Allergies and skin conditions can be extremely uncomfortable for pets and can develop at any stage in life. If your dog or cat is showing signs of itching, irritation, or recurring skin or ear issues, it is important to consult a veterinarian. From diagnosis to management, our team is here to help your pet find relief and maintain healthy skin.
Just like people, pets can develop allergies if their immune systems overreact to something in their environment. In turn, their bodies react to that allergen in an abnormal way. These allergens can be grouped into several categories.
Environmental allergens
Common environmental allergens include pollen, grass, dust mites, mold, and fibers from plants or animals. Many allergens may be present in your home or yard, making identification and management especially important.
Food allergens
Food allergies may develop over time and are often linked to specific proteins.
Common cat food allergens: beef, fish, chicken
Common dog food allergens: beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat
Contact allergens
Some pets may react to materials they come into direct contact with, such as wool or synthetic fibers found in carpets, bedding, or clothing.
Other allergens
Your pet might have an allergic reaction to a bee, wasp sting or spider bite. Though rare, pets can also have an allergic reaction to a vaccination.
Common Dog and Cat Allergy Symptoms
Allergies can affect multiple body systems. Common signs include:
Skin
Excessive scratching or itching, chewing or licking (especially face and paws)
Red, inflamed, or oozing areas (“hot spots”)
Hair loss, rashes, hives or skin discolorations
Ears
Frequent ear infections
Head shaking or scratching
Redness, swelling or odor.
Eyes
Watering or crusty eyes
Excessive squinting
Digestive System
Vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or decreased appetite
Increase or decrease in urination or defecation
Respiratory System
Sneezing
Runny or congested nose
Coughing or “noisy” breathing
Seasonal Allergies in Dogs and Cats
Just like people, pets can experience seasonal allergies. Common triggers include pollen, mold, and grass, especially in spring, summer, and fall. Depending on where you live, these allergies might pop up at other times of the year too.
How do veterinarians diagnose allergies in dogs and cats?
To diagnose your pet's allergies, our veterinarians will start by taking a detailed history and doing a physical exam. In some cases, we may recommend skin testing to check for bacterial infections or other issues. If a food allergy is suspected, we may also suggest a food trial.
Pet Allergy Treatment
While allergies cannot be cured, they can often be successfully managed. At Master Site Name we will tailor a treatment plan to your pets specific needs, which may include:
Allergy medications that target itch and inflammation
Allergy injections or immunotherapy
Prescription diets or elimination diets
Strategies to reduce exposure to known allergens.
Other Cat and Dog Dermatology Conditions That We Treat
In addition to allergies, our veterinarians can diagnose and manage a variety of skin conditions, including:
Skin and ear infections
Fleas and flea allergy dermatitis
Ringworm
Hair loss (alopecia)
Dry or flaky skin
Hot spots
These are some of the most common conditions we treat. If your pet is experiencing skin or coat issues, please book an appointment to talk to one of our veterinarians.
Veterinary Dermatology Specialist Referrals
While we provide comprehensive dermatology care, some chronic or complex conditions may require advanced diagnostics and treatments. In these cases, we may recommend a consultation with one of the dermatologists within our extended hospital network. At Master Site Name, we have access to multiple board certified specialists that act as an extension of your pets’ health care team. For some pets, referral directly to a dermatologist may be needed. We will walk you through the steps to have a smooth and successful referral process.
Pet Dermatology Near You
If you think your pet is suffering from allergies or another skin condition, call us at 9545545555 or book an appointment online below!
