Just like humans, pets can suffer from allergies. A pet allergy is an allergic reaction in which the immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign object. Pets can get allergies from airborne pollutants, the food they eat, or their medications. Detecting allergies in pets can sometimes be a daunting task. Allergy symptoms are often unclear, and it can be hard to determine what your pet is allergic to. It is important to understand the symptoms of allergies in your pet so you know what to look for. At Liberty Vet Pets in Philadelphia, PA, our team of experts can diagnose and treat allergies in your pet. Our goal is to help your pet live a happy, healthy life.
Causes of Pet Allergies
Allergic reactions in pets can be triggered by environmental substances, such as grass, pollen, mold, dust mites, fleas, medicine, chemicals, and other allergens. Additionally, pets can get allergies from airborne pollutants, the food they eat, shampoos, and medications.
Given that there are many causes of pet allergies, identifying the exact trigger can be a challenging task. At our animal hospital, we will help you navigate allergies in your animal companion.
Types of Pet Allergies
Here are the main types of pet allergies:
- Skin allergies: Also known as allergic dermatitis, a skin allergy is a common type of allergic reaction in pets. The two striking causes of skin allergies in pets include environmental allergens and flea allergy dermatitis. Skin allergies make pets itchy and make the skin red, inflamed, and scabbed.
- Food allergies: These are commonly triggered by a protein component in the food your pet eats. Symptoms of food allergies include digestive disorders, like vomiting, diarrhea, and chronic anal gland inflammation.
- Environmental allergies: These are triggered by allergens that your pet encounters in an environment, such as dust, mold, pollen, grass, mites, and more.
Symptoms of Pet Allergies
Pet allergy symptoms depend on the type of allergy your pet is experiencing. However, typical symptoms of pet allergies include:
- Itchiness
- Ear infections
- Licking, chewing, and scratching of the skin
- Swelling of face, ears, lips, eyelids, or ear flaps
- Red, inflamed skin
- Vomiting
- Sneezing
- Itchy, runny nose
- Hives
- Diarrhea
- Watery eyes
- Loss of fur
Treatment of Pet Allergies
The best line of defense for treating allergies is identifying the trigger and then avoiding it all together. Treatment largely depends on the duration of a specific allergy season. Minimizing allergen exposure reduces the frequency and severity of your pet’s allergies.
Additionally, our veterinarian may administer the below treatments to help you manage pet allergies:
- Medications: Antihistamines help minimize the production of a chemical that triggers an immune reaction. Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation. Decongestants can help your pet breathe better.
- Shampoo therapy: Occasional bathing with a hypoallergenic shampoo can soothe itchiness and inflamed skin.
Visit Our Veterinarian in Philadelphia, PA
If your pet is experiencing symptoms of allergies, we can help. At Liberty Vet Pets in Philadelphia, PA, our team can identify triggers of your pet’s allergies and provide treatment. With our mobile vet services, our team can help your pet in the comfort of its own home. Call us today to schedule an appointment.