It might just be a runny nose or an odd scratch behind the ear, but sometimes these can be symptoms of irritating allergies in your pet. Pet allergies are often difficult to diagnose. At Oaks North Animal Hospital in San Antonio, TX, we can help. Our veterinarian will work to identify the cause of your pet’s allergies, and create a treatment plan to ease pain and discomfort.
Types of Allergies
Dogs and cats show allergic reactions in ways similar to humans. An allergy is simply your pet’s body saying no to a foreign substance. Dogs and cats can experience chemical and food allergies. There may be certain ingredients in your pet’s food that it is allergic to. Pets also experience allergies to the environment as well, such as through pollen or even pests. These are common if your pet explores a new area, as it can be allergic to dust, dander, mold, and more. Pet’s can also be allergic to fleas. Most of these allergies cause a reaction on your pet’s skin.
Some allergens can cause an anaphylactic response, just as in humans. Some dogs are allergic to bees, for example. If you notice any rapid swelling at all, bring your pet to our veterinarian as soon as you notice a change.
Symptoms of Allergies
There are a number of things to look for that indicate that your pet has allergies:
• Skin allergies: Red, inflamed skin, excessive scratching, itchy and/or runny eyes, sneezing
• Food allergies: hives, swelling in the face, scratching, biting, vomiting, diarrhea
Excessive scratching or biting at the skin can lead to hair loss and even create sores on your pet’s skin. This requires immediate veterinary care.
It is difficult to diagnose these conditions on your own, as many of these symptoms indicate other problems. Visit our animal hospital if your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms.
Treating Allergies
The easiest way to begin treating your pet’s allergies is by removing the allergen. Unfortunately, a lot of things can affect your pets and it usually takes a trained eye to identify the culprit. The best course of action is to visit our animal hospital. Dr. Richardson will examine your pet and run some tests to determine what is causing the allergic reaction, and to rule out other health issues. There are many medications that we can provide to give your pet relief.
Schedule an Appointment
If you suspect your pet is suffering from allergies, seek treatment right away. Neglecting symptoms of allergies can lead to other health complications in your pet. At Oaks North Animal Hospital in San Antonio, TX, we want to help your pet live a happy, healthy life. Our veterinary team can diagnose and treat allergies to have your pet feeling better in no time. We also offer a variety of other veterinary services. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call us today.