Helping to Treat Allergies in Dogs and Cats in Parrish, FL
Our pets have quite a few things in common with us, and allergies is one of them! Cat and dog allergies are prevalent among the pet population, and can be quite frustrating to deal with. When your pet is scratching and licking at themselves excessively, their problem quickly becomes your problem, too! At Parrish Veterinary Clinic we can help you find the cause of your pet’s allergies, and come up with a multi-faceted solution to relieve their symptoms and turn them back into their old happy, healthy self.
Is your pet’s itching driving them crazy? Think they have an allergy? Call (941) 216-2335!
Signs Your Pet Might have Allergies
Does your pet do or exhibit any of these things? If so, get in touch with us as soon as possible, so we can prevent their condition from getting worse.
Typical signs of allergies in dogs and cats include:
- Sneezing
- Frequent runny eyes (can cause staining in the fur under the eyes)
- Runny nose
- Scratching at the skin and ears
- Chewing and licking of the paws and other areas
- Red, irritated skin
- Swollen ears
- Hair loss between the toes and on other areas of the body
- Bad odor coming from the skin or ears
What Causes Allergies in Dogs and Cats?
If your pet has an allergy, what could be the cause? When you visit us for an appointment, we’ll discuss various allergens and how they factor into your pet’s environment and lifestyle.
Some common allergens for pets include:
- Pollen
- Grass
- Mold spores
- Dust
- Dust mites
- Fleas
- Dander from humans and other pets
- Synthetic fabrics
- Food proteins, such as beef, chicken, and eggs
How We Diagnose Allergies in Pets
To identify the cause of your pet’s allergies, we need to start with a physical examination, and a discussion about any possible culprits they might have encountered. Does your pet spend a lot of time outside? Are there lots of cottonwood trees in your area? Does your pet have fleas?
In addition to asking questions about your companion’s daily life, we may also recommend blood testing, skin scraping, and other tests to see what could be responsible for the allergy. Diagnosing allergies can take time, especially if we suspect your pet is allergic to ingredients in their food. In that case, they would need to undergo a strict elimination diet.
Finding the Right Allergy Treatment for Your Companion
Treating allergies in dogs and cats often requires trial and error, and finding the right combination of treatments to control allergy symptoms and address secondary problems. Often, pets with allergies will also suffer ear infections and bacterial skin infections. At Parrish Veterinary Clinic, we offer a variety of allergy treatment options, including topical medications, oral medications, injectables, antibiotics, and hypoallergenic diets.
Our goal is to find a treatment plan that works best for your pet’s unique situation. With patience and commitment, we can help them get the relief they deserve and mend the bond you share with your four-legged family member.
Contact us today at (941) 216-2335 to make an appointment!