Did You Know Allergies Affect Pets, Too?

As the spring and summer months approach, many of us have begun our annual battle with pollen. This is the time of year where sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes, and a slew of medications to keep us feeling somewhat normal are all entirely too common.

What many Raritan pet owners do not realize, these same reactions affect our pets as well. In fact, many of the same medications used to treat human allergies are used to treat those in dogs. (Of course, with an entirely different dosage than people would take. Never attempt to give your pet allergy medication without first consulting an animal hospital).

Also, pet allergies are not limited to just pollen. Adverse responses to food products, such as milk, wheat, eggs, corn, fish, beef, pork and other additives to commercial pet foods can cause a reaction. In fact, food reactions are one of the top reasons pets have itching and other skin disorders.

Our Raritan Animal Hospital Provides
Allergy Treatment and Medication

One way that pets are often tested for allergic reactions is through a skin test. This is a procedure where the pet is sedated and small amounts of possible allergens are injected just under the skin. The pet is then monitored by veterinary staff to see if there is a specific reaction occurring. This can usually narrow down what substance the pet is having a problem with, and a course of treatment can be determined. (For example, change in diet or routine).

What should pet owners do if they suspect a reaction is occurring? Contact our animal hospital immediately. We have a certified dermatology department as part of our 24 hour pet clinic. We would be happy to schedule an appointment to diagnose the pet’s condition, start a course of treatment, and help each owner get their companion on a path to wellness.

At Animerge, we are a Raritan emergency vet clinic dedicated to helping pet owners diagnose and treat their beloved companions. We do not offer routine veterinary care because we are dedicated to specialty and emergency cases only.

What signs/symptoms of reaction have you noticed in your pets?