Cat & Dog Allergies in Boca Raton, FL
Beneath all that fur, pets can develop skin conditions that make them uncomfortable. Many different factors can cause skin problems, but the most common is allergies. Just like us, pets can be allergic to certain foods and environmental elements such as pollen, parasites, or chemicals. However, unlike us, pet allergies are more likely to show up as itchy, red, and irritated skin rather than respiratory problems. For this reason, we turn to pet dermatology to alleviate skin conditions while treating cat & dog allergies at their source. Call us at (561) 482-5600 to bring your pet relief today.
Common Allergens for Pets
Pet allergens generally fall into two categories: food and environmental. Environmental allergens are much more common, particularly in our area, making up most of the cases of skin disease we treat. Some of the most common allergens we see include:
- Pollens
- Grasses
- Mold spores
- Dust mites
- Fleas (causing flea atopic dermatitis)
- Certain materials such as cotton, rubber, or plastics
- Chemicals such as those found in cleaning products
- Protein such as chicken, beef, or eggs
- Dairy
- Soy
- Carbohydrates such as a certain grain or vegetable
- Preservative
- Food dye
Treating Cat & Dog Allergies and Skin Conditions
Once we have a firm grip on what factor is causing your pet’s allergic reaction, we can apply pet dermatology to alleviate symptoms and treat the allergy. Common treatments include:
- Apoquel (a tablet for treating atopic dermatitis)
- Cytopoint (an immunotherapeutic injection for treating atopic dermatitis)
- Antihistamines
- Anti-fungal medications
- Antibiotics
- Medicated wipes and topical creams
- Medicated shampoos
- Hypoallergenic diets when dealing with a food allergy
If you believe your pet may have an allergy, please call us at (561) 482-5600 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be able to diagnose their condition and treat it effectively so they can be well again.