At Wheeling Animal Hospital, we provide medical care for pets of many ages, sizes, and temperaments in the Chicago, IL, area, including for residents of Wheeling, IL, and Arlington Heights, IL. Diagnosing and treating pet allergies is one of the many veterinary services we offer and one that helps many four-legged friends (and their owners) find happy relief with.
Understanding Pet Allergies
A pet allergy happens when a pet's immune system negatively reacts to a substance that is generally seen as harmless. Such a substance might be a specific type of food or it can be something in the air like dust mites and pollen. You might know that your pet has a pet allergy due to them having an allergic reaction which might include any (or all) of the following common allergy symptoms:
- Skin issues: Environmental allergens and some foodborne allergies may result in skin reactions like hives, hair loss, and intense itching, scratching, licking, or chewing.
- Breathing issues: Pets can develop asthmatic reactions to allergens just like humans. This means respiratory problems like wheezing, coughing, and sneezing. You might also notice a nasal discharge whenever they're exposed to an environmental trigger.
- Stomach and gut issues: Some foodborne allergens can cause symptoms related to the stomach like vomiting and diarrhea. Diarrhea is a particularly dangerous symptom as it can cause extreme dehydration in a pet which can be life-threatening.
Diagnosing and Treating Pet Allergies
Our vet team will talk to you about your pet's medical history and symptoms. A veterinarian at our animal hospital will then conduct certain tests based on the perceived cause and severity of the pet's allergies. You might be recommended a blood or skin test, or sent home with an elimination diet plan to start ruling out food-related allergens.
After your pet's allergens have been identified, a veterinarian on our veterinary team will work with you to help develop the best treatment plan. Some approaches we might recommend include:
- Allergen avoidance: Sometimes, management means simple avoidance. If an allergen is something specific like potatoes, you can keep your pet healthy by simply ensuring they are never exposed to that item.
- Medications: Pets that have seasonal allergies or similar unavoidable allergies may be prescribed medications.
- Immunotherapy: This is a long-term treatment option that exposes a pet deliberately to allergens in such a way as to ultimately desensitize them and offer full relief from certain allergens in the future.
Get Pet Care from a Vet at Our Animal Hospital
Let's get your pet's itching under control. Contact a vet at our animal hospital today to schedule an appointment and get your pet on the way to enjoying full allergy relief. We're proud to serve clients throughout the Wheeling, IL, Arlington Heights, IL, and Chicago, IL, area. Call us at (847) 520-7387 for more information. We at Wheeling Animal Hospital are here to help.