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Home » Lifestyle » Health » Skin Allergy Treatment

Skin Allergy Treatment

Jelena99/iStock

Treating Skin Allergies in Pets

By Vesna Smedberg, RVT

Allergies can cause itchiness in dogs and cats. The most common allergies are flea, food and environmental (atopic). While we can’t cure allergies, our goal is to minimize the response and complications, such as itchiness, discomfort and infections. We have come a long way in the way we diagnose, treat and manage these quite common occurrences.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Flea allergy dermatitis is a reaction to fleas’ saliva. It’s one of the most common allergies veterinary hospitals see. Even indoor cats can be exposed to fleas, which are brought in via clothing or an animal guest.

The first step is to eliminate the fleas on your pet and in your home, and then place every pet in the household on flea-prevention products. A veterinarian can help you determine which products work best. She’ll also decide if your pet needs further treatment based on a physical examination.

RELATED: Prepare Your Pet for Flea Season

Even though you’ve killed off your pet’s fleas, that doesn’t mean you stopped the immune reaction and its symptoms, particularly itching. Excessive scratching can break your pet’s skin, exposing it to secondary bacterial and yeast infections. The most common treatment for flea allergy dermatitis is antihistamines or steroids.

Food Allergies

Cat and dog food allergies are more difficult to diagnose accurately. There are a lot of misconceptions about pet food allergies and their causes. Grain allergies are much less common than chicken allergies. The most common ingredient in dog and cat food is chicken or chicken byproducts. Feeding your pets a less common protein source, such as fish or duck, is a good first step. If you feed your pets a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diet, make sure their treats don’t contain the ingredient you’re avoiding.

To determine which foods your pet is allergic to, the veterinarian will give you a feeding regimen and instruct you on how to observe any reactions. Changing your pet’s diet can be problematic, especially for cats. You shouldn’t force your cat to change to one particular food. Give her a few options instead.

Environmental Allergies

Atopic dermatitis is usually the result of environmental exposure to pollen, mold, dust or mites. These allergens can cause reactions through skin contact (hair loss, inflamed skin, ear infections) or inhalation (asthma or difficulty breathing). Your veterinarian will review your pet’s history and look for clinical signs to determine the allergy’s cause(s). She might also do a blood and skin test to help pinpoint the specific agent and prescribe the best treatment course.

By managing your pet’s allergies, you’re helping him have a longer and better quality life.

READ ALSO: Spring Dog Health Tips

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STATE LICENSURE AND APPROVAL
Animal Behavior College is a private vocational school approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (www.bppe.ca.gov) under the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 and Title 5. California Code of Regulations Division 7.5. Private Postsecondary Education. The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education approval means that this institution and its operation comply with the standards established under the law for occupational instruction by private postsecondary educational institutions. Institutional approval is subject to continual review and the institution must reapply for approval every five years.
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Please be advised that Animal Behavior College ("ABC") is the exclusive entity authorized to provide certifications and/or degrees from Animal Behavior College. Moreover, such certifications and/or degrees are only conferred by ABC following a student's completion of an ABC-administered program. No other entity or individual has authority to confer certifications and/or degrees on ABC's behalf. Any other entity or individual who attempts to do so is acting without express or implied authority from ABC.
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GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
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