With spring comes itchy eyes and skin, and it’s not just humans who suffer—pets in Coldwater and the surrounding area deal with allergies too. In fact, allergens are present year-round, causing discomfort for many pets.
Does your pet constantly scratch or chew at their feet and skin? Are they losing fur or showing signs of inflamed skin? These symptoms may indicate more than just dry skin—your pet could have allergies or another chronic skin condition. The good news is, your pet doesn’t have to suffer in silence. We’re here to help diagnose and manage their symptoms for lasting relief.
Pet Allergy Causes
Just like humans, pets can have allergic reactions to a variety of substances. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to otherwise harmless elements in the environment. Some of the most common triggers for skin allergies in pets include:
- Certain food ingredients
- Plants, molds, and pollens
- Parasites
- Dust mites
- Household chemicals and cleaning products
- Endocrine disorders
Recognizing these triggers can help us better manage your pet’s allergies and keep them comfortable year-round.
Signs of Allergies
Since pets’ skin is hidden beneath their fur, allergic reactions can be difficult to detect. However, there are key signs that may indicate your pet is dealing with a skin condition. If your pet is showing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment:
- Excessive scratching or rubbing of the face and ears
- Frequent licking of feet, legs, or abdomen
- Fur loss
- Inflamed or scabbed areas (hot spots)
- Recurring vomiting or diarrhea
- Frequent skin or ear infections
Early detection and treatment can help provide relief for your pet and prevent further complications.
Treatment & Management
While allergies are a common cause of skin irritations in pets, other factors can contribute as well. Chronic skin conditions often require further diagnostic testing and treatment. If your pet continues to scratch or chew at irritated areas, secondary infections may develop.
We offer several methods to diagnose and manage skin conditions:
- Through impression smears and skin scrapings, our cytology services analyze skin cells to identify bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or allergic issues.
- For food allergies, we recommend dietary adjustments, though it can take 2-3 months to see noticeable results.
If you think your pet may have a skin issue, contact us so we can help identify the cause. Skin conditions can often be treated easily and affordably when caught early, and we’re here to provide relief and restore your pet’s comfort.
Want to see if your pet has allergies? Schedule an appointment today!
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