The chewing. The scratching. The licking. These behaviors are all too familiar to many pet parents and can be symptoms of a significant allergy or skin problem. Unlike other family members, our cats and dogs can’t tell us what’s bothering them—it’s up to us to recognize the signs and get them the help they need.
At Belleview West Animal Hospital, we understand how frustrating pet allergy and dermatology issues can be. The constant discomfort your pet experiences often translates to sleepless nights and worry for you. Our team has extensive experience diagnosing and treating allergies and skin conditions, and we’re here to help the whole family find relief!
What Causes Pet Allergies?
Dogs and cats can be allergic to a wide variety of things. Common culprits include:
- Environmental allergens: Pollen, dust, mold, and dust mites
- Flea allergy dermatitis: Many pets are highly allergic to flea saliva
- Food allergens: Proteins like beef, chicken, dairy, or eggs; grains; artificial preservatives
- Contact allergens: Cleaning products, perfumes, laundry detergent, certain fabrics, or flea collars
Common Symptoms of Pet Allergies & Skin Problems
If your pet exhibits these symptoms, they may be suffering from allergies or another dermatological issue:
- Excessive scratching, chewing, or licking (especially paws, ears, or face)
- Chronic ear infections
- Rashes, lesions, or hives
- Red, inflamed, or irritated skin
- Scabs or raw patches from scratching
- Hair loss or bald spots
- Rubbing face against furniture or carpets
- Digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or gas
- Respiratory symptoms such as asthma, sneezing, wheezing, or coughing
What may seem like a minor inconvenience at first can escalate to secondary infections and serious health concerns if left untreated. That’s why allergies are one of the primary reasons for veterinary visits.
Common Pet Dermatology Conditions
There are many reasons why your pet may be exhibiting dermatological symptoms. However, there are a few more common conditions that our veterinary team generally sees:
- Allergic Dermatitis. Humans aren’t the only ones to have allergies. All animals can potentially have an allergic reaction to certain foods and grasses. A dermatological reaction to that allergen is common in these cases. Reactions such as itching, redness, and hair loss, as well as non-skin reactions like sneezing and watery eyes, may be signs of an allergy.
- Cushing’s Disease. Also called hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing’s disease occurs when the adrenal glands secrete excess cortisone. More common in dogs than in cats, this disease can result in hair loss, as well as non-skin symptoms such as lethargy and excessive thirst with increased urination.
- Ringworm. Ringworm is a bit of a misnomer, as it is a skin condition caused by fungi, not a type of worm. Ringworm generally affects younger puppies and kittens, but it can be present in pets of any age. It is generally more common to appear in pets that frequent boarding and daycare-like facilities. The dermatological symptoms of ringworm include skin lesions, scaly patches, hair loss, and excessive itching or licking.
Comprehensive Diagnosis & Testing
Since allergy symptoms can mimic other health issues, obtaining a proper diagnosis is crucial. We’ll conduct a thorough physical exam and may recommend:
- Skin scrapings or hair analysis
- Blood tests
- Intradermal allergy testing to identify specific environmental allergens
- Food elimination trials to pinpoint dietary triggers
Customized Treatment Plans
Once we’ve identified the cause of your pet’s discomfort, we develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:
- Hypoallergenic diets or specific food elimination trials
- Medications to control itching and inflammation
- Topical treatments to soothe irritated skin
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots) for long-term relief
- Antibiotics (if secondary infections have developed)
- Environmental modifications to reduce allergen exposure
- Flea prevention protocols
Our goal is not only to provide immediate relief but also to address the root cause and prevent future flare-ups. We’re committed to working closely with you to effectively manage your pet’s condition—so everyone can get some peace!
If your pet is exhibiting signs of allergies or skin issues, contact Belleview West Animal Hospital in Littleton at (303) 979-1090 to schedule an appointment today.