Understanding and Treating Allergies in Dogs and Cats in Manassas, VA
Itchy skin is a common condition in dogs and cats, and this itchiness is often a sign of skin troubles, which usually stem from allergies. Pet allergies can be quite troublesome to deal with, especially if they’ve been going on for awhile. If you catch your pet scratching like there’s no tomorrow, we highly recommend reaching out to our animal hospital in Manassas so we can examine your pet and alleviate their itchy woes. The sooner their condition is under control, the sooner they’ll find relief.
Don’t wait for your pet’s itching to go away on its own
Call us today at (703) 361-5223!
Signs of Allergies in Pets
Pet allergies manifest a little bit differently from human allergies. The most common cat and dog allergy symptoms include:
- Excessive scratching
- Runny eyes and nose
- Patches of missing fur from scratching, licking and chewing
- Raw, hairless patches between the toes (caused by licking)
- Dandruff
- Scaly patches of skin
- Vomiting and diarrhea (can indicate a food allergy)
- Skin giving off an odor
- Scabs under the fur
What Causes Allergies in Dogs and Cats?
There are a variety of allergens out there that can affect our pets, including:
- Pollen
- Ragweed
- Grass
- Dust motes
- Dust mites
- Flea saliva
- Proteins in pet food, such as chicken, eggs, and beef
- Certain fabrics
- Cleaning supplies
Finding the Right Allergy Treatment
Pet allergies are not always easy to treat, especially if your dog or cat has sustained damage to their skin barrier from scratching and licking repeatedly at the same spots. Secondary infections can occur in pets with severe allergies, and can make the treatment process a bit more complex. It takes time and patience to relieve itching and help the skin heal, but allergies can be managed quite well with the right treatment plan.
At Prince William Animal Hospital, we need to examine your pet and discuss your observations. You know your pet best, and making notes about their symptoms and behaviors at home can give our team the information we need to guide their treatment. Additionally, we might recommend testing to get a more accurate diagnosis. If we suspect a food allergy, your pet will have to undergo a food elimination trial.
From hypoallergenic diets to oral medications and topical treatments, we offer different options for helping dogs and cats manage their allergies. While allergies can’t be eliminated for good, they can be kept under control. Call us at (703) 361-5223 if you think your pet might be suffering from allergies.