Allergies in pets are common. Dogs and cats can be allergic to a wide assortment of substances and can be allergic to more than one thing. Fortunately, many allergies in pets can be treated with help from your veterinarian. Parkway Animal Hospital in Grand Prairie, TX lists the signs that your pet has allergies.
Skin Problems
The most common sign of allergies in dogs and cats is itchy skin. This irritation appears in a few places or all over. The skin can get crusty, thick, get hives, or show a rash. Your pet will be scratching, licking, chewing, and rubbing the face against the floor far more than usual. Bald patches may appear. Your pet may scratch the skin open. The paws may be swollen and sensitive.
Constant Ear Infections
Because of the itchiness, pets will constantly scratch their ears, making the ears prone to infection. If your pet keeps getting ear infections, have your vet do a dermatology test for allergies.
Gastrointestinal Signs
It’s common for pets with allergies to vomit more often or have frequent bouts of diarrhea. Since these are also signs of other health problems, contact your veterinarian whenever your pet frequently vomits or suffers from diarrhea. Pets may also have gas or have a bloated abdomen.
Upper Respiratory Problems
Pets that suffer from airborne allergies like pollen, dust, tobacco smoke, or mold frequently get runny eyes and nose, cough, sneeze far more often than usual, and have red eyes. Pets may breathe noisily or wheeze, and they may start snoring. Pets may not want their faces touched because of the pain they feel. Be careful when handling your pet at this time.
Behavioral Changes
When pets feel bad, they often hide. They also may not want to be petted or cuddled, causing them to bite or scratch in self-defense. Dogs with allergies have been known to become hyperactive. Always call your vet whenever your pet has a sudden change of behavior.
Diagnosing Allergies
Many kinds of allergies can be tested for with a skin test. This is similar to allergy tests in people. Veterinarians inject a small amount of an allergen, like pollen, into the skin. If the pet is allergic to that allergen, a reaction will appear within a few minutes. Since one of the main allergens in pets is saliva from flea bites, your pet will also be checked for fleas. Diagnosing food allergies usually requires that your pet goes onto a bland diet, then has one ingredient added at a time until allergy symptoms appear.
Does Your Pet Show Signs of Allergies?
If you are looking for pet allergy treatment in Grand Prairie, TX, contact Parkway Animal Hospital at (972) 263-7277 to make an appointment today.