Treating Cat & Dog Allergies & Skin Conditions
Allergens that affect pets are similar to those that affect us. Environmental allergens such as pollen are all too familiar to those of us with seasonal allergies in San Jose! While cat & dog allergies can be caused by the same things, their reaction is usually different. Instead of sneezing and watery eyes (although these can happen, too), pet allergies typically show up as dry, itchy, and irritated skin. Pet dermatology helps to diagnose allergies and manage the symptoms.
Signs of a Skin Condition and the Guilty Allergens
Skin conditions in pets can be caused by a number of factors, but allergens tend to be the main culprit. One of the more common (and growing) skin conditions we see is atopy, or atopic dermatitis. This condition occurs when the immune system overreacts to a trigger, or allergen. The result is a chronic, inflammatory disease that causes skin to become dry, patchy, and irritated. The symptoms of this disease are similar to other skin conditions, so a proper diagnosis is essential.
Signs your pet has a skin condition:
- Obsessive licking
- Scratching and rubbing
- Itchy, red, patchy skin
- Red ears, often with an odor
- Chewing on their paws
- Hair loss
- Sneezing and runny eyes
These symptoms stem from a number of allergens, the most common of which include:
- Pollen
- Grasses, weeds, and trees
- Mold spores
- Dust or dust mites
- Dander
- Parasites and insects, particularly fleas
Diagnosing and Treating Pet Allergies
If we suspect your pet has an allergy, we will build a treatment plan to treat their symptoms and keep them from reoccurring. Treatments may include:
- Cytopoint and Apoquel, which are the most recent advancements to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis
- Antihistamines, antibiotics, or other medications to control symptoms
- Parasite prevention to keep pests like fleas from causing irritation
- Topicals to relieve dry skin
- Medicated shampoos to clean and moisturize skin
For more information on pet dermatology, allergies, or any of our treatment options, please let us know and we’ll be happy to answer any questions!