Managing Cat & Dog Allergies in Plantation and Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Allergies are a frustrating condition—not only for us but for our pets, too! Cats and dogs can suffer from many of the same allergies that we endure, yet their symptoms are a little different. Cat and dog allergies typically result in itchy, irritated skin. As your pet scratches, bites, and licks at the skin, it can damage the skin barrier and open the door to infection—which causes more itching and discomfort! At our animal hospital in Plantation, FL, we’re familiar with all the problems allergies can cause and we have the treatments to manage them effectively.
Types of Cat & Dog Allergies
Allergic skin reactions, also called atopic dermatitis, are usually caused by one of three allergens, including:
- Atopic allergies – These include environmental allergens like pollens, dust, mold, etc. and they are the most common allergen here in Florida. A reaction is triggered when your pet comes in contact with the offending substance, whether through skin contact or inhalation.
- Food allergies – Food allergies in dogs and cats usually include sensitivity to protein like beef, pork, eggs, chicken, etc.
- Flea bites – Some pets are especially sensitive to fleas, and even just one bite can cause severely itchy skin.
Diagnosing Allergies
Many of the symptoms of allergies are also associated with other, more serious underlying conditions, so it’s important that we first run diagnostic tests to rule out these conditions. Once these are ruled out, we can safely diagnose allergies. To determine the exact cause of your pet’s allergic reaction, we can send out bloodwork to an outside lab for an allergy test.
Allergy Treatments
Allergies cannot be cured, but they can be effectively managed. Our veterinarians will work with you to determine the right treatment or combination of treatments to help reduce or even eliminate your pet’s symptoms. Common allergy treatments include medications, medicated shampoos and topicals, flea prevention in the event of a flea allergy, as well as an elimination diet for food allergies. Furthermore, if your pet has developed a secondary infection from all the scratching, we’ll also treat them with antifungals or antibiotics as appropriate.
