One of the most common health problems for pets is allergies. While there are many different types of allergies, many of them result in inflammation and tissue damage. Addressing your pet's allergies as soon as possible is crucial to their long-term health. We're going to answer some of the most common questions people have about pet allergies.
And if you suspect your furry friend has an allergy, bring them to us at CONNOLLY ANIMAL CLINIC in Florence, AL. A veterinarian from our animal clinic will conduct an exam to determine the cause of your precious animal's allergy and recommend the best course of action.
Frequently Asked Questions About Allergies in Pets
What Are Pet Allergies?
An allergy, in general terms, is when the body's immune system reacts to a substance that it normally would not react to. These substances are sometimes called allergens and may include things like pollen, dust mite droppings, certain foods, certain bacteria, and even human dander.
What Causes Pet Allergies?
There are several different factors that may lead to your pet developing allergies. The some of the most common ones are:
- Food allergies: This is usually the most common allergy that pets develop. They are often caused by eating certain ingredients in their food, like dairy, chicken, lamb, beef, eggs, etc.
- Environment allergies: These are typically related to a change in your pet's environment. For example, if your pet never had an issue with being indoors before, but suddenly starts sneezing and has itchy ears, an indoor allergen could be the cause.
- Flea allergies: This is one of the most common allergies in dogs. Even though your dog may not have an active flea problem, it's still possible for them to be affected by the saliva of a flea.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Pet Allergies?
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consider having them checked for allergies:
- Increased sneezing and nose-sniffling
- Itchy or swollen ears
- Inflamed eyes that may be watery, red, and/or contain a lot of discharge
- Inflamed or irritated skin with hair loss and scabs
- Constant licking, chewing, scratching, biting, or shaking of a paw
What Should I Do if I Notice Symptoms of a Pet Allergy?
Pet allergies can be serious. If you think your pet may have an allergy, it's important that you bring them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. A veterinarian from our animal clinic will conduct an exam and ask you some questions about your pet's environment and activities, to determine the cause of their allergy.
Visit CONNOLLY ANIMAL CLINIC in Florence, AL, for Pet Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment
If your pet is suffering from an allergy, you should visit us at CONNOLLY ANIMAL CLINIC in Florence, AL. We will conduct an exam that will not only diagnose your pet's allergy, but also give us valuable information that can help us treat them. Call (256) 757-5376 to book an appointment.
