Allergies in Pets: Diagnostic & Treatment Options
The Pet Hospital of Madison treats many dogs and cats for allergies each year. Our veterinarians are experienced in diagnosing and treating pet allergies. We partner with you to get to the bottom of their symptoms and recommend a treatment plan to improve their, and your, quality of life.
Allergy Symptoms in Pets
Allergic symptoms are the most common reason for veterinary visits according to Veterinary Pet Insurance. Both dog allergies and cat allergies are expressed as reactions in the pet’s skin and ears. These result in common symptoms such as:
- Head shaking
- Rashes or hot spots
- Bald patches
- Licking, biting, or chewing at skin
- Scabs
- Dandruff
- Odor to the skin or ears
- Chronic ear infections
Causes of Allergies in Pets
Identifying the source of the allergy and avoiding it is the best way to treat allergies in pets.
Some common allergens include:
- Dust mites
- Grasses
- Pollens
- Molds
- Fleas and other biting insects
- Food or drug allergies
- Shampoos
- Cleaning agents
- Cigarette smoke
What to Do if You Think Your Pet Has Allergies
The best course of action when you see symptoms of skin irritation is to make an appointment to see one of our veterinarians. We can evaluate your pet’s condition and determine if allergies or another dermatological pet condition is causing the problem.
Depending on the allergen causing the reaction, many different treatments are available for pets, including:
- Eliminating or avoiding the allergens, as in the case of fleas or irritation due to a shampoo, cleaning agent, or other specific allergen.
- Special diets are available for pets that have food allergies, and pharmaceutical options are available for almost all other types of allergies.
Ready to Take the Itch Out of Your Pet’s Allergies?
The Pet Hospital of Madison will partner with you to control pet allergies and to keep your dog or cat comfortable. If you have any questions about the symptoms you are seeing or your pet’s allergies, please contact our friendly staff. Call us at (256) 232-2289 to book their next allergy care appointment.
