My Take Tuesday: The Itch Is On!

Springtime in Utah County is breathtaking. As winter finally releases its overpowering grip, new life emerges all around us. The fresh scent of blooming flowers, the vibrant green of new grass, and the cheerful songs of birds awaken a sense of joy in those of us longing for warmer days.

But spring comes with a certain irony. While I love this season dearly, it also ushers in the annual ritual of sniffling, sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes. In my family, atopy—the genetic tendency toward allergies—has been an unwelcome companion for generations. We’re all highly allergic to grass, alfalfa, and flowers.

Growing up, I had a love-hate relationship with spring. Outside my bedroom window stood a rosebush that bloomed spectacularly each year. To most, it was a beautiful sight. To me, it was seasonal misery. That rosebush triggered relentless allergy attacks: nights spent wheezing, sniffling, and rubbing my red, swollen eyes. I remember lying in bed with a cold washcloth pressed over my face, unable to sleep, study, or do much of anything. One particularly bad night, I scrawled in my journal, “Today: more allergies. Oh, I hate them.”

It’s no wonder I feel deep sympathy for my veterinary patients who suffer from allergies. Unlike people, pets typically don’t sneeze or rub their eyes; instead, they scratch, chew, lick, rub, shake their heads, or develop chronic ear infections. Many arrive at my clinic with bleeding paws and raw, open sores from constant scratching. The insatiable itch drives them mad. Every waking hour becomes a battle they can’t win.

Allergies are, without question, one of the most common and challenging conditions I see as a veterinarian. It’s heartbreaking to witness their suffering, and often they are even more miserable than we can imagine.

Fortunately, there’s hope. With a thoughtful allergy-prevention regimen and modern veterinary care, we can significantly improve their quality of life.

Here are a few key steps you can take to help your pet:

• Control the environment. Vacuum frequently and use electrostatic cleaning products (like a Swiffer) to remove dust and allergens from floors and surfaces. Air purifiers or whole-house filtration systems can reduce airborne irritants.

• Bathe regularly. Contrary to the old belief that frequent bathing dries out the skin, veterinary dermatologists now recommend bathing allergic pets weekly—or even daily in severe cases—during spring and summer. Regular baths wash away allergens before they’re absorbed into the skin. Dry shampoos, sprays, and wipes can be great alternatives, especially for dogs who dislike baths or for cats who typically won’t tolerate them.

• Consider food allergies. Allergic reactions to pet food are often caused by proteins such as beef, eggs, dairy, soy, or fish. If food allergies are suspected, your veterinarian can guide you through an elimination diet trial. These trials help pinpoint the culprit and lead to a diet that’s both nutritionally complete and hypoallergenic, often with pre-digested proteins. If your dog needs medications and has food sensitivities, Greenies Pill Pockets Allergy Formula (made from peas and duck) are a helpful option for administering pills without triggering a reaction.

• Explore new treatments. One of the most promising advancements in veterinary dermatology is immunotherapy. Cytopoint is an injectable treatment designed to target Interleukin-31, a protein that triggers itching in allergic dogs. By neutralizing this protein, Cytopoint can provide significant, lasting relief from itching for many dogs.

If your pet suffers from allergies, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian and work together to create a treatment plan. Every pet deserves a life free from pain and suffering, and with the options available today, we can manage allergies better than ever before.

When you stop the itch, everyone sleeps better.

And that’s my take!

N. Isaac Bott, DVM