5 Signs Your Pet Has Allergies

Similarly to humans, pets can be allergic to environmental substances and food ingredients. Whether your pet has an allergy to pollen, flea bites, dander, or food, it will likely experience many uncomfortable symptoms. Fortunately, your dermatology vet near you at Cleveland Pet Hospital & Health Center, Caldwell, ID, can test for and treat your pet’s allergies to help it feel its best again. Here are five signs to watch out for that may indicate your pet is dealing with allergies.

Itchy Skin

Pets often experience allergy symptoms through their skin rather than the respiratory system. Excessive scratching or licking likely indicates your pet is dealing with an allergy. Dogs commonly have irritations on their face, ears, paws, groin, or hind. Flea allergies often cause symptoms at the base of the tail, while food allergies may result in itchy ears or paws. Cats may lick excessively to the point where they vomit hairballs or have hair in their stool.

Hair Loss

Another distinction between normal scratching and licking and excessive behavior is hair loss in irritated areas. Hair loss on the hind end that edges forward often indicates an allergic reaction to flea saliva. Hair loss on the paws suggests a reaction to grasses or other surfaces your pet encounters.

Recurring Skin and Ear Infections

Allergies can irritate the skin inside your pet’s ears, creating a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. Recurring skin and ear infections generally result from your pet licking and scratching an area exposed to the allergen. Your pet may also experience redness, discharge, and head shaking alongside skin and ear infections.

Gastrointestinal Issues

While the occasional upset stomach is not a cause for concern, consistent vomiting or diarrhea could indicate an allergic reaction to a specific food ingredient. Your pet may also experience increased flatulence or abdominal pain due to a food allergy.

Swollen Face or Eyes

A swollen face or eyes may indicate a reaction to bug bites, especially if the pet was recently outside. These allergic reactions require an immediate trip to your vet near you for treatment since they can be life-threatening, especially when accompanied by difficulty breathing.

Visit Your Dermatology Vet Neat You in Caldwell, ID, for Allergy Treatment Today

Pet allergies can significantly disrupt your pet’s health and well-being if left undiagnosed and untreated, so contact Cleveland Pet Hospital & Health Center in Caldwell, ID, for pet allergy testing and treatment today. Call us and schedule an appointment with our dermatology vet at (208) 549-0709 to keep your pet healthy and happy.