Dermatology
TREATING CAT & DOG ALLERGIES AND SKIN CONDITIONS IN RIVER NORTH, CHICAGO
Cat & dog skin allergies are quite common, especially among dogs. Like us, they can develop sensitivity to many different things in their environment. This can lead to serious discomfort for your pet and major frustration for you! Companion Animal Hospital River North understands that pet dermatology is an important medical category and that many pets have skin conditions requiring treatment. Therefore, we offer various tests and treatment options to control allergy symptoms and give your pet the relief they deserve.
PET ALLERGY CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS
So what causes allergies in pets, and what are the signs? Every pet is different, but many can become sensitive to the same allergens.
COMMON PET ALLERGENS INCLUDE:
- Pollen, mold, grass, and dust mites
- Dander
- Food ingredients like chicken, beef, dairy products, dyes and wheat
- Fleas/flea bites
- Chemicals found in cleaning and gardening products
PETS CAN EXPERIENCE AN ARRAY OF ALLERGY SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS:
- Itching and inflammation
- Sneezing
- Discharge from the eyes and nose
- Licking, biting and chewing at the feet, sides and belly
- Giving off a bad odor
- Yeast buildup in the ears making them appear red and raw
DIAGNOSING AND TREATING YOUR PET’S ALLERGIES
Before we can treat your pet, we will need to conduct a full exam and run specific tests to identify their pet dermatology condition. Even if two pets have the same type of allergy, differences in their overall health and genetic makeup may require completely different treatments.
Some tests we can provide include:
- Allergy testing
- Skin scraping
- Skin cytology
- In-house blood testing
- Food elimination diet
For treatments, we offer a variety of options:
- Injectable anti-itch medication
- Oral anti-itch medication
- Daily supplements
- Topical medication
- Medicated shampoos
- Hypoallergenic diets and treats
RELIEF IS POSSIBLE FOR YOUR PET
Allergies can be difficult to treat, especially if your pet’s first treatments prove ineffective. In some cases, allergies can prove stubborn and will take time to improve. We work hard to find the safest and most effective treatments for allergies and secondary infections in pets, because their comfort is important to us.
Dermatology Treatments for Pets Near You
You want your pet to feel relief from their allergies, and so do we. If your pet is showing signs of an allergy, call us immediately at (312) 643-2901 to make an appointment.