Allergies in Dogs and Cats
Constant itching, licking, or skin irritation can be a sign of allergies. Perkins Road Pet Clinic helps pets throughout Stillwater, OK find relief from environmental, food, and flea allergies.
Types of Allergies in Pets
Pets can develop allergies to a variety of triggers, including:
- Environmental allergens: Pollen, dust mites, and mold, often causing seasonal or year-round symptoms
- Food allergies: Reactions to specific proteins or ingredients in your pet’s diet
- Flea allergy dermatitis: An intense reaction to flea saliva, even from a single bite
Signs Your Pet May Have Allergies
- Frequent scratching, licking, or chewing at the skin
- Red, inflamed, or irritated skin
- Recurring ear infections
- Hair loss or hot spots
- Digestive upset in cases of food allergies
How We Diagnose and Manage Allergies
Diagnosing the underlying cause of allergies often takes some detective work, including a physical exam, a discussion of your pet’s diet and environment, and sometimes an elimination diet trial. Our in-house laboratory can also help rule out secondary infections that often accompany allergic skin disease.
Treatment plans are tailored to the type of allergy and may include dietary changes, medication to control itching, or year-round flea prevention to rule out flea allergy dermatitis. Chronic ear infections related to allergies are common, so ongoing monitoring through our Adult Program wellness visits can help keep symptoms under control.
If your pet is constantly scratching or dealing with skin irritation, call (405) 624-3086 to schedule an exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common types of allergies in pets?
Environmental allergens, food allergies, and flea allergy dermatitis are the most common types we see in dogs and cats.
How can I tell if my pet has a food allergy?
Food allergies often cause skin irritation along with digestive upset, and are typically diagnosed through an elimination diet trial.
Can a single flea bite cause an allergic reaction?
Yes, pets with flea allergy dermatitis can have an intense reaction to just one flea bite, making year-round prevention important.
Are allergy symptoms in pets seasonal?
Environmental allergies are often seasonal, while food allergies and flea allergy dermatitis can occur year-round.
Can allergies cause ear infections?
Yes, allergies are one of the most common underlying causes of recurring ear infections in pets.
How are pet allergies treated?
Treatment depends on the type of allergy and may include dietary changes, medication, or flea prevention.
When should I bring my pet in for allergy symptoms?
If your pet is scratching frequently, has irritated skin, or keeps getting ear infections, schedule an exam so we can identify the cause.