Pet Allergies

Allergies can be miserable to live with, and your pet isn’t immune to them. Just like people, pets can get allergies and the symptoms often take a similar form. Below, let’s take a more in-depth look at pet allergies and how an animal hospital, like Central Animal Hospital, may be able to help.

Signs of Pet Allergies

Often, as the seasons change, you may start to notice your cat or dog acting differently. A very common sign of skin allergies is your pet biting or chewing at their paws and legs. Your pet may also rub their face into the floor, or rub their face along the edges of furniture. Excessive scratching, particularly behind the ears, is another indication of possible allergies. Patches of fur may seem thinner than usual or scabbed and bloody areas may start to form on the body. Seasonal pet allergies can also cause wheezing, coughing, or excess mucus production. Your pet’s eyes may be teary and nose more runny than usual.

Common Allergens

Seasonal pet allergies are very common in both cats and dogs, particularly in the spring and fall as new pollen and seeds enter the environment. Pets can be allergic to environmental changes within the home as well. Be conscious of scented aerosol sprays or laundry detergents used to launder your pet’s bed or blankets. Smoke can also be a big allergen for many pets. Allergies for pets can also come from certain foods. Remember that both pet food and pet treats can impact allergies. Luckily, there are many commercially available brands of pet food that are designed for pets with allergies.

What to Expect at a Vet Appointment for Pet Allergies

If you suspect your pet may be suffering from an allergy, a veterinarian can help. Your vet will first examine your cat or dog and possibly take a small skin or hair sample. This sample will be tested and examined under a microscope to rule out the possibility of a parasite or bacterial infection causing the symptoms. From there, your vet will work with you as the owner to learn about circumstances that may cause your pet’s symptoms to worsen. There are many prescription allergy medications that are available. Many of these medications are simple pills taken orally, once or twice daily depending on need.

Schedule a Pet Allergy Appointment Today!

At Central Animal Hospital, our veterinary staff is passionate about caring for your pet, so he or she can be as healthy as possible. It can be troublesome diagnosing and treating a pet allergy, but the experts are here to help. Our office is centrally located at 317 Ardsley Road, Scarsdale NY 10583. To learn more about how we can help, or to schedule an appointment, call our office today at 914-723-1250.