Signs Your Pet Has Allergies
Your pet can’t tell you when allergy symptoms make them uncomfortable. Fortunately, you don’t need a degree in pet dermatology to recognize the signs and symptoms. The fact is that pets are prone to many of the same types of allergies as us humans. Some breeds of dogs and cats are especially sensitive to allergens. They can have allergies to their food, grooming products, environmental allergens, or even each other! Our staff at Wooded Acres Animal Hospital wants you to know how to spot allergies in your pet.
Irritation, Rash, Itchy Skin Indicate a Variety of Pet Allergies
For many Middle Island pet owners, the first signs of allergies they notice are a lot of itching and scratching. Take note of where your pet is scratching. The location provides a clue about the cause of the itching. For example, scratching around the base of the tail might be an allergic reaction to flea bites. Scratching the head and neck often indicates a food allergy. Look closely at the skin in the problem area. Is there a rash, irritation, or skin lesions in the area?
Pets can also have symptoms of sneezing, runny noses, and coughing like humans. Red, watery eyes are also common.
Treating Pet Allergies
Using an over-the-counter remedy for your pet’s itchy skin isn’t advisable. Dermatology products sold in stores offer a “one size fits all” solution that doesn’t work for all allergies or the causes of your pet’s itching.
Your pet might need a change in diet, treatment for parasites, or for an infection. Sometimes pets develop a secondary infection when constant scratching causes irritation to the skin. They might have a bacterial or viral infection that requires different forms of treatment.
Why You Should Take Your Itchy Pet to the Middle Island Vet
Persistent scratching of an allergy rash often leads to irritation of the skin. Treating the allergy at the skin level might not be enough. There’s also the risk that your pet’s symptoms are caused by something more serious.
Call Wooded Acres Animal Hospital in Middle Island Today
Don’t let your pet suffer from the symptoms of allergies any longer. Contact us at 631-205-0512 to schedule a visit!