As a pet owner, it's essential to know if your pet has allergies to keep your furry family member safe and healthy. Pets can suffer from allergies just like people and it's important to know what to look for and how to treat them. To help, Dr. Rocha and our team at Firestone Animal Hospital in Downey have gathered a few common pet allergy questions that we run into.

What types of allergies can pets have?

In general, there are three main types of pet allergies:

• Food allergies: Pets can be allergic to proteins found in animal and plant-based ingredients.
• Environmental allergies: Caused by an allergy to something in the environment, such as pollen, dust mites, plants, cleaning products, bathing products, or mold.
• Seasonal allergies: A type of allergy caused by a reaction to something in the environment, such as pollen or mold that is present during certain times of the year.

What are some pet allergy symptoms?

Some signs that your pet may have allergies are quite similar to human symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Itchy skin/Hives
• Watery eyes/Eye discharge
• Vomiting

How will my veterinarian test for allergies?

One of the most common ways for your vet to diagnose a pet allergy is with a skin test. Suspected allergens are injected into the skin and then monitored for reactions. Along with a physical exam, your vet may also perform a blood test. A blood sample is taken and analyzed for allergen-specific antibodies.

How will my pet be treated for allergies?

Your veterinarian may recommend a variety of treatment options:

• Medications: There are various medications, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids, that can be used to treat pet allergies.
• Diet Changes: If your pet has food allergies, your veterinarian may recommend making changes, such as eliminating the triggering foods from its diet.
• Environmental Modifications: If your pet is allergic to something in its environment, your veterinarian may recommend changes such as using air purifiers, vacuuming frequently, changing cleaning products, or keeping pets out of certain areas of the house or yard.

Firestone Animal Hospital in Downey Is Here to Help

If you think your pet has allergies, contact Firestone Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment. Dr. Rocha can diagnose and treat your pet's allergies. We are a full-service animal clinic in Downey and we are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AHAA). Call our team today at (562) 928-1341 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.