Redness, small pin point marks which comes and goes, itching on these areas, rough skin and hair coat, will largely reflect that skin is getting irritated because of allergies.

Last but not the least comes some symptoms which are not always present but still noticed in many pets. These are scooting, that is rubbing their anal area on the floor, resulting the area to be red and inflamed. Although signs like loose stools and coughing are also associated with allergies, but it also depends on what types of allergies a pet is going through. ( Check for the separate blog on Different Types Of Allergies) 

Although it doesn't necessarily means that all these signs are characteristics of allergies, some of these signs are also present in infections, parasitic causes, behavior issues and anxiety issues as well . But in broader terms, if you are noticing these signs, best is to get your pet checked for allergies or start the anti-allergy treatment and see if its working or not ( Check the special separate blog on Different options of treatment of allergies and management of allergies at home)