Just like humans, cats and dogs are prone to allergies and other dermatological issues like allergic dermatitis and scabies. Pets can be allergic to almost any allergen found indoors, outdoors, and even in their food. When not treated immediately, this can negatively affect your pet’s quality of life, making them miserable and at times, irritable.
At Bannon Woods Veterinary Hospital, we understand that allergies and sensitivities in your pets must be treated right away so your pets can enjoy a misery-free life that brings out their best personality. This is why Bannon Woods provides the best allergy treatment and dermatological care possible for your furry friends.
Allergy Treatment for Dogs and Cats
Allergies in dogs and cats occur when the immune system overreacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, laundry detergent, or even food. While there are many allergens that can cause pets to have allergic reactions, flea bites are the most common cause of allergies in pets. If you notice skin irritations, hot spots, hair loss, and over scratching in your pets, that’s probably caused by your pet’s allergic reaction to flea saliva. Other causes of allergies in pets are chicken, beef, dairy, corn, wheat, and fish.
Allergies in pets can cause a lot of discomfort so looking out for allergy symptoms in your dog or cat can save them from suffering. Some of these symptoms may be attributed to something common to pets, but as a pet owner, you’ll know when your pet is scratching its skin too often or when their skin is not in the best condition. Here are some symptoms of allergy to watch out for.
- Itching
- Scratching
- Face rubbing
- Ear infections
- Skin infections
- Scooting
- Odor
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
If your pet experiences some of these symptoms, it’s best to bring them to your trusted veterinarian. At Bannon Woods Veterinary Hospital, our veterinarian will run tests to diagnose the allergy in your pet. Once the veterinarian comes up with a diagnosis, she will then recommend treatments to improve your pet’s condition such as antihistamines, medicated shampoos, and conditioners, steroids, immune modulators, allergy shots, and natural remedies.
Dermatological Care for Dogs and Cats
Dogs and cats are much like people. When they’re ill, they will not feel at their best and one of the most common reasons for that is skin problems. When pets suffer from a skin problem, it can make them extremely uncomfortable and that can change their personality. Sometimes pets can even be easily irritable so keeping their skin healthy is important. Here are some dermatological issues that are common to dogs and cats.
- Allergic Dermatitis
Allergic dermatitis is common in dogs and cats. That’s because they are allergic to many substances. When pets suffer from allergies, this usually causes itching. So as a result, pets will rub, lick, bite, or scratch at their feet, ears, armpits, or groin causing redness, hot spots, and patchy hair loss.
- Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungus that is highly contagious to other animals and humans. In fact, it’s one of the most well-known skin conditions that dogs and cats suffer from. Symptoms can include lesions in a ring shape on the skin and it’s usually found on a dog’s head, ears, paws, and front legs. This can cause the skin to appear red and inflamed.
- Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are also common in dogs and cats. This is because yeasts love to grow on warm areas like your dog’s toe and groin. This can cause extreme itchiness, causing your pet to bite at the infected area which can worsen the condition.
There are many more skin problems that your pets may encounter, but generally, watch out for the following symptoms:
- Itching
- Frequent scratching and licking
- Skin Sores
- Dry Skin
- Rashes
- Lumps
- Redness
- Dandruff
- Bumps
- Hair Loss
These skin conditions can make your pet very uncomfortable which should not be necessary. This is because many of the dermatological issues in pets are preventable and treatable. If you think your pet is experiencing some of these symptoms, bring your beloved pet to Bannon Woods Veterinary Hospital. We offer specific diagnostic tests like allergy testing, fungal testing, cultures, and biopsies, along with the most cutting-edge treatments to ensure the health of your pets’ skin.