Offering Cat and Dog Allergy Treatments in Shrewsbury, NJ

Canines and felines are just as capable as we are of developing an allergy, and experiencing a variety of troublesome symptoms. Happy Tails Veterinary Hospital in Shrewsbury, NJ regularly sees cats and dogs for allergy treatments and skin conditions resulting from pruritus (itchy skin). Because the symptoms of allergies are similar to other unrelated conditions, diagnosing and treating the problem may be a little more complex and require a multifaceted solution. The most important thing is to see a veterinarian as soon as possible if your pet is showing signs of itching, so we can prevent their condition from becoming more severe.

We’re available 7 days a week to provide expert allergy treatment for your pet. Call 732-268-8180 to schedule an appointment!

cat scratching

Causes of Cat and Dog Allergies

There are lots of things out there in the world that can make our pets itchy and irritated, such as:

  • Grass
  • Pollen(ragweed, cottonwood, etc.)
  • Mold spores
  • Dust mites
  • Proteins in your pet’s food, like eggs, chicken, and pork
  • Flea bites
  • Lawn treatments
  • Cleaning solutions
  • Synthetic fabrics
  • Perfumes and soaps

Often, repeated exposure to an allergen can cause a pet to develop an allergic reaction. Some dog breeds are more predisposed to developing allergies than others, and the signs may start to show when they are between 1 and 3 years old. Keep an eye out for any signs of itching and discomfort in your pet and let us know if they need treatment.

Signs Your Pet is Feeling Itchy

To deal with itching, dogs and cats will obsessively scratch, lick, and bite at the itchy areas day in and day out. This can do serious damage to their protective skin barrier and open the way for bacterial infections. Signs of excessive itching and scratching may include:

  • Raw, red patches of skin
  • Baldness between the toes, under the arms and legs, and on the belly
  • Red, swollen ears (might indicate an ear infection)
  • Skin and ear odor
  • Bleeding on the skin, or scabs under the coat
  • Scaly dry patches of skin

What is Causing My Pet to Itch?

Some of the most common conditions responsible for itching in dogs and cats are:

  • Seasonal allergies
  • Allergic dermatitis (atopy)
  • Food allergies
  • Flea allergy dermatitis
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Sarcoptic mange (caused by mites)

Cat and Dog Allergies can be Managed Effectively

With an appropriate treatment plan in place, we can help you reduce your pet’s allergy symptoms and make their condition more manageable overall. While there is no permanent cure, managing the allergy is usually enough to restore your pet to a better quality of life and spare them from the cycle of itching and skin damage that would otherwise occur.

To find out if your pet has an allergy and how we can address it, don’t hesitate to call our animal hospital at 732-268-8180. We’re here for you 7 days a week!