If your dog or cat is itching and scratching daily and you think it might be allergies, know that they--and you--are not alone. Many pets suffer from allergies, which have a variety of culprits (much like human allergies). The key to getting their symptoms under control and addressing the allergy requires knowing what the culprit actually is, and how to either prevent exposure to it entirely or finding a way to minimize your pet’s symptoms when they do occur. At Kenosha Animal Hospital, our veterinarians have treated many pets with allergies, and will work closely with you to find a solution to your companion’s allergy woes.
Don’t let your pet’s allergies escalate.
Call (262) 658-3533 to schedule an appointment or use our online form!
The Harmful Effects of Scratching
A typical scratching session for a dog or cat that only lasts a few minutes should be no cause for concern. The real problem is when your pet scratches, licks, and chews at specific areas day in and day out. Scratching, licking, then scratching the skin again causes damage to the protective skin barrier, exposing your pet to bacterial infections. A skin infection will cause more itching, which will lead to more scratching and licking. It’s a frustrating cycle for your pet and for you, and it should be addressed by a veterinarian sooner rather than later. Secondary infections resulting from an allergy can take more time and resources to treat.
Diagnosing and Managing Allergies in
Dogs and Cats
There is no cure for allergies in pets, but the allergy and its resulting symptoms can be reduced and kept under control with the right treatment plan.
Making a Diagnosis
First, we have to examine your pet and speak with you to find out if there is something in your home or in another frequently-visited environment that might be responsible for their condition. If we need more information, we might order blood and skin testing, or possibly refer your pet to a pet dermatologist for more advanced testing.
If food is the suspected culprit, we will need to conduct a food elimination trial. This involves switching your pet over to a different diet, then gradually reintroducing ingredients from their former diet to see if any of them trigger an allergic reaction.
Forming a Treatment Plan
Once we are able to find the root cause of your pet’s allergy, we can begin to move forward with a treatment plan. Treatment for allergies in dogs and cats usually requires a multifaceted approach that addresses itchy skin, any existing secondary infections, and then the allergy itself.
Treatment can involve a combination of options, such as:
- Oral medication
- Injectable medication
- Topical ointments, sprays, and shampoos
- Hypoallergenic diets and treats
- Allergen immunotherapy
- Lifestyle changes to reduce or prevent your pet’s exposure to the allergen
Allergy treatment differs from one pet to another. To pursue allergy treatment for your pet or ask us for advice, call (262) 658-3533.