Allergy Testing at Caring Hands Veterinary Clinic

Is your pet having digestive problems or struggling with itchy and watery eyes? Your pet may be suffering from allergies. Figuring out what is causing your pet’s symptoms is the first step toward long-term relief. Your veterinarian near you at Caring Hands Veterinary Clinic in Philadelphia, PA, can test for allergies and provide effective pet allergy treatment. Continue reading to learn about allergies and how we can treat them.

Signs of Allergies

While some allergy symptoms can be easy to spot, others can be challenging to recognize as allergy-related. Allergic reactions can be wide-ranging depending on the cause of your pet’s symptoms. Your pet may experience one or more of the following due to an allergic reaction:

•           Skin problems, like itching or rashes

•           Digestive issues, such as diarrhea or constipation

•           Respiratory problems, like congestion or a runny nose

•           Eye issues, such as watery or red eyes

Our veterinary team can rule out other possible causes of your pet’s symptoms. Our pet dermatologist can then test for allergies and develop a pet allergy treatment plan.

What Allergy Tests Does My Pet Need?

The two most common allergy tests are skin and blood testing. Skin tests involve giving your pet injections of specific allergens to check for a reaction. This testing can help catch allergens like mold or pollen. Blood testing uses a sample of your pet’s blood to examine it and determine what your pet is allergic to. Our pet dermatologist may recommend both skin and blood tests for a more accurate and comprehensive diagnosis. For food allergies, our pet dermatologist will use a different approach from skin and blood testing that includes adjusting your pet’s diet to determine which ingredients cause a reaction.

How Are Pet Allergies Treated?

Your pet’s allergy treatment will depend on the cause and severity of your pet’s symptoms. Our veterinarian can provide flea and tick prevention to reduce your pet’s risk of flea and tick allergies. Antihistamines and medicated shampoos can help with several seasonal and flea allergies. Allergy shots or drops can also ease symptoms. You can also help reduce your pet’s risk of a reaction by limiting its exposure to its allergen. You can remove a food ingredient from your pet’s diet to eliminate exposure or keep it inside on high-pollen days.

Visit Your Veterinarian Near You in Philadelphia, PA, for Pet Allergy Treatment Today

Allergy symptoms can be a frustrating experience for your pet that significantly impacts its quality of life if left untreated, so contact Caring Hands Veterinary Clinic in Philadelphia, PA, to get the pet allergy treatment necessary to keep your pet healthy and happy. Our pet dermatology team can determine the cause of your pet’s allergies and provide effective treatment, so call us and schedule an appointment today at (215) 621-8959 to ensure your pet lives a long, healthy life.