Hello Gentle Care clients, it may finally be Fall! Soon the seasonal allergens will be a thing of the past. If I were to guess, I would think it’s reasonable that some of you have seasonal allergies or live with someone who does. These same allergens (as well as others) can also affect pets.
Just like people, dogs and cats can show allergic symptoms when their immune system recognizes certain everyday household allergens as an irritant. Most allergens are common in their environments and are usually do not affect most animals. But a dog or cat with allergies will have an extreme reaction to them. They can cause problems when inhaled, ingested or come into contact with the animal’s skin. As your pet’s body tries to rid itself of the allergen, symptoms may appear like itching, irritated/red skin, bald patches and even breathing or digestive issues. A few common allergens are tree, grass and weed pollens; mold spores; dust and household dust mites, cigarette smoke and food ingredients. Flea allergies are also common for dogs and cats.
If you think your dog or cat has allergies or is exhibiting some of the above symptoms, please call Gentle Care to schedule an appointment to see your Veterinarian. We can help with ways to manage your pet’s allergies. There is no one set course of treatment for every pet so we have to take a look at each case individually and discuss options for proper management. We have lots of different medications, shampoos, and management options when it comes to allergies. There is even skin testing for pets! Whether it’s your cat or dog suffering from allergies, it can be bothersome for everyone in the household. Contact us so we can help.