Allergies can cause irritation, itchiness, and prevent your pet from being active. Not only that, but if left untreated, the allergies can lead to further complications like infections. At Oxford Animal Hospital in The Villages, FL, we provide various treatments to alleviate any discomfort your cat or dog is experiencing and improve its overall health.
Symptoms of Pet Allergies
If your pet has allergies, he or she may exhibit a variety of symptoms. Food allergies, for example, can result in vomiting or diarrhea, while environmental or flea allergies may cause skin problems. Some common symptoms of pet allergies include:
• Constant scratching, licking, or biting
• Dry or irritated skin
• Skin rashes
• Facial swelling
• Runny nose and watery eyes
• Persistent coughing or sneezing
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Fur loss
These symptoms are mild in some pets, however, they can be quite severe in others and may be due to health issues. We recommend visiting our vet for an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Pet Allergies
Fleas can commonly lead to allergies in pets. If your pet becomes infested by fleas, they can be treated with medicated shampoos, ointments, or sprays. Our veterinarian can also prescribe topical or oral medications to ease any irritation.
For environmental allergies, we can perform skin or blood tests to determine the allergen that is causing symptoms. These allergens can include chemicals in household products or your pet’s grooming products. Removing these products from your pet’s environment can help relieve his or her symptoms. In addition, food allergies are often caused by specific ingredients in your pet’s food. By putting your pet on an elimination diet, we can identify those ingredients so you know which ones to avoid.
Contact us for an Appointment Today
If your pet is experiencing discomfort due to allergies, let our team at Oxford Animal Hospital in The Villages, FL, help. To schedule an appointment for a diagnosis and treatment, contact us at (352) 461-1346 today. When you need a veterinarian near me, we are ready to assist you!