Pet Allergies
Recognizing and Treating
Your Pet’s Allergy
Cats and dogs can develop allergies that cause discomfort and affect their quality of life. Allergies can stem from environmental factors, food sensitivities, or contact allergens, leading to persistent itching, skin irritations, and digestive issues. At Just For Pets Animal Hospital, we have allergy treatments to manage your pet’s symptoms and improve their health.
What You Should Know: Allergies in Cats and Dogs
Allergies in pets can present in many ways. Pet parents can work alongside veterinarians to get their fur baby’s allergy symptoms under control.
What are common symptoms of allergies in pets?
Symptoms can include itching, red or inflamed skin, ear infections, hair loss, excessive licking, sneezing, watery eyes, and digestive issues such as vomiting or diarrhea.
What are the most common allergens for cats and dogs?
Pets can be allergic to pollen, dust mites, mold, fleas, and certain foods. Some pets may also develop reactions to grooming products or medications.
Is my pet’s allergy curable?
No, allergies cannot be cured, but they can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan.
How do I know if my pet has allergies or another skin condition?
Because allergy symptoms can mimic other health issues, a veterinary evaluation and sometimes a food trial are needed to determine the cause.
Managing allergies in pets often involves a combination of treatments and lifestyle adjustments.
Allergy treatment options that our veterinarians may suggest include:
- Antihistamines and Medications: Reduce itching and inflammation.
- Medicated Shampoos and Topical Treatments: Soothe skin irritations and protect against infections.
- Immunotherapy (Allergy Injections): Desensitization therapy through allergy injections.
- Flea Control: A must for pets with flea allergy dermatitis.
- Dietary Modifications: Manages food-related allergies.
- Lifestyle Changes: Reducing exposure to your companion’s allergen.
The best approach will depend on your pet’s symptoms and the underlying cause of their allergies.
How to Manage Your Pet’s Food Allergies
Food allergies can be particularly frustrating, as they often cause digestive issues, chronic ear infections, or skin problems. Unlike environmental allergies, food allergies require dietary changes to manage symptoms effectively. Some pets are allergic to chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, soy, or other additives.
When a food allergy is suspected, our veterinarians will likely recommend an elimination diet where your pet is fed a limited-ingredient or prescription diet with ingredients being reintroduced to identify the food allergen. Once an allergy is identified, avoiding the allergen is the best way to prevent future flare-ups.
If you suspect a food allergy, consulting with a veterinarian is the first step toward relief for your pet.
Just For Pets Animal Hospital for Pet Allergy Treatment in Marietta, GA
Allergies can make your pet uncomfortable, but effective treatments are available. Whether your pet is dealing with seasonal allergies, food sensitivities, or skin irritation, our team at Just For Pets Animal Hospital is here to help. Call us today to schedule an allergy consultation! If your pet is suffering, talk to us about same-day sick visit appointments or walk-in availability.
Just For Pets Animal Hospital provides allergy management for cats and dogs in Marietta, East Cobb, Roswell, Westfield, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Powers Park, and the northern Atlanta area.
