Pet Allergies
Skin & Allergy Care
Managing Cat & Dog Allergies in St. Paul, MN
Pets can experience allergies just like people, especially during spring, summer, and fall when environmental triggers like pollen, mold, and dust mites are more common. Some pets are more sensitive than others, and allergies often show up as skin issues—causing itching, irritation, and discomfort.
At St. Paul Pet Hospital, we take a personalized approach to diagnosing and managing allergies in cats and dogs. Whether your pet is dealing with seasonal flare-ups or ongoing skin concerns, our goal is to identify the cause and create a treatment plan that brings lasting relief.
With the right care and support, we can help your pet feel comfortable, healthy, and back to enjoying life without constant itching.
Cat & Dog Allergy Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of cat and dog allergies include:
- Excessively chewing and licking the feet
- Chewing, licking, and biting at sides and hind end
- Hair loss
- Continuous scratching
- Sneezing
- Runny eyes
- Rubbing at face and ears
- Raw, red skin
- Dandruff
- Yeast buildup in the ears (gives off strong odor)
Understanding Atopy
What Is Atopy in Pets?
Atopy, also known as allergic hypersensitivity, is a common condition where your pet’s immune system overreacts to everyday allergens like pollen, dust, or mold. This response often leads to persistent itching, irritation, and discomfort.
Because pets rely on scratching, licking, and chewing to relieve the itch, atopy can quickly lead to skin damage, inflammation, and even infection if left untreated.
While it can feel like a frustrating cycle, atopy is manageable. With the right diagnosis, consistent care, and a personalized treatment plan, we can help reduce your pet’s symptoms and keep their skin healthy and comfortable.
Diagnosing Pet Allergies
Finding the Cause of Your Pet’s Symptoms
The first step in managing your pet’s allergies is getting an accurate diagnosis. Many skin conditions can look similar, so it’s important to rule out other possible causes before confirming allergies.
During your pet’s exam, we’ll take a close look at their skin and overall health. Depending on their symptoms, we may recommend diagnostic testing such as:
- Allergy blood testing
- Bacterial (skin infection) testing
- Standard bloodwork
- Fungal culture
- Skin scraping and microscopic evaluation
If we suspect a food allergy, we may recommend an elimination diet. This involves feeding a carefully selected diet for a period of time to see if your pet’s symptoms improve. If they do, we can gradually reintroduce ingredients to identify the specific trigger.
Our goal is to find the root cause of your pet’s symptoms so we can create a treatment plan that provides lasting relief and keeps your pet comfortable.
Managing Allergies for Long-Term Comfort
Atopy often develops in pets between 1–3 years of age and, while there isn’t a permanent cure, it can be effectively managed with the right care plan. Our goal is to reduce itching, heal the skin, and keep your pet comfortable year-round.
Treatment is tailored to your pet’s specific needs and may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
Cortisone-based medications such as prednisone, Depo-Medrol, or dexamethasone can help quickly reduce inflammation and relieve itching. - Targeted allergy therapies
Options like Apoquel and Cytopoint help control itchiness and support skin healing with fewer side effects. - Medicated and hypoallergenic shampoos
These help remove allergens from the skin, soothe irritation, and improve overall skin health.
With consistent care and the right combination of treatments, most pets with atopy can live comfortable, happy lives. Our team will work closely with you to find the best approach for your pet.
Treating Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Pets
Some pets are highly sensitive to flea bites and can develop intense itching and skin irritation from even a single bite. For these pets, consistent flea prevention is essential to keep symptoms under control and protect their skin.
At St. Paul Pet Hospital, we recommend effective, veterinarian-prescribed preventatives to keep your pet protected:
- For dogs: Bravecto® — a convenient chewable that provides up to 12 weeks of flea protection
- For cats: Revolution Plus® — a monthly topical treatment that protects against fleas and other parasites
With the right prevention plan, we can help reduce flare-ups and keep your pet comfortable year-round. Our team is here to recommend the best option based on your pet’s needs and lifestyle.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get your pet started on the right protection plan.