Humans aren't the only ones who deal with allergies. Pets can also have allergic reactions to pollen, dust, fleas and other allergens. Find out more about pet allergies, so you can make sure that your pets get the right care if they have this kind of condition.

Common Pet Allergens

There are several allergens that can bother pets, but some are more common than others. Some substances and environmental factors that tend to cause allergic reactions more often include tree and grass pollen, dust mites, flea bites, chemicals in household cleaners and wheat and other ingredients in pet foods. Finding out which allergen or allergens are affecting your pets is needed in order to determine how to reduce allergic reactions.

What Causes Allergic Reactions in Pets?

Allergens are not usually harmful substances. However, when the immune system considers them intruders, it takes steps to find and destroy them. This causes sneezing, itching, skin irritation and other allergy symptoms to occur in pets. Allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe. In more serious cases, they can lower a pet's quality of life by causing ongoing discomfort. For example, persistent itching from flea bite allergies can lead to secondary skin infections and other serious skin problems in pets.

Treatment for Pet Allergies in Midlothian

How can pet allergies be treated? Your first step in managing pet allergies is to bring your pets to our animal hospital in Midlothian. Our veterinary team will need to run tests to find out which allergens are affecting your pets. Once you know what these allergens are, you can take steps to reduce your pets' exposure to them. This should reduce allergic reactions. In some cases, pets end up needing allergy shots to control allergies. These shots help your pet's immune system gradually tolerate allergens, which helps prevent allergic reactions.

Contact Our Midlothian VA Veterinarian

If you have pets that are showing signs of allergies, please contact Animal Medical Center to set up an appointment. Our Midlothian VA veterinarian can help you determine what your pets are allergic to and provide treatment.