Allergies
Allergies aren’t fun for us and they’re certainly not fun for our pets, either! When pets have allergies, they usually show it by scratching at themselves constantly and licking and chewing at their feet. Other signs include sneezing, rubbing at the face, eyes and/or ears, and developing red patches of skin. When cat and dog allergies become severe, they can lead to secondary infections and make your pet’s overall condition much worse. Companion Animal Hospital of Round Lake can help you control this problem by providing pet dermatology services that target both the symptoms and the underlying cause.
HOW DO PETS GET ALLERGIES?
Like us, cats and dogs can become allergic to various things when their immune systems overreact to allergens in their environment. Common allergens include:
- Mold spores
- Pollen from grass, weeds and trees
- Dander
- Dust mites
- Certain fabrics
- Food ingredients such as chicken, beef, pork, wheat, corn and soy
- Flea bites
- Feathers
- Cleaning products
- Perfume
Whether these allergens are ingested, inhaled or come into contact with their skin, they can cause a severe reaction. The only way your pet can respond is to scratch and lick at the itchy areas and chew at their feet. In addition to the allergies they’re experiencing, the excessive licking and scratching can result in a damaged skin barrier that is vulnerable to infection.
ALLERGY SYMPTOMS IN DOGS AND CATS
The most obvious signs of allergies in pets are:
- Red, scabbed skin
- Sneezing
- Runny eyes
- Ear infections
- Paws swollen from chewing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bald patches in coat
AVAILABLE TREATMENT OPTIONS
Pet dermatology and allergies go hand in hand. Pets with allergies need a treatment that considers not only their symptoms, but their overall condition and its underlying cause. In some cases, we may need to run various diagnostics to correctly identify what needs to be treated. To properly diagnose and treat allergies and skin problems, we use these services:
Diagnostics
- Allergy testing
- Skin scraping/cytology
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
- Food elimination trials
Treatments
- Anti-itch medication – oral or injectable
- Monoclonal antibody therapy (Cytopoint) – can treat atopic dermatitis
- Topical medication
- Hypoallergenic food and treats
- Supplements
- Medicated shampoo and conditioner
ALLERGY AND SKIN CARE IS ONGOING
There is no cure for cat or dog allergies, but with our pet dermatology services, we can provide the proper treatment that can reduce symptoms and help your pet live a normal, happy life. With commitment to a custom treatment plan and a little bit of persistence, your pet can experience significant relief.
Pet Dermatology Services Near You
Is your pet’s scratching keeping you up at night? Does their skin give off an unpleasant odor? Are their ears and feet raw and inflamed? Don’t let these symptoms get worse–call us at (847) 270-0880 today!
