Pets can have allergies like people can, making it challenging for furry friends to eat, sleep, or live comfortably. Fortunately, by knowing the signs of an allergic reaction, you can seek treatment for them quickly, preventing more significant problems later. Below are a few frequently asked questions about pet allergy symptoms answered for you.

Your Pet Allergy Questions Answered

What are common allergies for pets?

Pets can be allergic to anything, including ingredients in food, airborne particulates, household cleaners, or pollen. Dogs can have skin allergies, food allergies, or acute allergies, which present themselves differently.

What are the signs of a pet allergy?

Skin allergies can make the coat or skin red and inflamed. For instance, if your pet is allergic to fleas and gets bitten, they may suffer from flea allergy dermatitis, which causes itching near the tail. Owners may notice reddened, scabbed areas on the coat if the pet struggles with skin allergies.

Food allergies can also cause skin symptoms, as well as vomiting and diarrhea. Environmental allergies may cause skin and gastrointestinal problems, in addition to issues with excess mucus around the eyes and mouth.

What triggers allergies?  

An allergic response triggers when your pet contacts a specific allergen. Watch your pet's behavior anytime they around a new food or place. For instance, if you take your dog to a park after the grass was seeded, and they seem to have a response, talk with your veterinarian about a potential allergy.

How can you help your pet?

Talking with a pet allergy specialist about your animal is crucial for helping them live a normal, healthy life. During visits with a professional, they will carefully inspect your animal’s coat and vital signs. Veterinarians can also give your animal special allergy tests, or collect a blood sample to check for allergy-specific antibodies that indicate recent reactions.

If you have concerns about your animal’s health, reach out to Veterinary Dermatology Services in Cincinnati, OH. In addition to offering comprehensive allergy testing, their board-certified pet dermatologist, Patrick T. Breen, DVM, ACVD, can help with laser surgery and video ear inspections to identify and resolve complex health problems. To find out more about how he can help, visit his website, or call (513) 489-4644.