Do Pets Get Allergies? A Vet Dermatologist Explains Itchy Dogs, Food Trials & Immunotherapy | My Allergist Dad

On this episode of My Allergist Dad, Drew and Dr. Z are joined by Dr. Tapp, Rhode Island’s only board-certified veterinary dermatologist, to explain allergies in pets—focusing on what pets are allergic to and how it differs from humans. Dr. Tapp describes canine atopic dermatitis as a genetic, skin-barrier–driven condition that commonly shows up as paw licking, face rubbing, ear infections, and itching, with increasing rates linked to indoor living and exposures like dust mites and mold. They discuss typical allergens (pollens, mites, molds), the rare role of contact dermatitis, and that pets can even test positive to human dander. The conversation covers food reactions (often not IgE), the need for an 8-week elimination diet and challenges, occasional anaphylaxis (including storage mites), and treatments such as barrier repair, medicated shampoos, immunotherapy, Cytopoint, and Apoquel.00:00 Dog Allergies Rising00:47 Show Intro Theme01:35 Meet Dr Tapp02:20 Dogs Vs Humans Symptoms03:20 Skin Barrier Breakdown05:46 IgE And Cytokines06:24 Western Lifestyle Effects07:50 Common Dog Allergens09:02 Can Dogs Allergic To Humans10:37 Hypoallergenic Dog Myth13:36 Contact Dermatitis Rare16:50 Diet And Food Allergy19:26 Cats Atopic Syndrome20:47 Barrier Focus Treatments21:37 Ceramides and Staph22:41 Three Drivers of Atopy23:56 Biologics and JAK Inhibitors25:23 Food Allergy Testing Limits28:17 Diet Trials and Avoidance30:10 Toxins vs Food Allergy32:21 Genetics and Breeding Risks34:58 Pet Dander and Cat Allergy37:21 Other Species Allergies40:06 Antihistamines Dont Work41:52 Zoo Dermatology Stories43:49 Wrap Up and Disclaimer📩 Have a question for the show?Email: [email protected]