Pet Allergies

Many people know how uncomfortable and disruptive allergy symptoms can be, but did you know your pet can also experience allergies? Similarly to humans, pets can have allergic reactions to substances in their environment. Recognizing the cause of your pet’s allergies is crucial for getting the treatment necessary to keep your pet healthy and happy. Cleveland Pet Hospital & Health Center in Caldwell, ID, is here to tell you about pet allergies and how our dermatology vet can treat them.

Understanding Allergies in Pets

Pets can experience allergic reactions to substances in their environment and food ingredients. Environmental allergens include pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. Household cleaners, perfumes, and specific shampoos may also result in allergy symptoms. Some of the most common food ingredients that cause allergic reactions include chicken, beef, dairy, wheat gluten, and soy. Flea bites also often cause cat and dog skin allergies.

Your pet’s symptoms will vary based on the specific allergen. For example, flea bites often cause itchiness and skin irritation. Food allergies may result in digestive issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Environmental allergies can cause sneezing, coughing, and eye redness. That said, the most frequent allergy symptoms your pet will experience are related to its skin.

Diagnosing Allergies

We diagnose dog and cat skin allergies by listening to your observations, performing a pet exam, assessing your pet’s symptoms, and considering its medical history. We will conduct intradermal skin tests if your pet’s symptoms point to allergies. This test introduces tiny quantities of allergens to the skin to check for a reaction. We may also perform blood tests to identify the source of your pet’s allergic reaction. Diagnosing food allergies involves an elimination diet to determine which ingredients cause a reaction.

Allergy Treatment

Once our dermatology vet determines the cause of your pet’s allergies, they can provide several treatment options to ease symptoms and prevent exposure. Our vet may prescribe antihistamines and other medication to alleviate allergy symptoms. Flea preventatives help protect your pet from fleas. Hypoallergenic shampoos can remove allergens from your pet and soothe inflamed skin. You can also limit your pet’s exposure to allergens by keeping it inside on high pollen days, vacuuming more frequently, and eliminating ingredients in its diet that cause a reaction.

Treat Your Pet’s Allergies Today at Cleveland Pet Hospital & Health Center

If your pet is struggling with allergy symptoms and needs relief, contact the vet at Cleveland Pet Hospital & Health Center in Caldwell, ID, today. Our vet can determine the cause of your pet’s allergic reaction and provide treatment to help it feel its best again. Call us and schedule an appointment today at (208) 459-0709 to keep your pet healthy and happy.