Just like us, pets can suffer from allergies that affect their skin, ears, digestive system, and even their respiratory tract. But unlike us, pets can’t tell us what’s bothering them, so it’s up to us to recognize the signs and get them the help they need.
Allergies in pets can be caused by a variety of triggers, from environmental factors like pollen and dust mites to food ingredients and flea bites. The key to managing these allergies is identifying the specific cause so that we can create a tailored treatment plan that works for your pet. This is where allergy testing comes in.
Common Allergy Symptoms in Pets
If you’re noticing any of the following symptoms in your pet, they may be suffering from an allergy:
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Itchy skin: Constant scratching, biting, or licking of paws, ears, or body.
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Ear infections: Frequent shaking of the head, pawing at the ears, or foul-smelling discharge.
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Respiratory issues: Sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, or nasal discharge.
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Gastrointestinal problems: Vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
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Fleas or insect bites: Excessive itching or sores from flea bites.
These symptoms can be incredibly frustrating for both you and your pet. Luckily, allergy testing can provide clarity, helping us determine exactly what’s causing the problem.
How Does Pet Allergy Testing Work?
At Norgate Animal Hospital, we offer a comprehensive and effective approach to allergy testing for your pet. Here’s how it typically works:
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Initial Consultation and History: The first step is a consultation with one of our experienced veterinarians. We’ll discuss your pet’s medical history, symptoms, and any known potential allergens. This gives us valuable context and helps guide the testing process.
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Skin Testing vs. Blood Testing: There are two main methods for allergy testing: skin testing and blood testing.
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Skin Testing: This is the most common method for identifying environmental allergens. It involves placing small amounts of allergens on your pet’s skin (usually on the back or side) and observing how they react. If your pet has an allergy to a specific substance, you’ll see a reaction such as swelling or redness.
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Blood Testing: In some cases, we may recommend a blood test to check for food allergies or to supplement skin testing. A blood sample is taken from your pet, and the lab analyzes it for antibodies related to specific allergens.
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Test Results and Diagnosis: Once we’ve completed the testing, we’ll analyze the results and identify what’s triggering your pet’s allergies. This can include anything from pollen and dust mites to specific food proteins or even flea saliva.
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Developing a Treatment Plan: Based on the results, we’ll develop a treatment plan that’s tailored specifically to your pet’s needs. This could include changes to their diet, medications to control allergy symptoms, or even immunotherapy (allergy shots) to help your pet build a tolerance to the allergens over time.
Treatment Options After Allergy Testing
Once we know what’s causing your pet’s allergic reactions, we can start working on a treatment plan. Here are some of the common options:
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Medication: Depending on your pet’s specific symptoms, medications like antihistamines, steroids, or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to reduce itching, swelling, or inflammation.
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Dietary Changes: If food allergies are the issue, we may recommend a special hypoallergenic diet to eliminate the ingredients causing the reactions. We’ll guide you on what to feed your pet and how to monitor their progress.
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Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): For pets with environmental allergies, immunotherapy is an option. This involves administering small amounts of the allergens your pet is sensitive to, gradually desensitizing their immune system over time. This treatment can take a while to show results but can be very effective in the long term.
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Topical Treatments: For skin allergies, we may recommend medicated shampoos or topical creams to soothe irritated skin and provide relief from itching.
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Flea Control: If fleas are contributing to your pet’s allergies, a strict flea control regimen will be part of the treatment. Regular flea preventatives and keeping your home flea-free are crucial to managing flea allergies.
How to Prevent Allergies in Your Pet
While allergy testing is a great step in managing your pet’s health, prevention is key. Here are some tips to help reduce the chances of your pet developing allergies or suffering from flare-ups:
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Regular grooming: Bathe your pet with vet-approved shampoos to remove allergens from their coat and skin. Brushing their fur regularly can also help reduce the amount of allergens they pick up from the environment.
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Avoid known triggers: If your pet has a known sensitivity to certain foods or environmental factors, try to minimize exposure. For example, if your pet is allergic to grass pollen, avoid walks during peak pollen seasons.
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Flea prevention: Keeping your pet on a regular flea preventative is crucial, especially for pets who suffer from flea allergies.
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Clean environment: Keep your home as allergen-free as possible by cleaning pet bedding, vacuuming frequently, and using air purifiers to reduce environmental allergens.
When to Call Us
If you suspect your pet has allergies or if their symptoms seem to be getting worse, don’t wait—call us at Norgate Animal Hospital at 604-980-2222 to schedule an appointment. Our team is dedicated to helping your pet live their happiest, healthiest life, free from the discomfort of allergies. We’re here to provide you with expert care and support every step of the way.
