Because pets are unable to describe symptoms of discomfort to their owners, people often misunderstand the nature of their problems when they scratch, bite themselves, or otherwise show signs of not being content. The fact is dogs and cats can suffer from seasonal and food allergies just like people do. Midway Animal Hospital in Largo, FL, has a trained staff who understands how to tell the difference between pet allergies and other health problems and can determine an appropriate treatment regime to assure your pet’s health and happiness.

What Are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies are non-life-threatening substances, like pollen and dust, that the immune system reacts to because it “thinks” they are dangerous for the body. A number of seasonal allergies are due to the environment, such as:

  • Pollen
  • Grass
  • Weeds
  • Fungi
  • Mold

What Are the Symptoms of a Skin Problem Caused by Allergies?

Each pet will react differently with each allergen they interact with, but generally, they may suffer from the following symptoms:

  • Itchy or burning skin
  • Hair loss
  • Flaky skin
  • Shaking of the head or licking of the paws
  • Inflamed skin or a rash
  • Blisters

Can My Pet Develop Food Allergies?

Pets can suffer from food allergies, and they can bring an onset of symptoms, such as hives, itchy skin, gastrointestinal upset, and swollen face. Common food allergens are chicken, dairy, and beef.

What Are the Treatments for Them?

In cases of food allergies, it comes down to trial and error in finding the right food for your pet as well as determining the cause of the food allergen. Speak with our veterinarian in Largo, FL, about your pet’s options to reduce its symptoms.

In other cases, medications, antihistamines, and allergy shots can treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Schedule an Appointment Today with Our Veterinarian

At Midway Animal Hospital in Largo, FL, our experienced veterinary staff has your pet’s best interests in mind. You’ll find everyone employed here to be animal lovers who are just as concerned about your pet’s health as you are, and ready to provide the necessary treatments to assure your pet can live a long, healthy, and happy life. You can call Midway Animal Hospital at (727) 391-9928 to schedule an appointment today or to find out more information about skin problems and pet allergies.