Pet Dermatology

Pet Dermatology

Pet allergies are common, come in many forms, and sometimes can be difficult to treat. Fortunately, we’re more than up to the challenge and can offer a variety of services for diagnosing and managing your pet’s condition. Giving them relief is as important to us as it is to you. Call us at (616) 669-0501 to schedule an appointment today.

What Causes Allergies in Pets?

Like humans, dogs and cats can develop allergies when their immune system overreacts to certain allergens. There are many different things in your pet’s environment that may be responsible for their allergic reactions. Some common pet allergens include:

• Pollen
• Grass
• Mold
• Dust mites
• Fleas
• Human and pet dander
• Upholstered furniture
• Proteins in foods such as beef, chicken, dairy, and fish
• Cleaning products
• Lawn treatments/fertilizers

Common Allergy Symptoms in Pets

Most symptoms of allergies are associated with the skin and rarely include sneezing:

• Scratching, chewing, and licking at the skin and paws
• Hair loss
• Raw, inflamed skin
• Dandruff
• Runny eyes and nose
• Rough, scaly patches of skin
• Odor
• Red, inflamed ears

If your pet is showing any of these signs, contact our clinic right away. Their symptoms will only intensify over time.

Pet Allergies Can Cause Secondary Skin Infections

Our pets can’t help but scratch themselves when they itch. Over time, licking and scratching at the skin will damage it and open the door for bacterial infections. This can result in an endless cycle of itching and scratching, and treatment will take much longer.

Finding a Treatment that Works for Your Pet

Pet allergies can’t be fully cured, but they can be sufficiently managed to the point where your pet can live a normal, comfortable life. There are various steps to diagnosing and treating allergies:

• We need to talk about your pet’s environment and lifestyle and may also need to do some allergy testing to determine which allergen(s) are causing their symptoms.
• Once we have identified the source of the problem, you will need to reduce your pet’s exposure to the allergens responsible.
• We can offer medication to relieve your pet’s itching and help their damaged skin barrier heal.
• Treatment may involve topicals, oral medication, and/or injectable medication to further control the symptoms.
• Many pet owners have tried multiple foods in the hopes that this will improve their pet’s allergy symptoms. Before investing in multiple diets, please discuss an appropriate food allergy diet trial with your veterinarian. If your pet’s diet is causing their allergy, we’ll need to transition them to a prescription hypoallergenic diet.