Pets, like people, are not immune to allergies. Dogs and cats are susceptible to seasonal, environmental and food allergies and may also have allergic reactions to flea saliva. Allergy symptoms may show up on your pet’s skin in the form of rashes, skin irritation, open sores or skin infections. If your pet is showing signs of allergies, an Airway Heights, WA, veterinarian can help. At West Plains Animal Hospital, serving Airway Heights, WA, and Spokane, WA, we can diagnose and treat allergy symptoms to help your pet find relief.
Signs Your Pet May Have Allergies
Extreme itchiness is a telltale sign of allergies. You may notice your pet compulsively scratching, biting or chewing his skin. Other signs of allergies include:
- Chronic ear infections
- Red, inflamed skin
- Skin rashes and infections
- Fur loss
- Coughing, wheezing or other difficulties breathing
Food allergies may cause diarrhea or vomiting. If your pet shows signs of allergies, get in touch with an Airway Heights veterinarian on our team. We'll take steps to diagnose your pet’s condition, identify the allergen causing his symptoms and recommend treatment to provide prompt relief.
Causes of Pet Allergies
Seasonal and environmental allergies can be triggered by substances in your pet’s environment such as pollen, dust, mites, plants in your garden, chemicals in household or grooming products, etc. Flea allergies are triggered by flea saliva. Food allergies can be triggered by ingredients in your pet’s food, which are often meat or dairy products. Identifying allergy triggers might be the first step toward treatment, as keeping your pet away from these substances may help eliminate or drastically reduce your pet's symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Pet Allergies
A veterinarian on our team might perform different tests to diagnose seasonal and environmental allergies and pinpoint the allergen causing your pet's symptoms. If your pet has fleas, chances may be that the reactions on his skin are caused by flea saliva.
Once the allergens have been identified, you can remove them from your pet’s environment to avoid allergic reactions. You may need to change brands of cleaning or grooming products, alter your pet's lifestyle, or change his diet to eliminate allergy symptoms. An Airway Heights veterinarian on our team might also recommend sprays, ointments, or medications that can help manage your pet’s allergy symptoms.
See Your Veterinarian Airway Heights, WA, for Pet Allergy Treatment
Your poor pet doesn’t have to endure irritating allergy symptoms. With the help of a local vet on our veterinary team, both you and your pet may be able to get relief. To schedule an appointment with us at West Plains Animal Hospital, serving Spokane, WA, and Airway Heights, WA, for allergy treatment, call us at (509) 624-3474.