Treatment
Treatment involves the avoidance of identified allergens when possible. Essential fatty acid supplements, given at higher doses, can help control the symptoms. Medications can include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunotherapy, or allergy shots. Owners should be aware that long-term use of corticosteroids can result in complications including iatrogenic Cushing's disease, or excessive levels of glucocorticoids in the body, diabetes mellitus, and worsening bacterial or fungal skin infections. Allergy shots are formulated specifically for individual animals and are administered by an injection under the skin. Improvement of symptoms can take three to six months in the canine and up to one year in the feline. Immunotherapy is successful in reducing itching in 60 to 70 percent of dogs and 73 percent of cats. In addition, shampoos and topical products may be beneficial.