Allergies

Animals just like people, can suffer allergic reactions to a wide variety of environmental substances, or allergens.  Some allergens are seasonal, such as grass, tree and weed pollens.  Allergens causing year-round symptoms include food, molds, dust mites, insects and other materials found in the home environment…even people.

What are common allergic symptoms in pets?
Dermatitis (skin irritation) is the most common symptom for dogs with inhalant allergies.  This includes intense itching and scratching (pruritis), feet licking and chewing, face rubbing and hair loss, which often leads to secondary infection.  With cats allergies will excessively groom themselves, causing hair loss.  Some cats may display even more intense irritations such as feline acne, respiratory conditions (asthma, sneezing, nasal discharge, and watery eyes), gastritis, vomiting and diarrhea.

How can I test my pet for allergies?
It is very simple!  The doctors at Village Veterinary Hospital will discuss your pet’s clinical history and environmental surroundings with you.  After excluding other possible causes for your pet’s symptoms, the vet may prescribe some blood work.

Can my pet be allergic to foods?
YES!  Dogs and cats can both suffer from food allergies.  In fact, food allergy is the most likely cause of allergic symptoms in animals less than 1 year of age.  Food allergies commonly cause ear inflammation, excessive feet licking, generalized itching and other skin problems.

 Food allergies can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.  By simply changing your pet’s diet it can dramatically improve their symptoms.  Village Veterinary Hospital offers SCIENCE DIET products that are specifically made for allergy problems.      

What are the options for treating my pet’s allergies?
If your dog or cat is tested and has a positive result for allergens, the doctors at Village Veterinary Hospital will go over your options with you.  Of course the most obvious being, to avoid the offending substance, which is usually difficult if not impossible, to achieve.  Steroid and antihistamine therapies are successful short term solutions.

If you think your pet may have allergies, please contacts us at 505-869-2627 and we will be glad to discuss your pet’s symptoms with you or make an appointment for your pet with one of our doctors.