If Your Pet Won’t Stop Itching And Nothing You’ve Tried Seems To Help…You Need To Get Them Tested For Allergies

Allergies really can make life miserable, as anyone who has allergies can attest. It’s the same for your pet!

If you think your pet is suffering allergic reactions, a small sample of their blood can be tested for sensitivity to numerous potential allergens, including trees, grasses, weeds, shrubs, fungi, mites, dust – as well as a variety of different food types and ingredients used in commercial pet food preparations.

What Are Allergies?

The word “allergies” refers to a sensitivity of a particular pet to something ‘normal’ in the environment, such as pollen, food, fleas, dust, etc. These substances are called ‘allergens’. Exposure of that pet to the allergens through inhalation, skin contact or ingestion causes biochemical changes in the body which result in allergy symptoms.

How Do Pets Show Signs of Allergies?

In pets, the classic signs of allergies are intense itching and skin problems. Cats, like people, often show signs of respiratory distress – more so than dogs. More than 30% of all skin irritations in pets can be attributed to allergies.

I Think My Pet May Have Allergies, What Should I Do?

Call us at 714 524-1156 and schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians. Bringing your pet to us is very important, because their are other possible causes for symptoms that need to be ruled out.

Get Your Pet Tested

A small sample of your pet’s blood is taken, sent to a lab, and tested for allergens – different types of grasses, weeds, trees, fungi, pet hair, foods and insects. In a few days you’ll be given a report showing which allergens your pet is allergic to.

• Download an example test report

Treatment

The best form of treatment for allergies is avoidance of the allergens, but often this is not possible. Steroids can be used for short-term relief of symptoms, but their prolonged use can be harmful. Another treatment is called hyposensitization, in which injections specifically tailored to your pet are given in increasing concentrations. This improves your pet’s tolerance to the allergens so he or she can live more comfortably.

If you’ve taken your pet to another vet and he/she is still itchy, then you might be interested in our free second opinion exam offer! Call us at (714) 524-1156 for an appointment and tell us the name of your old vet so we can obtain a copy of your pet’s medical record by fax and review it before you come. Then the exam will be free! More information is available on our free 2nd opinion exam page.