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<\/h2>\n<\/h2>\n If your pet is experiencing an allergic reaction or a yeast or bacteria infection, their symptoms can range from mild to severe: <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Allergies are common in pets and can be due to a variety of causes. Typically, a pet owner will visit their family veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary dermatologist<\/a> after their dog has been unusually itchy and may have sores on the skin. Depending on the allergy, treatment can be simple management like flea allergy dermatitis or it could involve lifelong management of symptoms. Below are some common causes of allergies in dogs and cats.<\/p>\n 1. Environmental (Atopic Dermatitis)<\/strong> 2. Food Allergies<\/strong> 3. Air Pollution in Cats<\/strong> 4. Fleas<\/strong> 5. Allergic Reactions<\/strong> If your pet has any of the above symptoms, please consult with your family veterinarian. There are many causes of the symptoms mentioned above, including and excluding allergies. Your vet can help you determine the cause and can help you come up with a treatment plan. Your vet may also decide to refer you to Dr. Meyer<\/a>, our board-certified veterinary dermatologist. She can help get down to the bottom of what\u2019s going on with your pet!<\/p>\n Written by Ashley Barott, DVM.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
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\nDo you have an itchy dog? It could be allergies!<\/h3>\n
\nJust like with people, dogs and cats can be allergic to grasses, trees, weeds, molds, dander, dust, and dust mites. Signs include scratching, biting, licking or chewing at the paws, red and inflamed skin, sores on the skin, scooting, or chronic ear infections. These symptoms can be seasonal or may occur year-round.<\/p>\n
\nFood allergies or hypersensitivity most commonly develop in response to the protein component in the food (chicken, beef, dairy, eggs, and other sources of protein). Food allergies can develop at almost any age and can produce a variety of clinical signs including itching, digestive disorders, and respiratory distress. The good news is that if your pet has a food allergy, it may be easily controlled with a different diet. Prescription diets can be discussed with your family veterinarian. Grain allergies are extremely uncommon, and grain free is not recommended.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Cat-Allergies-Blog.png\")
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\nAnother type of environmental allergy is poor air quality. Cats are particularly sensitive to air quality and can develop respiratory issues like wheezing or difficulty breathing. This is known as feline asthma and can be caused by cigarette smoke, aerosols, fragrances, or poor air quality.<\/p>\n
\nFlea bites can be itchy to most animals. However, some are very sensitive and develop flea allergy dermatitis. This is one allergy that can be cured with the correct treatment plan and prevention.<\/p>\n
\nIn an emergency setting, the most common type of allergy we see is an acute allergic reaction. Usually, an animal comes in with a puffy face or swollen muzzle, swelling around the eyes, or hives on the body. This type of reaction can be caused by an insect bite, a vaccine reaction, or an unknown allergen. Many times, we are not able to identify the source. Please see your vet immediately if you notice signs of an allergic reaction!![\"\"](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Allergy-test.png\")
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