Our furry friends have so much in common with us—right down to their health problems. Although they manifest in different ways, pets can have allergies to a wide variety of substances, just as humans can. To improve your pet's wellness, Dr. Dibbern and his team at Countryside Veterinary Clinic in Charles Town, WV, recommend you watch for the signs of pet allergies and make an appointment if you spot them.

The number one allergy that we see in the Charles Town, WV community is an allergy to fleas.  Unlike humans, pets usually don't sniffle, sneeze, or cough in response to allergens. Instead, they become extremely itchy. Excessive scratching causes inflammation and secondary infections, which are also uncomfortable, so a pet with allergies is often trapped in a cycle of consistently irritated skin. Keep an eye out for excessive scratching, hair loss, odors, sores or warm spots on the pet's skin, or the pet biting themselves.  It only takes a single flea bite to start this reaction, so even if you don’t see fleas on your pet it’s still a possibility!  Contrary to popular belief, most pet allergies have nothing to do with their food.  Many clients switch to grain free foods in hopes of curing a skin infection, without ever realizing that the flea is the culprit.

If you identify any signs of an allergy, you should bring your pet in to our clinic as soon as possible.  We will examine your pet’s skin and get them started on a course of antibiotics for the secondary skin infection if needed.  We will also rule out a flea allergy by making sure your pet is covered by a good flea control.  If your pet’s symptoms persist, then we can turn to a blood test to identify other allergens.  We can then give you advice for eliminating the allergen, treating future reactions, and caring for your pet's irritated skin.

Allergies can be a serious threat to pet health, but with proper care your pet can live healthy and free from serious reactions. To schedule your pet for a dermatological exam, contact us here at Countryside Veterinary Clinic at (304) 725-7663 or visit our website to learn more about our diagnostic services.