Ask the Vet About Allergies in Dogs and Cats

As a practicing veterinarian, Dr. Dym has over 19 years of experience and dedication to enhancing the overall health and well-being of pets. His commitment and passion for pet health continuously drives him to learn more about the art and science of homeopathy through ongoing training and education.
Submit Your Question
Question:My dog continually choose on the bottoms of her feet I’ve tried giving her Benadryl but it doesn’t seem to work any advice
Answer:Allergies can be frustrating because they continue to recur until you figure out what they are allergic to and often it is multiple things. The good thing is that there are a LOT of treatment options available now, many more than are listed in this article but here is a link to our article about treating allergies which starts by discussing "avoiding allergens" and lists many over-the-counter and prescription treatment options: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm

Question:Darby is 4 years old I'v had her 2 years. She had a rough start as a puppy she was beaten and starved. Recuse took in, they did intestinal surgery for worms. I'v had her dewormed a dozen times. She eats good but I can afford the expensive dog food. We have become great friends, that was hard to earn trust. I hate to see her itch and irritated. I'm vet poor.
Answer:There are many things that cause itching (allergies, mange, ringworm, etc) and most are treated differently so have your veterinarian run some quick tests and make a diagnosis. Since allergies are the most common, here is a link to our article about various treatments for allergies, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm

Question:My 11 yr old white male pitbull has chronic ear infection's had ear culture test done doctor said he has antibiotic resistant infection gave him bactrum for two weeks no relief is suggesting 14 day injection program one daily seven hundred dollars can be kidney unfriendly and some hearing loss side effects I'm desperately trying to get him some relief said if injections fail no other options
Answer:You can always ask for a referral to a veterinary dermatologist, which sounds like it might be the best option for him. Chronic, recurrent ear infections are secondary to something else (allergies usually, but can be other things) so you and your veterinarian must find and treat the underlying cause, not just the secondary infection. Allergies can be frustrating because they continue to recur until you figure out what they are allergic to and often it is multiple things. The good thing is that there are a LOT of treatment options available now, many more than are listed in this article but here is a link to our article about treating allergies which starts by discussing "avoiding allergens" and lists many over-the-counter and prescription treatment options: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm

Question:Hi, my indoor only 2-year old female cat is over licking, biting and chewing her skin resulting in the removal of a large patch of fur around her tail and she's removed all fur in front of her tail for about two inches from the tail up her back and about for inches wide across the back in front of the tail. The vet thought it was anxiety at first when it was minimal but it's gotten much worse. There's a couple little red lines about a quarter of an inch and a red area about an inch by a quarter inch. I'm wondering if it's one or more issues with mites, parasites, and/or fleas (but fleas love me and I've not gotten any flea bites). Is there something topical for multiple issues that I can try for her or something that I can add to her food or perhaps some kind of collar? Thanks so much, Jeff
Answer:There are many things that cause this (allergies, mange, ringworm, etc) and most are treated differently so have your veterinarian run some quick tests and make a diagnosis. Since allergies are the most common, here is a link to our article about various treatments for allergies, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm

Question:I have been to my vet numerous times with my kitten who is approx 6 months old with eye allergies (virus ?)..not really sure exactly what is wrong. First it started with being watery and ended up being mucus and cloudy covering, and he was prescribed different antibiotics, viral medications, eye drops, etc. While he seems to have recovered from the worse part of it, his eye still waters constantly. I'm at a loss with what to give him to help him. He eats/drinks well..he is playful, but it's just that right eye is always watery. Not sure how to help my furbaby.
Answer:These eye infections are usually viral and can linger in some kittens. Ask for a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist if it continues.

Question:My 18 week old kitten has been sneezing nonstop for about three weeks now. She also has watery eyes and one is swollen shut. Could this just be allergies or is it something more? She is currently on itrafungol for ringworm also.
Answer:These upper respiratory issues can linger for a while - they are usually viral in origin. When it lingers that long, it is time for your veterinarian to check her out again and possibly start antibiotics (oral and/or topical eye ointment). Other things that may help: Humidity may help, even if it's just a hot steamy bathroom multiple times a day. Lysine is an over-the-counter supplement that helps some cats as well - here is a link to read about one such product, with the price: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Vetri+Lysine+Plus+Soft+Chews-prod11239.html They are saying now that probiotics seem to help these kitties, so consider starting one like Fortiflora, Benebac or Proviable (3 different good brands of probiotics).

Question:My dog has lost most of her skin her paws are pink and swollen and she has a lump on her stomach
Answer:Allergies can be frustrating because they continue to recur until you figure out what they are allergic to and often it is multiple things. The good thing is that there are a LOT of treatment options available now, many more than are listed in this article but here is a link to our article about treating allergies which starts by discussing "avoiding allergens" and lists many over-the-counter and prescription treatment options: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm Masses can be benign, malignant and everything in between. It is impossible to tell, just by looking at a mass, what kind of cells it contains. Have your veterinarian check it out - they will usually do a "fine needle aspirate" - a little mini-biopsy where they stick a small needle in it and suck some cells out and either look at it right there in their office or send it off to a pathologist. Then you can make a plan for it - if it is definitely benign, your veterinarian may recommend doing nothing.

Question:Do you think it is ok for my Golden to be on16mg everyday indefinitely? ~And do you think a generic will be developed? Thank you!
Answer:Apoquel is much safer than the steroids that we used to use to help dogs with allergies but no drug is entirely benign, so it's always going to be ideal to find what your dog is allergic to and avoid that - that's easier said than done but keep trying - and then wean down and preferably off of the Apoquel. (Saves lots of money as well, of course.)

Question:What is the best dog food for a boxer with allergies and also prone to mast cell tumors?
Answer:The prescription hydrolyzed diets are the best for dogs with food allergies, like Science Diet Z/D - Purina and Royal Canin make one as well.

Question:My cat keeps breaking out he has sensitive skin and has problems with plastic. Like he needs to be on regular medication to help prevent the allergic reactions or at least their intensity. No change in diet but he does go outside so I don't know if he got into something. He is just really sensitive please help
Answer:There are many things that cause skin issues like that (allergies, mange, ringworm, etc) and most are treated differently so have your veterinarian run some quick tests and make a diagnosis. Since allergies are the most common, here is a link to our article about various treatments for allergies, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm

Question:whats the generic brand for [ apoquel] I have two dogs that take that ;also generic brand for advantage II for cats ;would like to know promley as I just placed an order for theres
Answer:Neither of those have genetic equivalents yet, that I know of. Sorry! I get asked that a lot about Apoquel because it works so well and is relatively expensive.

Question:my cat has flea allergies and I have great anxiety over my furnaces. What is the safest flea treatment?
Answer:Revolution and Bravecto seem to be working best this year. They both have good safety profiles - Revolution has been out longer and covers heartworms, but Bravecto seems a little stronger for just fleas.

Question:My pink pit has red inflammation on his skin everywhere and I want to help him until I can get him to the vet I have tea tree oil but I'm not sure how much oil to water I need to mix for him
Answer:Don't mix your own tea tree oil - it can be toxic - always use a product approved for dogs. Allergies can be frustrating because they continue to recur until you figure out what they are allergic to and often it is multiple things. The good thing is that there are a LOT of treatment options available now, many more than are listed in this article but here is a link to our article about treating allergies which starts by discussing "avoiding allergens" and lists many over-the-counter and prescription treatment options: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm

Question:
Answer:Your question did not come through - feel free to resubmit one if you still need help.

Question:I just want to know if it's safe for dogs to have chewable grape children's claritin
Answer:Claritin is safe as long as Loratadine is the only active ingredient.