Is your pet’s constant scratching driving you a little nuts? Unfortunately, there are many different factors that can be causing your four legged companion to have dry, itchy skin. Here at the Parkway Veterinary Center, we can help diagnose the causes of allergies for dogs and other pets and get them the relief they need!
What is causing your dog to scratch?
A common cause of itching is a seasonal allergy to airborne irritants, such as spores, different pollens and even fungi. These irritants can travel for many, many miles at a time and have even been found way out to sea! And while humans have a stuffy nose and sneezing reaction to these aeroallergens, their pets are often scratching for the same reasons. Once these allergens are inhaled by the animal, they trigger the dry skin, often causing scabs and raw spots from over-scratching, licking and rubbing. Here in Southwest Florida, the allergy season tends to be year-round, so it’s very important to diagnose these allergies correctly!
How to know if your dog has an allergy
The good thing is we can ascertain and treat these symptoms of allergies for dogs in a multitude of ways. We can test for different allergies to identify the cause of the itching and treatment plans to help manage the care of your pet. It is also important to note, that while inhaled allergies are by far the most common cause of dry skin, food allergies are also something to watch out for. We carry different food and supplement options for pets with ingredient allergies and recommend strictly adhering to a diet regimen to alleviate symptoms. Don’t be fooled by the false advertising of over the counter “allergy friendly” diets, you should always consult a veterinarian when committing to a food for your special needs pet.
The “magic pill” for pets with allergies!
Most allergies for dogs can be managed easily with the help of vet-recommended vitamins, supplements and diets, but in some cases, they are simply not enough. In the past, there were different types of cortisone and antihistamines that were prescribed, sometimes causing adverse side effects. Now, however, there is a “magic pill” on the market, called Apoquel! We have been using it for the last couple of years with fantastic results! It gives pets instant relief, making for some very happy owners. Let us see if Apoquel might be right for your pet!