Cat and Dog Allergy Treatments in Groveport, OH
Allergies can be tough from spring and summer to fall. And we’re not the only ones affected! Cats and dogs can develop allergies, too. Allergies in our pets tend to manifest as skin conditions, particularly itchy skin that causes them to scratch, lick, and chew at themselves with reckless abandon. All this irritation can quickly damage the skin barrier, causing secondary infections that are even more uncomfortable. At Groveport Canal Animal Hospital, we focus our efforts on managing and treating your dog and cat’s allergies to reduce the itch so they can be happy in their own skin again!
Think your pet may have allergies?
Call us at (614) 836-3222 or use our online form to book a visit so we can get them on the path to relief!
What Cats and Dogs are Allergic To
Cats and dogs can be allergic to many of the same things we are.
Common allergens include:
- Flower, grass, and tree pollens
- Mold
- Dust and dust mites
- Fleas
- Certain cleaning supplies
- Synthetic fibers
- Food ingredients (pork, beef, chicken, eggs, dairy, etc.)
How To Know if Your Cat or Dog Has Allergies
Cats and dogs generally develop itchy skin with allergies, but can also develop some respiratory or gastrointestinal problems depending on the type of allergen.
Symptoms of allergies may include:
- Excessive itchy, biting, and licking at the skin
- Hair loss
- Chewing at paws
- Red, irritated looking skin
- Odor from the skin
- Frequent ear infections
- Overgrooming (cats)
- Vomiting/diarrhea (in the case of food allergies)
- Runny nose and eyes
Diagnosing, Managing and Treating Cat and Dog Allergies
Since many of the symptoms of allergies could be indicative of other underlying conditions, we’ll first run some diagnostic tests to rule these out. We can also send out a sample for allergy testing, which can help us identify what exactly your pet is allergic to. Once we know we’re dealing with allergies, we can try the following treatment options to get your pet relief:
- Cytopoint (an injection for dogs that controls the itch for 4-8 weeks)
- Apoquel (a daily tablet for dogs)
- Immunotherapy treatment that can help reduce your pet’s sensitivity to the allergen (an allergy test is needed to formulate this treatment, and it is not effective for all allergies)
- Topical therapy
- Flea allergy therapy (including flea prevention)
- Antihistamines
- Steroids
- Antibiotics and antifungals for secondary infections
- Food elimination diet for suspected food allergies
- And more
Our goal is to find a lasting management option for your pet, and since all pets are different, it could take a few tries to see which treatment works best for them. We’re with you through it all and are determined to find the best option for you both!
Call us at (614) 836-3222 or book an appointment online to provide your pet with the allergy relief they are looking for!