How to Tell If Your Pet Has Allergies
Pets have no way to tell us when they aren’t feeling their best. So, it’s up to pet owners to keep a close eye on their pets’ behaviors and appearances to look for potential signs that could indicate a health problem, such as allergies.
That’s right! Just like humans, pets can suffer from allergies, too. However, the signs and symptoms of allergies in pets don’t always look the same as it does in people.
Look for These Signs and Symptoms of Allergies in Pets
When a person has an allergy to something in the environment or in their food, they experience a variety of symptoms, like hives, a runny nose, itchy and red eyes, and sneezing. In pets, allergy symptoms sometimes manifest a bit differently. For example, the most common allergy symptom in pets is excessively itching and scratching.
In addition to scratching, more signs and symptoms of pet allergies include:
- Excessively licking and biting
- Head shaking
- Swelling or redness on the face
- Red, swollen paws
- Persistent or frequent ear or skin infections
- Foul-smelling ears or skin
- Skin redness and rashes
- Scabbing
- Hot spots
- Skin and coat problems like hair loss
- Diarrhea, vomiting, and upset stomach
- Respiratory problems
- Sneezing, coughing, running nose, and watery eyes
If your pet experiences any of these symptoms, schedule a veterinary appointment right away.
What's Causing Your Pet's Allergies?
Like people, pets are allergic to a variety of different things.
- Seasonal allergies occur when certain pollens or molds are present outdoors.
- Environmental allergens can include perfumes, cleaning agents, smoke, dust, dust mites, and pollen.
- Food allergies occur when a pet's allergic to certain proteins in his or her diet.
- Flea allergies occur when a pet's allergic to flea saliva.
While seasonal allergies are more easily identified based on their seasonal recurrence, other types of allergies in pets can be more difficult to pinpoint. If your pet’s showing signs of allergies, our veterinarians will work with you to determine the underlying cause.
Schedule an Allergy Exam With a Veterinarian in White Haven
If you suspect your pet might be suffering from allergies, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at White Haven Veterinary Hospital. Our veterinarians can assess your pet to help you determine the type of allergies from which your pet might be suffering. We’ll then help you and your pet finds relief from itching and scratching with a variety of pet allergy treatment options.
To learn more or make an appointment for your dog or cat, we welcome you to contact our animal hospital in White Haven today.
