Allergies aren't just a concern for humans. Many pets suffer from allergies, and an allergic reaction can trigger an array of symptoms in your pet. That's why it's essential to seek care as soon as possible. Ina Road Animal Hospital, located in Tucson, AZ, provides pet allergy treatment.
Common Allergies in Pets
If a pet has allergies, symptoms will appear when the animal is exposed to an allergen. Many substances can trigger an allergic reaction in pets. A veterinarian can assess your pet and provide an allergy diagnosis. Some of the more common allergies in pets include:
- Food allergies: Pets can have allergies to many ingredients, but soy, wheat, and egg allergies are issues for many animals.
- Environmental allergies: In many cases, allergic reactions are triggered by something in a pet's environment. Pollen, dust, and mold allergies are all common problems.
- Inhalant allergies: Scented products, like air fresheners or fragranced laundry detergent, may be an issue for some animals. Household cleaning products may cause problems as well.
- Flea allergies: While fleas can be a problem for any pet, some pets may have an allergic reaction to flea bites.
Signs That Your Pet Has Allergies
Your pet can't tell you when it's dealing with allergies, so it's up to you to watch for allergy symptoms. Some symptoms to watch for include:
- Frequent scratching or licking at fur
- Hair loss
- Skin irritation
- Sneezing or coughing
- Respiratory issues
- Eye or ear discharge
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
How a Veterinarian Can Treat Pet Allergies
Since several health conditions can cause allergy-like symptoms in your pet, your vet will examine your pet and run tests to rule out other health issues. If your pet does have allergies, they'll identify the substance or substances that are causing issues for your pet.
Once you know what your pet is allergic to, you can make changes that will reduce exposure to allergens. Your vet may recommend that you use an air purifier, switch to hypoallergenic bedding, or change the products you use to clean your household. These simple changes can reduce the frequency of allergic reactions.
In some cases, your vet may suggest other interventions to keep your pet's symptoms under control. Diet modification is frequently used to treat food allergies. There are also medications, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive drugs, that may be helpful to pets with allergies.
Get Treatment for Pet Allergies in Tucson, AZ
Allergies have the potential to be life-threatening in pets, so you shouldn't put off treatment. If you're worried that your pet has allergies, make an appointment at Ina Road Animal Hospital. We can test for allergies and find the best way to treat your pet's symptoms. Call our team today at (520) 544-7700 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.