Pet Dermatology Referral in London, Ontario

Not necessarily! While food allergies can certainly make pets itchy, they're actually less common than other causes. Often, itchiness is due to:

• Environmental allergies (atopy): Just like people, pets can be allergic to things like pollen, dust mites, or molds.
• Parasites: Fleas are a huge culprit, even if you don't see them! Mites can also cause intense itching.
• Skin infections: Bacteria or yeast can overgrow on the skin, causing irritation and itching.

Your vet will help figure out the true cause of your pet's itch to get them the right treatment.

Skin infections (like bacterial pyoderma or yeast overgrowth) are usually a symptom of an underlying problem, not the main disease itself. Think of them like a fever – a sign that something else is going on. Common underlying issues include:

• Allergies: Environmental or food allergies can damage the skin barrier, making it easier for infections to take hold.
• Parasites: Fleas or mites can lead to skin irritation and secondary infections.
• Hormonal imbalances: Conditions like an underactive thyroid can weaken the skin's defenses.
• Immune system issues: Sometimes the immune system isn't working quite right, making pets more prone to infections.

To stop the infections from returning, we need to identify and manage that root cause.

Generally, no. The idea that grain-free diets help with skin allergies is a common myth. When pets have food allergies, they are almost always allergic to a protein source (like chicken, beef, dairy, or lamb), not grains (like corn, wheat, or rice).

There's no scientific evidence to support grain-free diets as a treatment for most skin allergies. In fact, some grain-free diets have been linked to other health concerns in pets. If your vet suspects a food allergy, they will recommend a specific "hypoallergenic" or "novel protein" diet trial, which may or may not be grain-free, focusing instead on eliminating common allergens.

Steroids (corticosteroids) are very effective at quickly reducing inflammation and itchiness, providing much-needed relief for your pet. However, like many powerful medications, they can have side effects, especially with long-term or high-dose use.

Your veterinarian will always weigh the benefits against the potential risks when prescribing steroids. Often, they are used for short periods to get immediate relief while your vet investigates and establishes a safer, long-term management plan (which might involve other medications, allergy shots, or diet changes). It's crucial to follow your vet's dosing instructions carefully and discuss any concerns you have about your pet's treatment plan.