For humans who suffer from allergies, seasonal or otherwise, you know precisely how obnoxious it is to deal with the discomfort of these sensitivities. The same is true for your pets, because they can experience allergies, too. As a trusted cat and dog vet in Cannon Falls, MN, Dr. Thomas Winter has seen numerous patients experiencing previously undiagnosed allergies.
What causes allergies in small pets?
The same irritants that cause an allergic reaction in people also affect animals. As a local dog and cat vet in Cannon Falls, MN, Dr. Winter sees patients experiencing sensitivities to pollen, dust, grass, trees, food, fleas, medications, cleaning products, smoke and other irritants. Exposure to these allergens triggers a number of symptoms and responses. As the pet owner, you must monitor your dog’s or cat’s behavior for these warning signs and consult a vet for treatment options.
Symptoms of allergies in small pets
Similar to people, dogs and cats experience a variety of symptoms when battling allergies. This includes sneezing, coughing, irritated skin, itchy eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, smelly ears and swollen paws. Some of these symptoms will come to your attention because your four-legged friend continually scratches a specific part of their body.
How to treat allergies in small pets
If you suspect your pet suffers from allergies, make an appointment with Dr Thomas Winter in Cannon Falls, MN. He is an experienced veterinarian who knows what to look for when a pet suffers from allergies and will make recommendations to offer much-needed relief for dogs or cats. Furthermore, Dr. Winter may conduct an intradermal skin test to evaluate the precise seasonal allergen causing the problem.
Depending on what irritant causes an allergic reaction in your pet, treatment options vary. For instance, if your pet experiences food allergies, a prescription diet vastly improves their overall wellbeing. For pets who demonstrate allergic reactions to flea bites and saliva, monthly doses of preventative medication provide the protection your furry companion needs.
It’s a bit harder to control environmental allergies, such as dust or pollen. Keeping your home clean and minimizing the flow of outdoor air helps. Air purifiers also go a long way toward minimizing the presence of allergens in the air that irritate your cat’s or dog’s respiratory system.
For airborne allergens, your vet may also recommend an over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine to treat the symptoms. However, do not administer any medication to your pet without consulting your vet first. When starting your dog or cat on allergy medication (or any medication), keep an eye out for changes in behaviors or adverse side effects.
When you’re concerned about your pet’s health, you don’t want to wait to get in touch with a dog or cat vet in Cannon Falls, MN like Cannon Veterinary Services Ltd. Diagnosing the condition and then treating it provides your beloved canine or feline with much-needed relief. Once their allergies are under control, your pet can return to their busy schedule of napping, snacking and bringing you endless amounts of joy. Call us now to make an appointment for your pet.