Allergies can be uncomfortable for pets.
Just like humans, pets can suffer from a variety of allergies that affect their quality of life.
From itchy skin to digestive issues, allergies can manifest in different ways, making it important to identify the cause and find effective treatments. Our experienced veterinary team at PetSmart Veterinary Services: Springfield will help your companion feel better through pet allergy testing and treatment options in Springfield, PA.
Common Pet Allergies
Pets can experience several types of allergies, including environmental, food, and parasite-related allergies.
How to Know if Your Pet Has Allergies
- Persistent scratching or itching
- Red, inflamed, or irritated skin
- Frequent ear infections or head shaking
- Excessive licking or chewing at the paws
- Hair loss or bald patches
- Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or digestive upset
- Watery eyes, sneezing, or coughing
Comprehensive Allergy Testing for Cats and Dogs
At PetSmart Veterinary Services: Springfield, we perform allergy testing for dogs and cats to pinpoint the cause of your pet’s symptoms. We offer both skin scraping and blood testing, which can identify environmental and parasite-related allergies.
For pets suspected of having food allergies, we may recommend a diet trial. This involves feeding your pet a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diet for several weeks to determine if their symptoms improve. If improvement is seen, we may then reintroduce certain ingredients to confirm the allergen. Diet trials are one of the most effective ways to identify food-related allergies.
Treatments for Pets with Allergies
Once our veterinarians have identified the cause of your pet’s allergies, we’ll work with you to create a customized treatment plan. Allergy treatment options depend on the type and severity of the allergy but may include:
- Medications: Antihistamines or steroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and control allergic reactions.
- Medicated Shampoos: Special shampoos can soothe irritated skin.
- Allergy Injections: Cytopoint® is an injectable medication that targets the proteins responsible for itchiness in dogs, providing long-lasting relief from allergy symptoms.
- Parasite Prevention: If flea allergies are a concern, effective flea prevention can control symptoms.
- Lifestyle Changes: In some cases, making adjustments to your pet’s environment—such as limiting outdoor exposure during allergy season or switching to hypoallergenic bedding—can significantly reduce allergy flare-ups.
Your pet should be able to live as comfortably as possible, so we’ll guide you through each step of the treatment process and provide ongoing support to manage your pet’s condition.
Book a Consultation for Pet Allergies in Springfield, PA
If your pet is suffering from allergy symptoms, don’t wait to seek help.
Find allergy relief for pets at PetSmart Veterinary Services: Springfield. Schedule an appointment for a pet allergy consultation or give us a call for same-day urgent care and let us lead your pet towards a happier, healthier life.
