Could Your Dog or Cat be Suffering From an Allergy?
Just as humans can develop allergic reactions to environmental elements, so too can our pets. While we cannot cure your pet’s allergy, there are ways to effectively manage and relieve allergy symptoms.
Pet allergies are a common problem, but symptoms associated with animal allergies can also be an indication of more serious pet health conditions. When necessary, our veterinary staff will perform blood work and other tests to determine the cause of your pet’s discomfort.
Allergies, in both humans and pets, are the result of a change that causes the immune system to view a normal substance as a foreign substance attacking the body. When a change in your pet’s immune system causes it to attack the perceived foreign substance, it causes an inflammation that produces your pet’s allergy symptoms.
Itchy skin is the most common allergic reaction in pets, although oral nodules, lip ulcers in cats, and repeated ear infections in dogs can also be signs of allergies. Common signs of allergies in dogs or cats include continuous scratching or licking as well as biting, chewing, or rubbing a part of their body.
Since pet allergies can be caused by any one of many factors, our trained staff will rely both on discussions with you about your pet’s symptoms and test results. Pet allergies are usually not life threatening, but they do reduce your pet’s comfort and quality of life. Fortunately, they are manageable and your pet can return to good health. We recommend allergy treatments well before allergy season to help preempt symptoms.
