Small Animal
Allergies
Is your pet suffering from red, itchy skin? Excessive licking or pulling out hair? Recurrent ear infections? These may all be signs that your pet has allergies.
What Causes Allergies in Dogs and Cats?
The most common causes of allergies in pets are fleas, environmental factors, and food.
- Fleas: Dogs and cats can develop severe allergic reactions to flea saliva. Even if you don’t see fleas on your pet, it only takes a few bites to trigger intensely red and itchy skin in flea-allergic animals.
- Environment: Common environmental allergens include pollen, mold, grass, trees, and dander. These normally harmless substances can lead to hypersensitive allergic reactions in some pets.
- Food: Pets can be allergic to various components of their diet, with proteins (such as chicken, beef, or fish) being the most common culprits. If a food allergy is suspected, our veterinarians can guide you through allergy testing, food trials, and recommend prescription hypoallergenic diets.
How Are Allergies in Pets Treated?
Allergy treatments vary based on your pet’s specific allergens and needs. Every pet is unique, so our veterinarians will create a personalized treatment plan that works best for your pet’s individual condition, helping to relieve allergy symptoms and improve their comfort.
Contact us at Potlatch Veterinary Clinic to schedule an allergy consultation and get your pet the relief they deserve!