Pet Allergist

Understanding Pet Allergies

Like humans, pets can suffer from allergies. These allergies come in different forms, and each has its own symptoms and triggers.

Food Allergies

Sometimes the foods we give our pets don’t agree with them. Both dogs and cats can have food allergies or sensitivities, which can impact them externally and internally. Food allergies will trigger an immune response, which can cause swelling of the face, hives, and other skin conditions, causing pets to frequently scratch up against things. These allergies may also affect the gastrointestinal system, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.

Environmental Allergies

Dogs love to play outside, and cats love to explore and nestle into cozy corners. These activities can result in environmental allergies, also known as atopic dermatitis. These allergies can be brought on by a wide range of allergens. Some of these, like grass and cedar, are typically found outdoors and can create issues for animals that often go outside. However, indoor allergens like dust mites, mold, and mildew may be inside the home. Environmental allergies can cause severe itching in pets.

Flea Allergies

Unfortunately, pets may come into contact with fleas from time to time. Fleas have saliva that can create an allergic reaction. The result may be red, inflamed skin that causes intense itchiness. For dogs and cats, the base of the tail is an area that is typically affected. Cats especially may scratch or chew the itchy area, creating open sores.

Bacterial Allergies

Unfortunately, when animals get open wounds from too much scratching and biting, it can lead to a bacterial infection. Bacterial infections can result in bacterial allergies as well, which may cause pus or blood to come out of the skin.

Seasonal Allergies

Sometimes our furry friends will suffer itching, rashes, and other allergy symptoms because of seasonal changes. Spring and summer bring about ragweed, pollen, and other allergens that can create havoc for a pet’s skin. Pets may experience excessive shedding, scratching or biting fur, paw licking in dogs, boot scooting, and even respiratory issues in cats.

What Can a Pet Allergist Do?

Pet owners may see the signs and symptoms but not be able to pinpoint the problem because pets cannot communicate as easily as people. Another problem is that pets are often allergic to more than one thing, and these allergies can develop over time. That’s why we have pet allergists on staff. They will perform the necessary testing to diagnose the problems and produce the best treatment option based on the cause.

Flea allergies are treated using flea control products. There are plenty of flea prevention products on the market, but if your pet is already dealing with symptoms, corticosteroids may be prescribed to help relieve them of the itchy feeling. Food allergy testing can be done to help identify which food or foods are causing issues. This testing takes time and requires you to feed your pet foods it’s never had before to help find out where the allergy lies. Environmental and seasonal allergies might require corticosteroids, antihistamines, immunosuppressive drug therapy, or allergy shots.

Look To Our Veterinary Team to Treat Pet Allergies

When pets are struggling, pet owners can feel helpless. Pets with allergies are especially difficult because so many of the symptoms are similar, but they can be allergic to so many different things. If you’re worried your pet is suffering from allergies, reach out to our pet allergists at Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital. Our team prides itself on professionalism and compassion for your pets.

Our veterinarians use advanced tools and technologies to help offer diagnostic care and talk you through your pet’s options. Our treatment services are catered toward your specific pet’s needs. Should your pet need to stay overnight, we have experienced technicians who stay overnight and are available to answer calls so you can check in on your pet. If you need any of our services, contact us today and make an appointment.