Every pet scratches itself every now and often, but allergies may be the reason if your dog is constantly scratching in the spring. In this case, immunotherapy against the allergens causing the condition will benefit your pet. It would be prudent to identify and treat the source of your pet’s allergy.
How do veterinarians identify your pet’s allergies?
If you find your dog itching and scratching more than expected, the first thing you need to do is to give it shampoo for ticks and fleas. Ticks and fleas are the leading causes of scratching in dogs, and a tick and flea shampoo is enough. If your dog is itching after multiple baths, you need to treat your pet’s allergies.
You can find quality, integrity, compassion, and service at this vet clinic. They provide a full range of all dermatological services your pet needs.
What options do you have?
A large number of pet owners choose to give steroids to their dogs. While steroids may solve the problem, they also come with many negative side effects that can be quite uncomfortable for your pet. The best way to deal with it is to determine its reaction. If the vet is aware of that, they will have the prescription formulated to alleviate allergies as soon as possible and keep your pet healthy and content.
Diet Experiment
After examining your pet for ticks or fleas, the veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s diet at the beginning of its visit. Including all your dog’s favorite food items and treats is important. The introduction of a brand new kind of food in your dog’s diet can be the cause of an allergic reaction to food.
If your veterinarian discovers that your pet suffers from food allergies, they’ll immediately put it on an approved diet, also called the elimination diet. Lamb, meat, fish, and potatoes are all typical staples of these diets. It’s known as the elimination diet if your pet becomes better when it’s on it, and that is usually the sign that your pet has food allergies.
Following that, they will introduce one food into the pet’s diet at a time. If food allergy symptoms appear again, they will identify this allergy, and you may decide to stop feeding the dog food.
Skin Testing
The vet can use tests on the skin or intradermal area or immunotherapy in cases where your pet’s allergies are not because of food. It’s a routine test that any vet can perform, the most reliable and precise method for testing for pet allergies.
The test is non-invasive and straightforward for your dog. The vet will trim a tiny portion of hair and draw allergy-causing chemicals on each marker. Your vet will check your pet’s skin every few days or so for signs. If your pet’s skin turns colored or red, it is likely to be allergic to any injection substances. If there’s no change, perhaps you didn’t notice something earlier, and the problem could be in the pet’s food.
You can learn more about pet immunotherapy by visiting animalfriendsdermatology.com or speaking with a veterinarian specializing in this field.
Blood Tests
They will perform a blood test, which is usually done quickly in the vet’s office, and it is the most well-known method of determining if your pet has allergies.
The test is simple and measures IgE, a chemical found within your immune system. If your pet’s IgE levels are higher than what they should be, it means that your pet is sensitive to that substance.
Treating Allergies
When your veterinarian has determined the allergy, they will choose a strategy for treatment. A vaccine is a typical treatment they’ll offer to your pet for a few weeks. As time passes, you’ll see your dog scratching less, and the signs disappear.
Did you know that allergies in cats can lead to ear infections? Consult your veterinarian about cat ear care if you find your pet scratching. Allergies weaken the skin barrier and increase earwax production.
On the skin and in the ears, this will foster the formation of dangerous bacterial strains. It worsens ear pain, discomfort, and discharge.
Conclusion
As you will see, treating allergies to pets can be addressed in many ways. The severity of the reaction and the manifestations can determine which treatment or prevention alternatives you select. Be aware that allergies to pets can be fatal in some situations, particularly when they cause respiratory discomfort.
