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Caressing a Cat

ALLERGY & SKIN CARE

Did you know...

that in 2018 7.5 million dogs saw a vet for itchy skin?

If your pet is suffering from itchy skin, you are not alone and we are here to help!

Together, we can ditch the itch!

Allergies are very common amongst both dogs and cats. Just like humans, our pets can have allergic responses to common substances they encounter in their daily life such as environmental irritants like pollen and grass as well as ingredients in food items. Environmental allergies are seen most frequently in pets and get worse with the changing seasons, just like for humans! However for our pets, rather than a runny nose and itchy eyes, environmental allergies typically cause skin irritation - also known as contact dermatitis.

While food allergies are less common, they do exist, and are typically caused by the protein in your pet's food. Food allergies most commonly present with ear infections, skin irritation and sometimes gastrointestinal abnormalities.

What causes skin allergies and what do they look like?

  • Environmental irritants such as pollen, grass, etc.

  • Food ingredients, usually proteins

  • Food storage mites

  • Fleas

  • Dust and dust mites

  • Excessive licking, especially paws

  • Biting at skin

  • Hotspots

  • Frequent ear infections

  • Odor from the skin

  • Skin infections / rashes

Common Causes 

Common Symptoms 

Because there is no cure for allergies, the key to allergy relief is diligent management of symptoms to keep discomfort at bay. There are many treatment options available for allergy relief, from soothing topical remedies to daily oral medications. Identifying which treatment approach is most effective for your pet's specific allergy needs is a process of trial and error, often resulting in a multi-faceted regimen designed to tackle your pet's symptoms from multiple angles. For example, we often find great success in pairing monthly Cytopoint injections (internal, systemic approach) with weekly medicated baths (topical approach). 

Why Your Pet is Itchy and What to Do About It

Common Allergy Treatment Options Include

  • Apoquel; a daily oral medication

  • Cytopoint; an injectable medication

  • Medicated shampoos

  • Topical products

  • Topical irritant removal methods 

  • Prescription diets

  • Food elimination trial

  • Immunotherapy (desentization)

Our team is very familiar with pet allergies and we empathize with the challenges they present, not only for your pet, but for you as well! That incessant paw licking through the night is enough to drive any pet parent crazy! The good news? We're here to help. 

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If you pet is experiencing allergy symptoms, don't wait another minute. Reach out to our team of allergy experts.

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