Allergies & Skin Care - Vet in Derby | El Paso Animal Hospital

Allergy & Skin Care

Dermatology for cats and dogs.

Allergic Skin Disease

As your pet’s barrier from the outside world, their skin can easily be affected by things in their environment. From infections, to rashes, to parasite infestations, this protective layer is subject to a variety of insults, which can make your pet extremely uncomfortable.

Allergic skin disease is one of the most common problems we treat in dogs and cats. Pets can be sensitive to a number of substances in their environment, including pollens, grass, molds, fleas, and dust mites. Unfortunately, these allergens are everywhere, and your pet cannot avoid them. Instead of developing watery eyes and respiratory problems like people, however, pets develop skin problems when exposed to allergens they are sensitive to.

How can I know if my pet has a skin problem?

Itchiness, which can be so intense that pets cannot sleep at night, is the most common allergy sign. Other signs that you should bring your pet in for a visit include:

Redness
A rash or red bumps on their skin
Scabbing or crusting
Hair loss

A bad odor to their skin
Ear irritation or infection
Licking or chewing their feet

Redness
A rash or red bumps on their skin
Scabbing or crusting
Hair loss
A bad odor to their skin
Ear irritation or infection
Licking or chewing their feet

Skin Allergy Treatments

Unfortunately, symptomatic treatment can only decrease itching—it does not address the underlying allergy. Pets with mild allergies can often be controlled with these treatments, particularly if they only experience flare-ups during the spring and summer. But, pets with more severe allergies, and those who suffer year-round, often require allergen-specific therapy.

During your pet’s visit, our veterinarians will perform a thorough exam. They may perform additional testing, such as ear cytology or a skin scrape to screen for a mite infestation. If no obvious cause is apparent, and your pet’s clinical signs fit, our veterinarians can often make a tentative diagnosis of allergies, and treat accordingly. Typical treatments often include antibiotics to treat secondary skin infections, and anti-inflammatory medications, shampoos, and skin ointments to help soothe your pet’s itchy or uncomfortable skin.

Skin Allergy Diagnosis

Immunotherapy

If your pet’s allergies are not well-controlled with symptomatic treatment, our veterinarians may recommend immunotherapy, which involves testing to determine which specific allergens your pet is sensitive to. A pet-specific formulation will be created, and administered as “allergy injections” on a specific schedule. Immunotherapy slowly retrains your pet’s immune system, and reduces its reaction to the offending allergens. While immunotherapy does not offer a complete cure, and every pet’s immune system responds differently, most pets experience significant relief.

Does your pet constantly scratch, lick, or chew? Visit us soon so we can help relieve their discomfort.

Immunotherapy

If your pet’s allergies are not well-controlled with symptomatic treatment, our veterinarians may recommend immunotherapy, which involves testing to determine which specific allergens your pet is sensitive to. A pet-specific formulation will be created, and administered as “allergy injections” on a specific schedule. Immunotherapy slowly retrains your pet’s immune system, and reduces its reaction to the offending allergens. While immunotherapy does not offer a complete cure, and every pet’s immune system responds differently, most pets experience significant relief.

Does your pet constantly scratch, lick, or chew? Visit us soon so we can help relieve their discomfort.