If you suffer from allergies, you know how irritating allergy symptoms can be. Pets with allergies suffer irritating symptoms as well. Your pet can be allergic to ingredients in his food, substances in his environment, or the bite of fleas. Pet allergies can impair your pet’s health and lower its quality of life. These pet allergy FAQs from All Animal Veterinary Services in Modena, NY, explain more about pet allergy causes, symptoms, and treatment.
What types of allergies are pets susceptible to?
Pets are susceptible to food allergies, seasonal allergies, flea allergies, and environmental allergies. Food allergies can prompt digestive issues in your pet, whereas environmental, seasonal, and flea allergies can prompt allergic reactions on your pet's skin. Some pets experience severe reactions from allergies, while others only suffer mild symptoms. Working with a veterinarian is the best course of action for dealing with pet allergies.
What symptoms can pet allergies cause?
Pet allergies can cause skin problems, and respiratory or digestive issues, depending on the type of allergy. Some common allergy symptoms are:
- Red, scaly or inflamed skin
- Extreme itchiness that causes your pet to constantly scratch, lick, or bite his skin
- Skin rashes, irritations, and infections
- Fur loss
- Wheezing or sneezing
- Vomiting or diarrhea
An evaluation by your veterinarian can determine if your pet has allergies so he can receive the appropriate treatment.
How do veterinarians diagnose skin allergies?
Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s symptoms and conduct blood or skin tests to diagnose allergies and identify the allergens triggering his symptoms. For food allergies, we’ll conduct food trials to determine what ingredients your pet is allergic to. If your pet has food allergies, changing his diet can help resolve allergy issues. Similarly, altering your pet’s environment or lifestyle to eliminate irritating allergens can greatly improve your pet’s health and condition.
How are pet allergies treated?
In addition to eliminating the allergens that are causing the symptoms, your veterinarian can recommend medication, topical creams, sprays, or medicated shampoos that can relieve itchiness and other problems.
When should I contact my vet about pet allergies?
As your pet's allergies can worsen with time, it’s best to notify your veterinarian of the first signs of allergy issues. The sooner you get a diagnosis of your pet’s condition, the sooner he can receive allergy relief. Resolving allergy issues can help restore your pet’s health and quality of life.
Visit Our Veterinarian for Pet Allergy Relief in Modena, NY
If you live in or around the county of Ulster, NY, including the towns of Modena, NY, and New Paltz, NY, and suspect that your furry friend has allergies, it is time to contact All Animal Veterinary Services to schedule an appointment with Dr. Acworth. Call our team today at (845) 255-2900 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.
