Everything You Need to Know About Pet Allergies From Davie Florida's Top Vet

Allergies can be miserable, as you may know from individual experiences. Unfortunately your pets can also suffer from allergies, as well. The two most common types of allergies are environmental and food related. Environmental allergies are very common in fair skinned breads, and can have harsh effects on the skin.

Your pet may have a reaction to any or all of the following:

  • grass
  • seasonal pollen
  • mold spores
  • dust
  • insects
  • dander
  • cigarette smoke
  • cleaning products
  • insecticidal shampoos
  • and more

Reactions may include:

  • breaking out in a rash
  • red and irritated skin
  • scabbing
  • constant scratching and biting
  • watery itchy eyes
  • excessive licking of one specific area
  • inflamed red ears
  • chewing and gnawing at the paws

Food allergies are also very common. As many as 10% of dogs suffer from food allergies. Pets suffering from food allergies may suffer from chronic vomiting, diarrhea, or gas, itchy paws and inflamed red ears. It is possible that your pet may be allergic to more than one food. According to DPC Veterinary Hospital in Davie, FL, the easiest and most efficient way to conquer his/her food allergy problem is by switching them to either a Novel Protein or a Hydrolyzed Protein diet. Putting your pet on a Novel Protein diet means you are switching them to a protein that they have never come in contact with before, such as venison, rabbit or duck. The Hydrolyzed Protein diet consists of proteins that have been disrupted and broken down so small, the body will not have an allergic response to it.

Choose a Davie Florida's Veterinary Clinic That Understand How to Treat Pet Allergies

It is important to take your pet to a Top Florida Veterinarian that you trust, in order to properly diagnosis your pet’s allergies. Once you set up an appointment for an examination, a diagnosis may be reached through skin or blood tests, and specific diet eliminations. Once diagnosed, the veterinarian will be able to set up a plan to help determine the cause of the allergies and the treatment plan. This may be through isolating different factors to see if there is a positive change in your pets condition or by changing your pet’s diet.

Medications Available at Most Florida Veterinary Clinics and Hospitals 

It is important to come up with a treatment plan for your pet, but when it comes to skin allergies, it isn’t always so black and white. For instance, if your pet is allergic to seasonal pollen, you may need to rely on a medication for temporary relief of your pets symptoms. Common allergy medications your vet may prescribe are antihistamines or steroids (in extreme cases). Antihistamines suppress an immune response to allergies and helps uncomfortable symptoms like itching, sneezing, inflamed red skin, and more. In severe cases, steroids are used to bring down inflammation, and helps alleviate intense chronic itching.

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