Managing Dog and Cat Allergies and Skin Disorders in Bradenton, FL
Cats and dogs frequently experience allergies that result in excessive scratching and licking of the skin, which can lead to more discomfort and potential infection. At Keystone Animal Hospital in Bradenton, FL, we’re dedicated to discovering the source of your pet's condition and providing a comprehensive plan to alleviate their discomfort. Relieving your pet’s itching and controlling their allergy symptoms well into the future can restore their health and zest for life.
Is your pet constantly itching? Think they might have an allergy? Get in touch with us today!
Signs of Allergies in Dogs and Cats
If you notice any of these issues and behaviors in your pet, we recommend consulting with us as soon as possible to keep them from getting worse:
- Sneezing
- Frequent runny eyes, which can stain the fur beneath
- Runny nose
- Persistent scratching at the skin and ears
- Chewing and licking the paws and other areas
- Red, irritated skin
- Swollen ears
- Hair loss in patches, especially between the toes
- Unpleasant smell from the skin or ears
Understanding the Causes of Allergies in Pets
Allergies in dogs and cats can stem from several sources. When you bring your pet in, we’ll explore potential allergens in their environment and lifestyle. Common pet allergens include:
- Pollen
- Grass
- Mold spores
- Dust and dust mites
- Fleas
- Dander from humans and other pets
- Synthetic fabrics
- Food proteins like beef, chicken, and eggs
Steps for Diagnosing Allergies in Pets
To identify the cause of your companion’s allergies, we need to start with a thorough physical exam and have a detailed conversation with you about your pet’s environment and habits. This can help us build a better picture of the problem and develop a treatment plan to match. We may also need to perform blood tests, skin scrapings, and other diagnostics to get the information we need. For food allergies, an elimination diet might be necessary to determine the ingredients affecting your pet.
Providing Tailored Allergy Treatments
Treating pet allergies often requires a tailored approach, since dogs and cats can be allergic to many different things and respond differently to treatment. We may need to combine various treatments to manage symptoms and treat complications such as ear infections and bacterial skin infections. At Keystone Animal Hospital, we offer a range of solutions including topical and oral medications, injectables, antibiotics, and hypoallergenic diets to best address your pet’s specific needs.
Commonly Asked Questions Around Pet Allergies
Yes, indoor pets can react to dust mites, mold, cleaning products, and even fabrics. These allergens can cause year-round symptoms despite limited outdoor exposure.
Red, irritated paws are often caused by contact with grass, pollen, or lawn chemicals. Dogs can develop contact allergies that flare up after time outdoors.
Yes, allergies in pets often become more severe with repeated exposure to triggers. Early management can help reduce the intensity of future flare-ups.
Yes, breeds like retrievers, terriers, and bulldogs are more likely to develop allergies. Genetics can play a significant role in how pets respond to allergens.
We are committed to helping your pet find relief and strengthening the bond you share! Contact us at (941) 741-8445 to schedule an appointment and start your pet on the path to recovery from allergies.