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The beauty of spring brings fresh blooms, leaves and flowers and their not-so-lovely additions of pollen, bugs, and allergens. With it all, our pets scratch, itch, and sneeze, just like humans do, and since they are part of the family—and they count on us for care every day—the last thing we want is for them to be uncomfortable. The experts at Ten West Bird & Animal Hospital team are here to help! We gathered up-to-date information to help you understand pet allergies, how to recognize the symptoms, and some of the best ways to find relief for your pet.

Causes, Signs, and How to Treat Pet Allergies

What Causes a Pet Allergy?

Pets can develop allergies due to a variety of factors. When a pet is allergic to something, their body perceives it as a threat and produces an immune response to protect itself, which leads to various symptoms. Some of the most common causes of pet allergies include:

• Environmental allergens: pollen, dust mites, mold spores
• Food allergens: Certain ingredients in pet food, such as beef, chicken, dairy, and wheat
• Flea saliva      
• Medications: antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and other drugs.
• Contact allergens: fabrics, shampoos, or cleaning products.

Signs Your Pet May Have Allergies

Some of the signs that a pet may be experiencing allergies include:

• Itching: Pets with allergies may scratch, lick, or bite their skin excessively, often leading to redness, hair loss and pet shedding, and skin infections.
• Sneezing: Just like humans, pets can experience respiratory allergies, which can cause sneezing, coughing, and wheezing.
• Digestive issues: Allergies can also affect a pet’s digestive system, causing diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
• Eye and ear issues: Allergies can lead to red, itchy eyes and ear infections in pets.

Allergies can be uncomfortable and distressing for pets, making them irritable or lethargic. If you suspect your pet has allergies, contact us, and we’ll get started on the diagnosis and treatment to help alleviate your pet’s symptoms and improve their quality of life.

How to Treat Allergies

Allergies in pets can be treated in several ways, depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. Some treatment options for pet allergies are:

• Avoidance: If you can identify the allergen causing your pet’s symptoms, avoiding exposure is the best way to treat the allergy. For example, if your pet is allergic to chicken, you can remove that protein from their diet.
• Medications: Several medications can be used to treat pet allergies, including antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunotherapy. These medications can help relieve pet scratching and itching, inflammation, and other allergy symptoms.
• Bathing: Frequent bathing can help reduce the amount of allergens on your pet’s skin and coat.
• Acupuncture
• Supplements: Some supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can help reduce inflammation and improve your pet’s skin and coat health, which may help alleviate allergy symptoms.
• Allergy testing: If your pet’s allergies are severe or persistent, our team may recommend allergy testing to identify the specific allergen causing the problem. This information can be used to develop a personalized treatment plan for your pet.

Allergies can be frustrating and uncomfortable for your pet, but with proper treatment, you can help them feel better and improve their quality of life. Contact your Ten West Bird & Animal Hospital experts today, and we’ll help you and your pet combat those nagging allergies.