Is Your Pet Suffering from Allergies?
People are not the only ones to suffer from allergies. Allergies can also be found in dogs and cats. Many pets are susceptible to the irritating symptoms of allergies. Allergy symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of allergy your pet has. A checkup from Pet Vet Partners can help determine if your dog or cat is suffering from allergies and what kind of allergies he or she has. For your convenience, we service the Crete IL and Dyer IN area and surrounding communities.
How do Animals Get Allergies?
Pet allergies generally fall into four categories: flea allergies, food allergies, contact allergies, and airborne allergies.
Flea Allergy (Dermatitis)
If your pet has sensitive skin, he may have an allergic reaction to flea bites. Symptoms include continuous scratching that can lead to sores, scabs, and hair loss. By inspecting your pet’s skin, your vet can tell if your pup or kit has a flea allergy.
Food Sensitivities and Allergies
Food allergies are triggered by ingredients in some pet foods. These ingredients could range from certain types of meat, to wheat, corn, soy, or dairy products. If your pet’s food contains preservatives or additives, these could also be the cause of allergic reactions. Food allergy symptoms may start with itching and progress to sores, hair loss, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The best way to determine if your pet has a food allergy is putting him on a restrictive protein diet consisting of foods he’s never had before. This “food trial” extends over a period of 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, new foods will be gradually introduced into your pet’s diet to determine which one is causing the allergic reaction.
Contact allergies
Contact allergies are those caused by environmental substances such as carpet fibers, grass, pesticides, flowers, weeds, and other plants. Your pet may also be allergic to his shampoo, skin cream, or fragrance spray. Try changing pet product brands to see if the allergies stop. If your lawn has been recently treated, make sure your pet stays away.
Airborne Allergies
Like people, dogs and cats can be allergic to substances in the air, i.e. pollen, dander, ragweed, etc., especially during allergy season. Airborne allergies may cause itching around your pet’s head, ears, face, neck and feet.
See Your Vet for Help
Diagnosing allergies is the first step to getting treatment. Your vet can use skin and blood testing to diagnose many types of allergies and recommend products that can alleviate symptoms that are aggravating your pet’s life. To schedule a checkup at Pet Vet Partners in Crete IL and Dyer IN, contact 708-672-7269 or 219-881-8812 today.
