According to Banfield Pet Hospital’s recently released 2018 State of Pet Health Report, which explores the science behind skin allergies in pets and sheds light on flea, environmental, and food allergies, the latter isn’t to blame for itchy skin as often as some might believe. According to Banfield’s report, food allergies affect just 0.2 percent of dogs and 0.1 percent of cats, meaning other causes should be explored if food allergies are suspected. Further, flea allergies have risen over the past 10 years, including a 12 percent increase in dogs and a 67 percent increase in cats, and environmental allergies also are on an upward trend, with a more than 30 percent increase in dogs and 11 percent increase in cats over the last decade, the report stated. According to Banfield data, cats are twice as likely as dogs to be found with fleas; however, fleas exist in all types of weather, on outdoor and indoor pets and in all 50 states all year long. While environmental allergens for pets vary by region and climate, many are found in a typical pet owner’s home, including pollen, dander, molds, and cleaning solutions. Additionally, Wisdom Health research found additional evidence that links genetics to the development of environmental allergies in dogs. Some commonly affected breeds include golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, cocker spaniels, boxers, French bulldogs and West Highland white terriers. Thirty percent of food-allergic dogs and cats are found to have another allergic skin condition. Food allergic pets also more prone to skin infections; dogs are six times more likely to develop a bacterial skin infection, whereas cats are 15 times more likely. The 2018 State of Pet Health Report captures medical data from the more than three million dogs and cats Banfield cared for in 2017.
