A number of things can cause itchy skin, or pruritis, in senior pets, but allergies are the top offender. Although allergies most commonly develop during early- to mid-adulthood, senior pets may have long-term allergies that cause seasonal problems, or that have suddenly worsened. If your senior pet is digging and scratching at their skin, or their constant licking is keeping you up at night, understanding more about their condition can help you provide them relief.

What are allergies in senior pets?

Allergies develop when a pet’s immune system becomes overly sensitive to particular environmental substances. When a pet is exposed to these substances, called allergens, their immune system releases the inflammatory chemical histamine, which causes allergy signs. 

What substances can cause allergies in senior pets?

Just like people, pets can develop allergies to a number of environmental substances. The most common triggers in senior pets include:

* Plant-based environmental allergens — Pollens released from blooming grasses, flowers, bushes, and trees commonly cause seasonal allergies in pets. If your pet becomes itchy each spring or summer, they are likely sensitive to pollen they breathe in, or come in contact with. 

* Molds — If mold grows in your walls, it can release spores that cause pet allergies, in addition to making your family sick.

* Mites — Microscopic storage mites live in every home, no matter how clean, and can cause year-round allergies in pets.  

* Fleas — Fleas are more than a nuisance for senior pets who have flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). Only a few bites can leave enough flea saliva to cause a severe allergy flare-up that leaves your senior pet an itchy, red mess. 

* Food ingredients — The least common allergy type, food allergies develop when a pet is allergic to a specific food ingredient. The most common food allergens are beef, chicken, dairy, eggs, and fish. Surprisingly, pets can suddenly develop an allergy to a food ingredient they have eaten for years with no problem. 

What are allergy signs in senior pets?

You may be wondering why your senior pet is itching and scratching instead of sneezing and rubbing their eyes, as you do during allergy season. For some reason, allergies typically manifest as skin problems in pets, instead of as respiratory issues. Common allergy signs your senior pet may display include:

* Red, inflamed skin

* Hair loss

* Scratching or digging at their skin

* Licking their feet

* Ear infections

* Hot spots

* Anal gland problems

Chronic itching, ear infections, and other allergy-related problems can significantly affect your senior pet’s quality of life. If your pet develops allergy signs, schedule an appointment with your family veterinarian to help bring them relief.  

How are allergies diagnosed in senior pets?

Your veterinarian can likely make a tentative allergy diagnosis based on your senior pet’s history and physical exam. However, treatment is most successful when your pet’s specific allergens are identified, and targeted treatment is begun. Several allergy testing methods can be used:

* Blood testing — Blood testing involves sending a pet’s blood sample to a diagnostic laboratory, where immunoglobulin (Ig) levels to different potential allergens are measured. Allergens with the highest Ig levels are most likely to cause your pet problems.

* Intradermal testing — The gold standard to identify a pet’s specific allergens, intradermal testing involves injecting a small volume of each potential allergen under a pet’s skin in a grid-like pattern. Each injection site is observed for swelling and redness, and the potential allergens that cause the most severe reactions are identified as the pet’s allergy triggers. 

* Food trial — To identify food allergies, a pet is fed a diet containing novel protein and grain sources, such as duck and potato, or kangaroo and oat. Alternatively, the diet can contain proteins that have been hydrolyzed, or fragmented into small pieces the immune system does not recognize. A food trial is conducted for 8 to 12 weeks to see if a pet’s symptoms improve. After improvement, old food ingredients can be reintroduced one at a time to determine which specific ingredients a pet is allergic to. 

How can I relieve my senior pet’s itchiness?

The good news is that a number of options are available to help your itchy senior pet. Although allergies cannot be cured, they can be managed to help your pet enjoy a better quality of life. Pets with mild seasonal allergies often find relief from medications, such as antihistamines, steroids, and omega-3 fatty acids, that control their symptoms during the peak pollen season. Pets with more severe signs or with year-round allergies benefit most from immunotherapy. After allergy testing identifies a pet’s specific allergens, a custom injectable or oral liquid can be created that will gradually desensitize their immune system.

Is your senior pet plagued with chronic itchiness or another ailment that significantly affects their quality of life? If treatment no longer brings your pet relief, our telehospice service can help you assess their quality of life, and decide whether veterinary hospice care or in-home euthanasia with a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area is appropriate. We are here to support you and your pet through this difficult journey.