Dog and Cat Allergy Treatments in Bloomfield Hills
Allergies don’t only affect us, they’re common for pets, too! Yet while we suffer from respiratory problems, pets are more likely to develop skin conditions. To relieve their discomfort, our dog and cat allergy treatments come to the rescue. We aim to not only treat the symptoms, but address the cause of their allergies, too.
Diagnosing Allergies
Many pets are allergic to the same things we are, but determining the exact allergen is tricky. We can perform:
- Skin cytology (skin cell analysis)
- Fungal culture (testing for presence of a fungus)
- Food allergy testing through an elimination diet
- Blood or serum testing
Unfortunately, allergies often leave your pet vulnerable to skin infections, due to self-induced skin damage. Commonly, these infections are caused by bacteria or a fungus, and treatment for these will accompany your pet’s allergy management plan.
Signs Your Dog or Cat May Have an Allergy
Your dog or cat may have an allergy if they exhibit the following symptoms:
- Dry, flaky skin
- Red, irritated skin
- Hair loss
- Biting/chewing at paws
- Excessive scratching
Common Pet Allergies
Your pet could be allergic to any of the following:
- Pollens
- Trees and grasses
- Mold spores
- Dust or dust mites
- Certain materials (i.e. plastic, rubber, cotton)
- Cigarette smoke
- Perfumes
- Detergents
- Food ingredients
- And more
Dog and Cat Allergy Treatment Plans
Pet dermatology treatments, unfortunately, do not cure allergies, but they are often very effective at controlling them. They both ease your pet’s pain and discomfort and can help minimize future allergic reactions. Common dog and cat allergy treatments include:
- Immunotherapy/Desensitization based on diagnostic testing
- Daily allergy medication
- Monthly Injectable immune therapy
- Antihistamines
- Antibiotics (for infections)
- Medicated shampoos
- Topical creams
- Prescription diets
If you think your pet may be suffering from allergies, schedule an appointment with our veterinarians!