Pet Allergies

Allergies in Pets

One of the most common causes of pet dermatological and respiratory conditions are allergies! An allergic reaction occurs when your pet’s body has an adverse response to environmental substances, which can range from from hardly noticeable to potentially fatal. Most reactions occur when the allergen is inhaled, ingested or through skin contact.

Common Allergic Reactions

  • Scratching or itching
  • Reddish, moist or scabbed skin
  • Runny eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Like humans, specific allergies are unique to each pet, but common allergens include pollens, mold spores, dust, cigarette smoke, foodstuffs, prescription drugs, household cleaners and shampoo. Unfortunately, determining the cause of your pet’s allergic reaction can often be difficult due to the large number of substances they interact with on a daily basis.

If you suspect your pet has allergies, please contact Southwoods Animal Hospital. Using your pet’s medical history, a comprehensive physical examination, skin and blood tests and an elimination diet, we can discover what your pet’s specific allergies are. Once determined, we then design a customized allergy regimen that involves removing environmental and food-based allergens from your pet’s daily routine, as well as prescribing pet allergy medications if necessary, dramatically improving your pet’s quality of life.