Environmental vs. Food Allergies

If your pet is constantly scratching, licking, or suffering from skin and tummy troubles, allergies could be to blame. But not all allergies are the same—and figuring out the cause is the first step toward relief.

At Creature Comforts, we often see pets struggling with environmental or food allergies—and while the symptoms can look similar, the treatments are quite different.

Here’s how to tell them apart, and what to do if your furry friend is feeling itchy, irritated, or unwell.

An allergy is an overreaction of your pet’s immune system to something harmless—like pollen, food proteins, or dust mites. This causes inflammation, especially in the skin, ears, or digestive system.

Both environmental and food allergies can develop at any age, and some pets may even suffer from both at once.

Environmental allergies—also known as atopic dermatitis—are triggered by allergens in the world around your pet, such as:

• Pollen (trees, grasses, flowers)
• Dust mites
• Mold spores
• Human dander
• Hong Kong’s year-round humidity and pollution

These allergens are usually inhaled or absorbed through the skin, triggering chronic itching and skin issues.

Common Signs:

• Persistent scratching, licking, or chewing
• Red, inflamed skin—especially on paws, belly, or ears
• Frequent ear infections
• Seasonal flare-ups (worse in spring/summer)
• Hair loss or skin thickening over time

💡 Atopic dogs often start showing signs between 1–3 years old.

Food allergies are caused by a reaction to specific ingredients in your pet’s diet. The most common culprits include:

• Beef
• Chicken
• Dairy
• Wheat or gluten
• Fish
• Eggs

Contrary to popular belief, food allergies are not related to a “bad batch” of food—they result from repeated exposure over time.

Common Signs:

• Non-seasonal itching (year-round)
• Chronic soft stool or diarrhea
• Vomiting or flatulence
• Skin rashes, especially on face or ears
• Repeated anal gland issues or scooting

📌 Food allergies often mimic environmental allergies, but digestive issues are a key clue.

Because the symptoms can overlap, your vet may recommend one or more of the following:

✅ 1. Rule Out Flea Allergies First

Even one flea bite can trigger intense reactions in allergic pets. We’ll ensure strict flea control is in place before testing for other causes.

✅ 2. Elimination Diet Trial

To test for food allergies, your pet may go on a novel protein or hydrolyzed diet for 6–8 weeks—no treats, no table scraps. If symptoms improve, food is the likely culprit.

🛑 If you accidentally give your pet something outside the plan, the trial resets!

✅ 3. Allergy Testing

For environmental allergies, we may recommend:

• Intradermal skin testing
• Blood tests for allergen-specific antibodies

This helps identify triggers and guide allergy immunotherapy (desensitization injections).