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Managing Allergies

in Madison, WI

Seasonal allergies are a common problem for dogs, cats, and small mammals. Typically, in Madison, WI, we see most allergy cases during the spring, summer, and fall. Allergens such as pollens, mold, and dust typically cause itchy, irritated skin in our pets, making them scratch excessively and damage their skin barrier. At Petcare Animal Hospital, we manage dogs, cats, and small mammals allergies with effective treatments so they can be happy and healthy in their own skin again!

ITCHY CAT OR DOG?

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What is My Pet Allergic To?

Cats and dogs can be allergic to many of the same things we are. Some of the more common allergens we see in Madison, WI include:

  • Tree, flower, and grass pollens
  • Mold spores
  • Dust and dust mites
  • Dander
  • Flea bites
  • Food ingredients

Signs of Cat & Dog Allergies

Cat and dog allergies primarily manifest as skin conditions, yet your pet could also have respiratory symptoms as well. Watch for these signs of allergies:

  • Excessive scratching
  • Licking/chewing at paws
  • Red, irritated skin
  • Dry, flaky skin
  • Hair loss
  • Over-grooming
  • Hot spots
  • Frequent ear infections
  • Vomiting/diarrhea (in the case of food)
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Excessive scratching
  • Licking/chewing at paws
  • Red, irritated skin
  • Dry, flaky skin
  • Hair loss
  • Over-grooming
  • Hot spots
  • Frequent ear infections
  • Vomiting/diarrhea (in the case of food)
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose

Diagnosing Allergies

Since allergy symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, we’ll run some diagnostic work-ups including blood work and cytology (skin) tests to rule out any underlying diseases. If requested, we can also send out a blood sample for an allergy test to determine the exact allergen that causes the reaction. Once we rule out any other cause of your pet’s itchy skin, we can safely assume it’s allergies and will develop a management plan to get your pet relief.

How We Manage Cat & Dog Allergies

Allergies are not a condition that can be cured; however, we do have effective ways of managing them. Since each pet is unique, we’ll develop a unique allergy management plan that gets them lasting relief. Some of our management options include:

  • Cytopoint – an injectable for dogs that controls the itch for 4-8 weeks
  • Apoquel – a daily oral tablet for dogs
  • Atopica – a daily oral tablet for dogs and oral solution for cats
  • Medicated shampoos to remove allergens from the coat and offer temporary relief
  • Topical creams to relieve itchiness
  • Antibiotics to treat any secondary infections
  • Antifungals to treat any secondary fungal infections
  • Parasite prevention to minimize the risk of flea bites, in the case of flea allergy dermatitis
  • Elimination diet to determine the exact ingredient your pet is allergic to