Pet Allergies

As we move into allergy season, you or someone you know are likely to show some symptoms. But what about when our pets have allergies? Allergies in pets are usually not as frequent or pronounced as in humans, but they do happen, and sometimes they are severe. If your dog or cat is itching and scratching or showing other signs of allergic reactions, our team of Veterinary professionals here at South Federal Animal Hospital can help.  

allergy

Diagnosing an Allergy

There are many potential causes and reactions to allergies in pets. The key to diagnosing and treating them is to first discover what exactly is causing the allergy. Allergy types also depend on the way the allergen makes contact with the animal. So we first look for clues to the allergen type. Then we look for the mode of contact. Is it ingested, inhaled, or did it make contact via the skin? 

After that, we can run some relatively simple tests to discover the type of allergen that is triggering your pet's reaction. Once we have isolated the cause of the allergy, then we can move on to treatment and prevention. 

Types of Pet Allergies

Humans will usually do a pretty good job of concealing allergies from each other. But dogs and cats aren't as guarded. Usually, pet allergies will manifest in one of the following ways. 

    • Diarrhea
    • Ear infections
    • Eye discharge or redness
    • Facial swelling
    • Hair loss
    • Hives
    • Hot spots
    • Itching causing frequent scratching, licking, or chewing
    • Skin redness or irritation
    • Sneezing
    • Vomiting 

Not all symptoms are necessarily allergic reactions. Some are cause for immediate attention. Vomiting may indicate poisoning. Facial swelling, discharge, and other physical manifestations of allergies may also indicate a threat to your pet's immediate safety. If signs are acute and manifest suddenly, it's best to bring the animal into your veterinary clinic as soon as possible. 

Prevention and Treatment

The prevention and treatment of your dog or cat will involve keeping the animal away from the cause or source of the allergy if possible. Eliminating allergens from your pet's immediate environment or keeping your pet away from the allergen is a good place to start. 

Once the source is identified and removed, grooming and bathing will help to keep the skin and hair clear of irritants. Further, if medicinal intervention is needed, your veterinarian can help you and your pet to move forward. Usually, when we get to this stage, our pet will be well on its way to happier days.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian in Ft Lauderdale, FL  

Your pet deserves the help of a leading Ft Lauderdale, FL, veterinary clinic. To learn more, and schedule your pet for an examination with our lead Veterinarian, get in touch today, and help your best friend have a great spring and summer.

Office Hours

Monday

8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Saturday

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Monday
8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sunday
Closed

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