Did you know that pets suffer from allergies the same way humans do? Our vets at Safe Harbor Animal Hospital see more pets with allergy-induced skin problems than almost any other condition. Do you think your pet has an allergic reaction? Some of the most common symptoms include itching, scratching, and hot spots. Pet allergies are quite prevalent and treatable in Pensacola, Florida, but can fester and become severe health conditions if left untreated.
Types of Allergies in Dogs and Cats
Flea allergy: The bite of a flea on your dog or cat causes an intense allergic reaction, resulting in itchy skin.
Food allergy: An aspect of your pet’s diet triggers reactions such as itchy skin, diarrhea or other gastrointestinal problems. Additionally, many pet foods contain fillers or preservatives which cause an allergic reaction for your pet.
Skin allergy or Atopic Dermatitis: An allergen or foreign substance is inhaled or makes contact with the skin, causing extremely itchy skin. This can lead to skin infections or skin injuries from excessive scratching.
Common Dog & Cat Allergy Symptoms
Most Common Causes of Pet Allergies:
Pet Allergy & Itch Treatment
If you notice that your pet is exhibiting any of the symptoms above, we recommend you schedule a consultation with one of our veterinarians to determine the cause. Once the allergens have been identified, we develop a program to eliminate the source of the allergen in your pet’s environment.
Other options for itch relief include:
Antihistamines combined with essential fatty acids
Anti-itch conditioners
Topical steroid sprays
Oral steroids
Anti-itch prescriptions
Oral or injectable immunotherapy
Evaluation by a board-certified veterinary dermatologist
If you have any questions about pet allergies or our dermatology services, do not hesitate to contact us at Safe Harbor Animal Hospital in Pensacola, Florida.
