Veterinary Dermatology in Norton, OH | Creekside Animal Clinic

Using Pet Dermatology to Control the Itch

Pet allergies manifest most commonly as skin problems. Cats and dogs can be allergic to many of the same things we are including pollens, insects, certain materials, perfumes, as well as food ingredients. At Creekside Animal Clinic we have the experience and the tools to not only treat your pet’s skin condition but manage their allergies, too.

Recognizing an Allergy
Allergies are common to our area, as many of you can probably attest to! These environmental allergens can affect our pets as well. If you notice your pet scratches more often in the spring than in the winter, you could have pet allergies on your hands. Some pets can even have symptoms all year-round if their allergy is tied to something in the home such as dust mites. Others have a food allergy and so could suffer from vomiting, diarrhea or other gastrointestinal upsets as well as itching.

Allergens Include

Pollens
Mold
Dust or dust mites
Fleas (causing flea allergy dermatitis)
Certain materials (rubber, plastic, etc.)
Cigarette smoke
Perfume
Feathers
Certain food ingredients

Allergy Symptoms Include

Obsessive scratching
Excessive licking
Chewing paws
Red, dry, flaky skin
Hair loss
Chronic ear infections
Runny, itchy eyes
Vomiting or diarrhea

Our Allergy Diagnostics
If your dog or cat presents any allergy symptoms, we’ll first run diagnostic tests as needed to ensure the cause is not an underlying disease or condition. When all other options have been ruled out, we can confidently diagnose an allergy. Keep in mind that for food allergies, your pet will need to go on a hypoallergenic diet for 6-12 weeks. Then, we will gradually add in possible allergens one by one until we discover which one causes their reaction.

Treatments and Management
We aim to not only treat the current allergy symptoms but to control your pet’s allergies for the future so they suffer fewer outbreaks. Common treatments include:

Apoquel (a tablet that reduces the itch)
Cytopoint (an immunotherapy injection that alleviates the itch)
Medicated shampoos
Topical creams or mousses
Anti-fungals to treat secondary fungal infections
Antibiotics to treat secondary