If you have food or seasonal allergies, you know how miserable they can make you feel. Your pet is no exception, and you’ll probably need to visit the veterinary clinic to get a diagnosis. The veterinarians at Clermont Animal Hospital in Batavia, OH, can diagnose and treat your pet’s allergies to keep them happy and healthy. Here are some allergy warning signs and tips.

6 Pet Allergy Tips & Warning Signs

1. Warning Sign: Excessive Biting & Scratching

If your pet chews their paws, scratches themselves constantly, or bites and gnaws on their legs, this is a sign of itching. If the condition is left untreated, your pet may bite or lick off the fur around the affected area and develop an infection.

2. Tip: Use Grooming Wipes

After your pet has been outside, wipe them down with damp grooming wipes. If you have a cat, consider keeping them indoors during allergy season. You can also increase the frequency of baths, and choose a shampoo designed for allergy relief.  

3. Warning Sign: Skin Redness or Infection

Redness or infection on the skin can come from an allergic reaction or the excessive itching and biting that often accompanies allergies. This is more common among dogs, but it can be serious in cats.  

4. Tip: Witch Hazel & Coconut Oil

Wipe the skin with a clean cloth dampened with witch hazel to remove allergens and dry the area, then moisturize with coconut oil. If an infection doesn’t clear up within two days, take your pet to the vet.

5. Warning Sign: Wheezing or Coughing

Cats are more susceptible to respiratory issues than dogs because poor air quality tends to affect cats more. This is called feline asthma, and it presents the same wheezing and coughing you see in humans with asthma.  

6. Tip: Get to the Veterinary Clinic

While feline asthma can clear up on its own if it’s allergy-related, it could also be a sign of something more serious. Take your pet to the veterinary clinic when you notice these symptoms.

Clermont Animal Hospital is the veterinary clinic and emergency animal hospital you can trust to treat your pet like family. Their state-of-the-art facility is equipped for veterinary surgery, neurology, and laser therapy, and their team is trained to handle animals of all types. To schedule an appointment or reach a staff member during an emergency, call (513) 732-1730. You can also send a message via Facebook for non-urgent questions, and visit their website to learn more about their services.