From insect bites to breathing in dust and pollen, there are several situations that can prompt allergic reactions in animals. When this happens, your pet will often exhibit signs it’s in distress. Knowing how to interpret the signals will leave you better prepared to reach out to a pet care provider for help. Below are common symptoms associated with allergies in dogs and cats. 

How to Determine Whether Your Pet Needs Allergy Treatment

1. Inspect the Skin

When an unwelcome allergen enters the body, it releases histamine to fight the offender. The protein triggers an itchy sensation on the skin. If you don’t see your dog or cat scratching, raise back the fur coat and inspect the skin underneath. You might see scratches, chew marks, or inflamed areas where the animal picked at the tissue to alleviate the itch.

2. Examine Ear Canals

You should also keep an eye on whether the animal constantly scratches its ears or shakes its head from side to side. In this case, an allergic reaction might have caused ear inflammation. When allergens get stuck behind flaps, for example, they can travel to the inner ear canal, causing pain and discomfort. Bacteria and yeast could also form, leading to infection. A pet care specialist can check the inner ear for swelling, discharge, and additional causes for concern. 

3. Listen for Wheezing

When the throat and airways are inflamed due to allergies, it could be difficult for your pet to breathe. This also means they might not be as energetic as normal. Listen for a wheezing noise to better tell if they need medical assistance. 

If you’ve noticed changes in the mood, appearance, or behavior of your feline friend or canine companion, reach out to the veterinarians at Animal Care Center of Fairfield. From routine vaccinations to physical exams and lab testing, the clinic features a wide range of pet care services designed to improve the well-being of animals throughout Butler and Hamilton counties in Ohio. The pet care specialists will also let you know what items commonly found in homes could harm your animal’s health. Visit the animal hospital online to discover how they will improve your pet’s health or call (513) 829-6621 to schedule an appointment at the Fairfield-based facility. Keep in touch on Facebook to stay in the loop about upcoming events.