Allergy Testing & Treatment
Allergy Testing & Treatment
Just like people, dogs and cats can also suffer from allergies and allergy-related symptoms that can cause pets quite a bit of discomfort. At Bonner Springs Animal Care Center, our veterinarian is pleased to provide pets with comprehensive allergy care from identifying and diagnosing allergies to testing for allergies and providing treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Allergies in Pets
While pets can sometimes experience an allergy-induced runny nose and sneezing like humans, pet allergies usually express themselves with slightly different symptoms including:
- Persistent itching, scratching, licking, and biting at skin
- Frequent ear and skin infections
- Rashes
- Swollen, red paws
- Hot spots
- Scabbing
- Hair loss, hair thinning, and bald spots
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Red, watery, and/or itchy eyes
- Sneezing or runny nose
- Wheezing, asthma, or breathing problems
If you notice any signs or symptoms of allergies in your pet, we suggest scheduling an appointment right away to begin the process of diagnosing and testing for allergies.
Types of Allergies in Pets
Allergies occur when the body mistakes a normally harmless substance called an allergen (like pollen or dust) for something potentially dangerous (like a virus or bacteria), inducing a histamine response that’s responsible for allergy symptoms.
Pets can have allergies to a variety of different allergens:
Food Allergies – Pets can sometimes be allergic to certain proteins or other ingredients in their foods.
Environmental Allergies – A pet’s environment can also be a source of allergens such as pollen, dust, dust mites, smoke, perfumes, and more.
Flea Allergies – Pets can also develop an allergy or sensitivity to flea saliva.
Allergy Testing for Pets
While it’s possible to provide symptomatic relief to pets with allergies, it’s best to address a pet’s allergies by determining what substances they are actually allergic to and eliminating those irritants from the pet’s environment or diet.
We can test for allergies in a variety of ways including elimination diets, symptom observation, and diagnostic allergy testing.
Allergy Treatment for Cats and Dogs in Bonner Springs
There are a variety of treatment options to help pets with allergies including topical ointments, medicated baths, and medications designed to relieve symptoms in addition to immunotherapy intended to eliminate a pet’s allergy problem at its source.
To learn more about allergy testing and treatment for dogs and cats, we welcome you to schedule a pet allergy appointment with our veterinarian in Bonner Springs today.
