Itchy Pets and Allergies

Dogs, cats, and other pet species can experience both acute and chronic allergies. The symptoms of allergies in pets include scratching, chewing, licking, and rubbing. There are different types of chronic allergies, and for both dogs and cats these include:   Flea allergy Food allergy Atopic dermatitis Secondary infections

To help prevent some types of allergies, OLVH generally recommends keeping pets on year-round flea and tick preventatives, as well as keeping their food consistent. Fleas can still be present in the home during the winter, so keeping your pet on year-round flea and tick prevention can help stop an infestation before it starts. Also, keeping your pet’s food consistent can help you identify the cause of food allergies if your pet starts showing symptoms.

Some allergies can also be seasonal, or seasonally aggravated. If your pet has been diagnosed with chronic allergies, monitoring pollen can help with management. Using resources like this allergy map from pollen.com can help you plan in advance for allergic pets.

These articles from Veterinary Partner explain allergies and their causes in more detail:

Itching and Allergy in Dogs

Itching and Allergy in Cats

If you suspect your pet may have chronic allergies, we can help come up with a plan to determine their cause and management strategies that are best for both you and your pet. Contact us if you’d like to schedule an appointment for your pet.

This information is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis, and may not be applicable to all situations. If you suspect your pet has allergies, please contact us to schedule an appointment.