Diagnosing & Treating Pet Allergies
Pet Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment
We can diagnose pet allergies through testing. Although there is no cure for pet allergies, treatment options can alleviate symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and skin rash. In some cases, pet allergies can also cause asthma symptoms. If you suspect your pet has allergies, get in touch for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms Of Pet Allergies
Allergies in cats and dogs can manifest in various ways, such as:
- Constantly licking all four paws,
- Excessive itchiness (all over the body)
- Repeatedly scratching ears
- Scooting
- Repeatedly sneezing
- Cats may pull out their hair and leave bald patches due to itchiness.
Diagnosing Allergies In Pets
Blood Test: Your veterinarian will first determine whether your pet has a food allergy or skin allergy by conducting a blood draw to look for increased levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is a sign that indicates allergies.
Recent changes in diet or products: Identifying the allergen can be straightforward if a recent change in diet or grooming products is associated with the onset of symptoms. However, if there are no obvious changes in the pet’s environment or lifestyle, the process of identifying the allergen may be more complex.
Additional testing: There is the intradermal skin test or the RAST pet allergy skin test for specific allergens, but these can be costly, and may not pinpoint the specific allergen.
Pet Treatment & Managing Allergies
Antibiotics: For secondary infections caused by allergies (ear infections/yeast infections.)
Elimination trial: To identify an allergen, we will help you feed your pet a special diet for a period of weeks to identify specific ingredients that cause reactions.
Eliminate/minimize exposure: Once the allergen is identified, we’ll help you avoid exposure.
Get Your Pet Tested For Allergies
If your dog or cat is scratching, sneezing, constantly licking paws and scooting more than usual, call us for an appointment. Allergies in pets can lead to serious health problems if they are not identified and treated.