Keeping Cat and Dog Allergies Under Control

Allergies are a fact of life for many of us, and our pets aren’t immune to the effects of allergens, either. Dogs (and cats, to a slightly lesser extent) can suffer from food allergies, seasonal allergies, and even flea-induced allergies. Additionally, pets can experience skin disorders either as a result of their allergies, or from another condition entirely. Here in San Antonio, our job is to help you figure out what exactly your pet is suffering from so we can treat it properly and relieve your pet from their symptoms.

Pet allergies can occur as a result of your dog or cat inhaling, coming into physical contact with, or ingesting an allergen. Common allergens for pets include:

Inhalants:

• Tree pollen
• Grass
• Ragweed
• Dust
• Mold spores

Substances:

• Insecticides
• Soaps
• Pollen
• Grass
• Paint
• Wool nylon carpeting
• Poison ivy and oak
• Wood preservatives

Foods:

• Chicken
• Wheat
• Pork
• Beef
• Eggs
• Dairy
  

Contrary to humans, pets don’t necessarily sneeze when they have allergies. Rather, the evidence of their condition can be found in their behavior, and on their skin.

• Daily, persistent scratching
• Biting, licking, chewing, and rubbing at itchy areas
• Hair loss
• Reddened skin
• Secondary skin infections
• Dandruff
• Odor
• Stomach upset (which could signify a food allergy)

Treating cat and dog allergies requires a decisive plan that addresses your pet’s symptoms, any secondary infections they have, and their underlying allergy.

• First, we need to find out what is causing their allergy in the first place. In addition to a physical exam, we will likely need to perform tests so we can narrow down the field and get specific answers.
• We’ll also need to help you relieve your pet from their discomfort by treating their symptoms. If your pet is no longer itching, they will no longer feel compelled to scratch, lick, and chew at their skin. This allows the skin to heal and fortify itself against bacterial infection.
• Once we know what type of allergy your pet is living with, we can offer additional recommendations to help minimize your pet’s exposure to the allergens. Allergies can’t be permanently cured, but they can be managed effectively with right treatment plan.

If your pet is itchy and miserable, contact us so we can help!