If your dog or cat is constantly scratching, licking, or chewing their feet or has recurring skin problems, allergies could be part of the problem. For some pets, the itching becomes so constant that it affects their sleep, comfort, and quality of life.

Medications can help control itching, but when the problems continue to come back, I believe it is important to look at what else could be contributing to them.

Common Symptoms of Skin Allergies

• Persistent scratching, licking, or chewing
• Red or irritated skin
• Recurring ear infections
• Digestive problems
• Hair loss or thinning coat
• Hot spots
• Brown saliva staining on the feet
• Greasy skin or unpleasant odor
• Thickened or darkened skin
• Recurring yeast or bacterial skin infections
• Food sensitivities
• Hives or other skin eruptions

The Three Main Types of Skin Allergies

Environmental Allergies

Pollen, grasses, mold, dust mites, and other things in your pet's environment can cause allergic reactions. Some pets have problems only during certain times of the year, while others have symptoms throughout the year.

Food Allergies or Sensitivities

Food allergies or sensitivities can affect the skin, ears, and digestive system. Your pet may constantly scratch, lick, or chew their feet, have recurring ear problems, or develop red and irritated skin. Certain proteins or other ingredients in the diet can contribute to these problems.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Some dogs and cats are extremely sensitive to flea bites. For these pets, even one flea bite can cause severe itching and irritation that can continue long after the flea is gone.

Yeast and Bacterial Skin Problems

Skin allergies can also lead to yeast or bacterial skin problems, which can make the itching, redness, odor, and irritation even worse. When these problems continue to return, I look beyond the skin and consider what else could be contributing to them.

For more information, read my article Yeast Infections in Dogs and Cats: A Natural Approach.‍

Taking a Natural Approach to Skin Allergies

When dealing with skin allergies, I look at more than just the itching. Diet, digestive health, medications, supplements, environmental exposures, fleas, yeast, and other health problems can all be important.

Start With the Diet

When food allergies or sensitivities are involved, finding the problem ingredient is not always as simple as changing brands. Many pet foods contain more than one animal protein. This is not necessarily a problem for a healthy pet, but it can make it more difficult to identify a problem ingredient in a pet with allergies. For example, a food that uses beef as the main protein may also contain chicken or another animal protein farther down the ingredient list. If your pet reacts to one of those proteins, it can be difficult to determine which ingredient is causing the problem. 

If I suspect a food sensitivity, I usually simplify the diet so we can better determine which foods your pet tolerates. This may mean choosing a protein your pet has not eaten before or using an elimination diet with one animal protein and a limited number of other ingredients. Everything your pet eats needs to be considered, not just the food in the bowl.

The diet I choose depends on what your pet is eating now, what has been fed in the past, the symptoms your pet is having, and any other health problems that need to be considered.

Not sure what to look for in your pet’s food? Use my Pet Food Label Reading Checklist: Ingredients to Look For and Avoid.

Add Supplements to the Diet

Supplements can be an important part of a natural program for skin allergies, but I do not recommend the same supplements for every pet. Depending on the pet, I may use supplements to support the skin, digestive system, and immune system, as well as to help with inflammation and itching.

I consider many factors before deciding which supplements are right for your dog or cat.

Look at Your Pet's Environment

Food is only part of the picture. I also consider what your pet is exposed to at home and outside, including lawn chemicals, pesticides, heavily scented cleaning products, air fresheners, and other unnecessary chemicals.

What to Expect From a Consultation

When a pet has been itching for months or even years, it can be difficult to know where to start. This is where I can help.

A consultation starts before we actually meet. I review your pet's health records, current and previous foods, treats, medications, supplements, symptoms, and the information you provide on the evaluation form. I also consider when the skin problems started, whether they are seasonal, previous treatments, antibiotic use, digestive problems, ear infections, yeast problems, and other health concerns.

During the consultation, I explain what I recommend feeding, which foods and treats to avoid, which supplements I recommend, and any other changes I feel are important. I also explain the reason for each change and answer your questions. 

After the consultation, I will send you a detailed written program with everything we discussed. Depending on your pet's needs, this may include commercial food recommendations, homemade recipes, supplements, treats, feeding instructions, and other changes I recommend.

There is no single program that is right for every pet with skin allergies. If your dog or cat continues to struggle with itching, licking, ear problems, or irritated skin, contact For Pet Health to schedule a holistic pet nutrition consultation.