Allergy: The general symptoms of allergy are Itchy skin; rash; and patchy hair loss on the face, armpits, feet, or groin. Sneezing and itchy runny eyes and nose are not common in dogs and cats with allergy. The skin changes associated with allergy are often accompanied by secondary skin infections that can become quite severe. The most common causes of allergy are foods (which can cause year-round problems), pollens, and flea saliva (which are often seasonal and recur annually). Allergies are treated with low-dose steroids, antihistamines, antibiotics, bathing, omega fatty acids, special diets, and sometimes skin testing and desensitization. Allergy is a serious quality-of-life problem for dogs and cats.