Cat & Dog Allergies in Warrick County

Yes, pets can have allergies too. Like us, some pets are overly sensitive to certain allergens. Their immune systems may also overreact when they come into contact with dust mites or fleas or unknowingly inhale tree pollen or mold spores. This (over)reaction results in severe pruritus (itching of the skin). Furthermore, this condition can set off a chain reaction of other problems, like skin damage, hair loss, and bacterial infection. That’s why at Warrick Veterinary Clinic, we are proud to offer services that treat cat and dog allergies. Call us today at (812) 897-4855.

dog allergies in warrick county, in
cat scratching itself

Symptoms of Allergies in Pets

If you are not able to catch your pet in the act of scratching, here are some other symptoms you can check for:

  • Areas of skin that look red and raw
  • Bald spots under the legs, between the toes, and on the sides and belly
  • Runny eyes and nose
  • Face appears swollen
  • Patches of dry, flaky skin
  • Giving off a bad odor

Why Scratching is Harmful

Scratching at their skin to relieve itching is a common (and understandable) response for pets, but it can also do serious damage to their protective skin barrier. In addition, licking at those same areas softens the skin and makes it even more susceptible to damage. Consequently, this leaves your pet more vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections of the skin, which can also make their itching worse.

Breaking the Cycle

To break the cycle of itching, scratching, and infection, we need to see your pet for an exam, imaging, and treatment as soon as possible. Allergies will not go away on their own, and may in fact become worse with time.

Diagnosing

To properly diagnose your pet’s condition, we need to examine them fully, get as much information about your pet’s lifestyle as we can, and perform whichever tests we consider appropriate. This could include blood testing, skin scraping, biopsy, fecal testing, and more.

Treating

Because there are many different types of allergies, there are also many different types of allergy treatments available. Some of the treatments we offer include Apoquel, Cytopoint injections, allergy testing, and special shampoos. We also have hypoallergenic diets available for pets with food allergies.

Call us at (812) 897-4855 if your pet is showing signs of allergy symptoms, and we’ll help you out!