Helping Pet Parents Manage Cat and Dog Allergies in Reno, NV
Allergies are quite the hassle for us humans, but dogs and even cats can be allergy sufferers, too. When our pets develop a sensitivity to things in their environment or in their food, they likewise develop severely itchy skin, which can quickly become damaged from scratching. This can cause a domino effect of other health problems, including bacterial and yeast infections.
Your veterinarian will work closely with you and your pet to diagnose their condition and select a course of treatment that will best suit their individual needs and relieve their itching for the long term.
Call (775) 852-8522 today to schedule an appointment.
Signs Your Pet Might have an Allergy
An allergy is not the only thing that can cause these problems in your pet, but it is one of the most common and should be addressed by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Excessive scratching, chewing, and licking of the skin
- Bald patches on your pet’s coat, usually found under the legs, on the hind end, and between the toes
- Patches of skin that appear raw and red
- Dandruff in the coat
- Runny eyes and nose
- Sneezing
What Could My Pet be Allergic To?
Cat and dog allergies are triggered by many of the same allergens that affect us. Some of these include:
- Pollen
- Grass
- Dust and dust mites
- Fleas
- Mold spores
- Synthetic fabrics
- Cleaning solutions and lawn treatments
- Certain food proteins such as pork, beef, and eggs
- Medication
Finding the Best Treatment Plan for Your Pet
There is no one-size-fits-all allergy solution for dogs and cats. Like us, their allergies can have many possible causes, and additionally, they might differ in how they respond to treatment. We need to find out which allergen is troubling your pet and build a treatment plan from the information we gather from their exam and any testing we perform.
A critical part of any pet’s allergy management plan is to decrease their symptoms--mainly the itching--so they can live comfortably again and allow their damaged skin barrier to heal. This can involve the use of oral medication and/or topical solutions to manage the itching and irritation. Some pets develop secondary infections on their skin and require antibiotics to clear up those infections.
Together, we can help your pet feel like themselves again. With the proper diagnosis and long-term medical management strategy, their condition can be controlled so they can have a better quality of life for years to come.