Pet Allergies

Understanding and Managing Pet Allergies at Orchard Hills Animal Hospital

Pet allergies can significantly impact your companion’s quality of life, causing discomfort and distress. At Orchard Hills Animal Hospital, we understand the complexities of pet allergies and offer comprehensive solutions to help your pet find relief. We strive to identify triggers, provide effective treatments, and empower you to manage your pet’s allergies for a happier, healthier life.

What are Pet Allergies?

Pet allergies occur when your pet’s immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances, known as allergens. These reactions can manifest in various ways, from skin irritations to respiratory issues. Just like humans, pets can develop sensitivities to seasonal, indoor & outdoor allergens, food and fleas.

Common Allergy Triggers:

  • Seasonal Allergens: Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds can trigger seasonal allergies, often mirroring human allergies. These symptoms tend to worsen during specific times of the year.
  • Indoor Allergens: Dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander can cause year-round discomfort for pets with indoor allergies.
  • Outdoor Allergens: In addition to pollen, outdoor allergens include molds, grasses, and insect bites.
  • Food Allergens: Certain proteins in food, such as beef, chicken, or dairy, can cause allergic reactions.
  • Contact Allergens: Irritants such as certain fabrics, cleaning products, or flea collars can cause skin reactions.
  • Fleas

Recognizing Allergy Symptoms:

  • Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing
  • Skin redness, rashes, or hot spots
  • Hair loss
  • Ear infections
  • Watery eyes or nasal discharge
  • Sneezing or coughing
  • Vomiting or diarrhea

Complete Allergy Management

At Orchard Hills Animal Hospital, we offer complete allergy management, beginning with a detailed allergy history and physical examination.  Based on your pet’s individual needs, we develop personalized treatment plans that may include a range of medications, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, Apoquel (oclacitinib), or Cytopoint (lokivetmab). We also provide topical treatments to soothe irritated  and infected skin, dietary management through hypoallergenic diets or food elimination trials, and environmental management recommendations to minimize exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens. For pets with seasonal allergies, we help identify local allergens and develop plans to minimize exposure during peak seasons. Furthermore, we provide ongoing monitoring and support to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment plan and make necessary adjustments. We can also provide referral to a dermatology specialist for additional allergy testing options, including skin and blood tests, to pinpoint specific allergens as well as provide immunotherapy (allergy shots).

Partnering for Your Pet’s Comfort

We believe in a collaborative approach to managing pet allergies. We work closely with you to understand your pet’s lifestyle and environment, empowering you to make informed decisions about their care.

Schedule an Allergy Consultation!

If you suspect your pet is suffering from allergies, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our experienced team at Orchard Hills Animal Hospital. Call us today at (360) 835-2184 to help your pet find lasting relief.