Allergy or Infection?
Allergy or Infection?
When your dog or cat starts itching, scratching, or showing skin changes, it can be hard to tell what’s really going on. Is it an allergy? Is it an infection? Or both? Understanding the difference between allergies and infections in pets is key to getting the right treatment and helping your pet feel better, faster.
Allergy vs Infection: What’s the Difference?
Allergies in pets are an overreaction of the immune system to things like pollen, food ingredients, dust mites, or even flea saliva. These reactions cause inflammation, leading to red, itchy, and irritated skin.
On the other hand, infections are caused by microorganisms, like bacteria or yeast, that invade and grow on the skin, often when the skin barrier is already compromised. Pets with allergies are prone to secondary infections due to constant scratching and damage to the skin surface.
Signs and Symptoms
Allergy signs may include:
- Persistent itching or licking
- Red or inflamed skin
- Hair loss or thinning
- Ear infections (often recurrent)
- Paw chewing or face rubbing
Infection signs may include:
- Crusty, oozing, or smelly skin
- Red bumps or pustules
- Greasy or discoloured coat
- Thickened skin or dark pigmentation
- A sudden worsening of itching
Often, allergies and infections occur together—an allergy weakens the skin barrier, and bacteria or yeast take advantage of the broken skin.
How to Treat
Allergy management focuses on a multimodal management regime to reduce inflammation/itching and removing or avoiding the underlying trigger. This may include:
- Prescription anti-inflammatory medications
- Prescription diets
- Regular bathing with a veterinary specific shampoo and conditioner
- +/- Allergen-specific immunotherapy
Infection treatment often requires one or more of the following:
- Topical antimicrobials
- Medicated shampoos and conditioners
- Systemic antibiotics or antifungal medications
Dermcare Products That Can Help
Dermcare has a concise range of high quality veterinary dermatology products that support both allergy management and infection control:
- Barazone® – A prescription leave-on conditioner for the symptomatic treatment of canine atopic dermatitis, contact allergy or other pruritic conditions in the dog.
- Malaseb® Medicated Shampoo – Combines miconazole and chlorhexidine for the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis associated with infections with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Malassezia pachydermatitis in dogs and cats.
- Pyohex® Shampoo and Pyohex® Conditioner – Contains chlorhexidine to aid in the treatment of superficial dermatitis associated with infection by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in dogs.
- Aloveen® Shampoo and Aloveen® Conditioner – Contains oatmeal and aloe vera to soothe inflamed, itchy skin in dogs, cats and horses.
If your pet is showing signs of skin problems, speak with your veterinarian. Proper diagnosis will determine if it’s an allergy, an infection, or both. With the right care plan and targeted products, your pet can get back to feeling comfortable and happy.
