Pet Allergies: Itchy, but Manageable
You might have allergies yourself, but pets can have allergies, too. Pet allergies are quite common and can be a source of frustration for many pet parents. If managed properly, allergies can be controlled, allowing your pet (and you) to live in comfort.
Have an itchy pet?
Don’t know what to do?
I have always taken my pets here and had good quality care from all of the staff that I have seen. I appreciate everyone taking the time to answer my questions and taking good care of my pets.
- Jamie M.
What are the Main Causes of Itching in Pets?
Pruritus is the medical term for itchy skin, which is common. Allergies are not the only possible cause, but they tend to be the most frequent. Itching can be caused by conditions such as:
- Contact dermatitis (direct contact with soaps, perfumes, and cleaning solutions)
- Flea allergy dermatitis
- Seasonal allergies
- Food allergies
- Sarcoptic mange (mites)
- Atopy (heightened immune response to allergens)
How Can I Tell if My Pet is Itchy?
Unlike pain, itching is virtually impossible for pets to hide. Signs of chronic itchiness in pets include:
- Skin that's red and raw in places from scratching and licking
- Hair loss
- Inflamed ears
- Dry, scaly patches of skin
- Rubbing at face and ears
- Hair missing between the toes (indicates licking and chewing at the paws)
- Lick granulomas and lesions on the skin
Treatment is Just a Phone Call Away
Our veterinarians have plenty of experience in pet dermatology, which involves diagnosing and treating skin disorders and keeping the skin healthy and protected from infection.
To properly diagnose an allergy, we’ll need to examine your pet, possibly do blood work, and consider other options if our findings are inconclusive. Treatment varies in complexity depending on the condition.
Pets with allergies can also develop secondary bacterial infections in their skin, which can cause more severe itching and scratching and lead to further skin damage. That’s why our hospital is equipped and prepared to invest as many resources as possible into identifying what ails your pet and treating it successfully.
