How common are allergies in dogs at Crosslake Veterinary Hospital?
Allergies in dogs are a very common condition that we see here at Crosslake Veterinary Hospital. In the spring and fall, we definitely see an uptick in allergies with environmental allergens.
How frequently do you see cases of dog allergies?
We're seeing numerous cases during the week.
What are the typical symptoms of dog allergies?
Allergies in dogs typically present with symptoms of red, irritated, itchy skin, excessive licking at the skin and feet. A lot of times we'll see isolated infections like hot spots. We can see generalized skin infections, ear infections, so it can really adversely affect the dog's quality of life if they're suffering from these conditions.
What are the most common types or underlying causes of dog allergies?
The most common types of allergies that we see or underlying causes of allergies would be flea allergy dermatitis, environmental allergens, which would be caused by outside things like molds and pollens floating in the air. Outside things would be more like dust mites or human dander, different things of that nature can also cause itching and allergy in dogs with allergies. Less commonly, there is food allergy as well.
What is important to do when a dog has inflamed and irritated skin due to allergies?
When dogs have allergies and their skin is really inflamed and irritated, it's really important to get an expert opinion, get an appointment with one of the veterinarians here at the clinic, because it really helps to have our advice and guidance on figuring out if the dog has a skin infection, ear infection, figuring out what the underlying cause is, because it can be very complicated.
What steps will be taken at the clinic to address dog allergies?
We would do some diagnostic testing here at the clinic, give your pet a thorough physical exam, make sure we find all areas affected, and then develop a treatment plan that's individualized to your dog.
What treatment options are available for chronic allergies?
We have a lot of options available to treat allergies chronically on a daily basis, and we also can help you determine whether or not they need chronic treatment and if this is just going to be more of an isolated event.
How common are allergies in dogs?
Unfortunately, allergies in dogs are a very common condition that we see here at the clinic. We're usually seeing multiple cases a week between the veterinarians here. We certainly see an uptick in cases in the spring and fall with the change in seasons as well.
What are the symptoms of allergies in dogs?
Some of the most common symptoms of allergies in dogs would be excessive itching, licking of the body and feet, red inflamed skin, skin infections, hot spots, and ear infections. Those are some of the most common things that we're seeing.
Do dogs suffer from seasonal allergies?
Yes, unfortunately, seasonal allergies are a big problem in dogs, especially with the seasons changing in the spring and fall when there are a lot more things floating around in the air that their skin can react to and cause itchiness.
What are the common treatments for dog allergies?
Some of the more common treatments for dog allergies, as far as long-term treatments, would be things like Apoquil and Cytopoint, which are medications that tend to have fewer long-term side effects and can be given and be effective to help control the underlying itch that dogs experience with allergies. Allergies can be a very complicated, very in-depth condition that takes a lot of time and effort to try and diagnose. So if at any time you're concerned that your dog may have an allergy, please don't hesitate to reach out to us, schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians so we can get those questions answered, get to the bottom of your dog's condition, and help provide some relief for this condition that can adversely affect their quality of life.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (218) 692-4400, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram