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 Rising
00:47 Show Intro Theme
01:35 Meet Dr Tapp
02:20 Dogs Vs Humans Symptoms
03:20 Skin Barrier Breakdown
05:46 IgE And Cytokines
06:24 Western Lifestyle Effects
07:50 Common Dog Allergens
09:02 Can Dogs Allergic To Humans
10:37 Hypoallergenic Dog Myth
13:36 Contact Dermatitis Rare
16:50 Diet And Food Allergy
19:26 Cats Atopic Syndrome
20:47 Barrier Focus Treatments
21:37 Ceramides and Staph
22:41 Three Drivers of Atopy
23:56 Biologics and JAK Inhibitors
25:23 Food Allergy Testing Limits
28:17 Diet Trials and Avoidance
30:10 Toxins vs Food Allergy
32:21 Genetics and Breeding Risks
34:58 Pet Dander and Cat Allergy
37:21 Other Species Allergies
40:06 Antihistamines Dont Work
41:52 Zoo Dermatology Stories
43:49 Wrap Up and Disclaimer

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