Treatment for Pet Allergies in Sarasota

At Gulf Gate Animal Hospital, we understand that the health and happiness of your furry friends are of the utmost importance to you. Our veterinary practice provides quality diagnosis and treatment for your dog or cat's allergies. You can expect us to empower you with the knowledge you need to give your pets the best life possible, from identifying allergy triggers to providing effective treatment strategies.

Our veterinary team takes pride in treating our four-legged patients for pet allergies in Sarasota. We strive to improve the quality of life of our patients and help them spend as many years as possible as your loyal companion. With a passion for treating pets as if they were our own and years of expertise, we hope to become your trusted partner. If you are looking for a veterinarian to help treat your pet's allergies, contact our office today!

CALL US: (941) 922-3917 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

What Causes Pet Allergies?

Allergies in pets can be caused by several factors, and understanding the triggers is essential for pet owners. A new allergy can pop up even if there was no allergic reaction in the past. Determining the root cause of an allergic reaction can help in diagnosing and managing your furry friend's allergies. Pet skin allergies, associated with intense itching, licking, or hair loss, are the most common type of allergies, often due to these common triggers:

Environmental allergens: This includes pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and grasses or other plants. These allergies, also known as atopic allergies, might be seasonal or year-round.
Food sensitivities: Pets can develop sensitivities to specific ingredients in their diets, usually kibble, such as proteins or grains.
Flea allergies: It's normal for fleas to make your pet itchy, but some animals are hypersensitive to flea bites where the saliva triggers an allergic reaction.

Along with those allergy triggers, it's also possible for your pet to have an allergic reaction to things they probably don't encounter often, such as cleaning products, vaccines, and bee strings. Your pet may also be allergic to certain plants that are otherwise not toxic to animals or medications, whether or not they have taken them before.

What Are the Symptoms of Pet Allergies?

Pet allergies can manifest in many ways, and the severity of a reaction can vary from mild skin conditions to anaphylactic shock. Severe reactions, especially to environmental, food, and flea allergies, are rare. However, your pet can't tell you if they aren't feeling well, so it's up to you to be aware of their behavior and notice any changes. Recognizing and understanding the symptoms is often the first step to helping your furry friend find relief. Here are some common signs to look out for:

Frequent scratching, itching, licking, or biting at the skin
Excessive paw licking, especially after being outside
Redness and inflammation, especially around the ears, paws, and face
Excessive sneezing and coughing
Digestive issues, including diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive gas
Frequent ear infections, with excessively smelly and itchy ears
Hair loss resulting in bald patches, which can be due to excessive itching
Watery eyes, often accompanied by redness and discomfort
Hives consisting of itchy, swollen skin that looks like a rash
Swelling of the face, throat, or eyelids

Diagnosing and Treating Pet Allergies

Diagnosing allergies can be complicated, but it's worth it to help your pet find relief from their symptoms. Our team is passionate about problem-solving and wants to help your pet be healthy and comfortable just as much as you do. Not treating your pet's allergies can also result in complications such as secondary skin infections from itching.

The first thing we will do is rule out any other condition that could be causing your pet's symptoms. If we feel that an allergy is a likely cause, we may recommend allergy testing, but often, diagnosis goes hand in hand with treatment.

The best way to treat an allergy is to avoid the allergen, but that's not always possible. Our treatment plan will be catered to the type of allergy your pet has and how severe their reaction is. For example, to treat a flea allergy, we will focus on getting rid of the fleas, but for a food allergy, we would most likely recommend a change in diet or hypoallergenic pet food. We may also recommend interventions such as antihistamines, cortisone shots, and medicated shampoos or wipes.

Your Trusted Vet in Sarasota for Pet Allergies

If your pet is suffering from allergy symptoms, it can be difficult to know how to proceed or if relief is available at all. At Gulf Gate Animal Hospital, we have extensive experience helping pet owners like you manage their furry friend's pet allergies in Sarasota. We understand that your pets are more than just animals; they are your cherished companions. Our dedicated team of veterinarians is committed to providing the highest standard of care for your companions by diagnosing and treating allergies from fleas to grain. Learn more about how we can help your pet thrive and schedule your appointment today!

CALL US: (941) 922-3917 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

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