Restoring Comfort in Your Pet with Allergies

Humans with allergies might sneeze or get stuffed up, but your pet may react by scratching or pulling out his or her fur. This is a common symptom of an allergy or a reaction to a substance that causes sensitivity.

Allergens can be inhaled, ingested, or may be of the contact variety. Some allergens are found in foods such as corn, wheat, soy, beef, and dairy products. Often the first sign of an allergic reaction in your pet is scratching, licking, biting, or rubbing the skin, sometimes resulting in red bumps and pimples. It is important to contact us as soon as possible when these symptoms surface, as this behavior can lead to infection or other complications.

What makes allergies in pets so difficult is that, in many cases, we struggle to identify the exact cause of the reaction or you are unable to remove the irritant from your pet’s home environment. Often the trial-and-error type of diagnostic process is tedious: We try a possible solution, wait to see how your pet reacts to it, and then we try yet another solution. The professionals at Ten West Bird and Animal Hospital will work with you to identify the allergen and determine the best treatment for your pet.

Veterinary allergy treatments may include such drugs as steroids to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation and antihistamines that block chemicals released in the system. Immunotherapy, typically called “allergy shots,” is a safe and effective treatment but includes a regular — often weekly — regime of vaccinations to an allergen and may take many months before showing improvement.

In many cases, symptomatic treatment offers relief for pets through the use of medicated shampoos, ointments, and sprays. These efforts are only temporary, however, and may be used in conjunction with other efforts or while we are still seeking the main cause of the problem. We caution you against using over-the-counter treatments without first discussing them with your veterinarian. Often preparations intended for humans or for other uses may make a situation worse, and we are best able to guide you in this area.

Patience and persistence in identifying and treating pet allergies is the best approach, and we are here to support you through this process. Efforts at finding a solution to pet discomfort may be lengthy, but will lead to a happier, more comfortable companion.

Learn how some pets experience allergies in this very informative article.