Treating Allergies in Callaway Pets

Allergies are one of the most common problems we treat in pets. Like their human owners, pets can become allergic to all kinds of things, including pollen, mold, grass, fleas, and more. All Kinds Veterinary Hospital is readily equipped to help you with your pet’s allergy problem so they can live a comfortable, healthy life again.

Cat itching itself: Pet Allergies in Callaway

Common Pet Allergens

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to an allergen. Pets can become allergic to:

  • Pollens
  • Molds
  • Grass
  • Dust
  • Fleas (when bitten)
  • Certain proteins such as chicken, pork, beef, eggs, and wheat
  • Food dye

Allergy Symptoms

Pet allergies are often characterized by:

  • Persistent scratching
  • Butt scooting
  • Foot licking and chewing
  • Ear infections
  • Skin rashes
  • Hair loss
  • Hot spots
  • Runny eyes and nose
  • Sneezing

Allergies Can Lead to Secondary Infections

When your pet scratches, licks, and bites at their itchy skin, they’re breaking down their skin barrier. This can result in a secondary bacterial infection, which can also make the itching worse. Allergic pets are then caught in an endless, miserable cycle of itching and scratching. It’s important to try to treat your pet’s allergies as soon as possible to prevent an infection.

Keeping Your Pet’s Allergies Under Control

Diagnosing allergies is not always easy, especially if a food allergy is suspected. Multiple rounds of testing may be needed to truly isolate the cause. Overall, allergy treatment includes managing both the secondary infections and the underlying allergies themselves. Allergies cannot be cured completely, but they can be kept under control with the help of treatments such as:

  • Apoquel (oral medication)
  • Cytopoint (an injectable medication that neutralizes itch-inducing proteins called cytokines)
  • Atopica (an oral medication for treating skin allergies and itching)
  • Antihistamines
  • A hypoallergenic diet
  • Topical medication
Dog scratching itself: Pet Allergies in Callaway

Relief is Just a Call Away

Is your pet scratching themselves frequently? Have you caught them chewing and licking at their feet over and over? Don’t wait for the problem to escalate—call us today at (301) 994-9919 so we can help!