Causes

Allergens that trigger the pet’s immune system are typically proteins from food, plants, or insects. Allergic reactions can also be caused by chemicals and medications.

Genetics, breed, and frequency of exposure to allergens can all contribute to a reaction. Reactions can be from contact, inhalation, ingestion, or stings/bites.

Common Allergens:

-Flea Saliva

-Pollens

-Grasses

-Molds

-Food proteins: chicken, beef, eggs

-Ants, mosquitoes, bees

Symptoms

Symptoms can be immediate or delayed and severity is unpredictable. The route of exposure also plays a role in signs.

Immediate or Anaphylactic reactions include facial swelling, difficulty breathing, collapse, fever, drooling, hives, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Difficulty breathing, collapse, severe lethargy, and/or severe facial swelling are considered an EMERGENCY.

Allergens cause changes to the respiratory system and includes sneezing, wheezing, coughing, discharge from eyes, and/or nasal drainage.

The most common allergy symptom in dogs and cats is skin changes. Symptoms include itching, recurrent skin or ear infections, red skin, hair loss, scabs, and fur color change. Your pet may constantly lick, chew, or scratch themselves in response to the itch.

Diagnostics

Since the pet’s body can react to many allergens, diagnosing the cause is not simple. Some allergies can be assumed based on clinical signs and history such as using a new shampoo or fleas in the environment. Response to common treatments can also indicate a general cause.

For chronic seasonal or environmental allergies, blood testing or more advanced skin testing with a dermatologist are options. Our clinic offers blood testing for the common regional allergies.

The best way to determine a food allergy is to conduct a food trial over an 8-12 week period using a veterinary prescribed hypoallergenic diet. Allergy testing may also be recommended.

Our veterinarian will discuss what diagnostics may benefit your pet.

Treatment

Allergies are very frustrating and we understand the cost component of long-term management. Since allergies are not cured but managed, the goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms.

Multiple therapies are often needed and the goal is to start treatment before the reaction is severe.

Common treatments we offer:

Apoquel or other immune suppressant

Cytopoint Injection

Antihistamines

Steroids

Hyposensitization therapy after allergy test

Prescribed Shampoos

Vet Approved Supplements

Therapeutic Diets