Dermatology

Cat & Dog Allergies: When an Itch is More Than Just an Itch

If your pet has an itch that just won’t go away, you might want to bring them in for a checkup. Continuous scratching could be a sign that your pet has allergies, and if left alone, the symptoms will likely get worse. Cat and dog allergies can often result in secondary infections due to uncontrolled licking and scratching of the skin. At Coyne Veterinary Center of St. John, our veterinarians have broad knowledge regarding allergies and how to treat them. We can help you make your pet’s late-night scratching sessions a thing of the past. Give us a call today at (219) 627-3264.

How We Can Diagnose & Treat Your Pet’s Condition

We offer different testing options to correctly diagnose and treat various skin problems, whether they are allergy-related or have some other cause. Itching skin can also be caused by a fungal infection such as ringworm, or parasites like fleas and mites.

 

Diagnostics we offer include:

  • Allergy testing
  • Skin biopsy
  • Skin cytology
  • Fungal culture
  • Skin scraping
  • Food elimination trial

For treatment, we may use one or more of the following:

  • Apoquel or Atopica – oral anti-itch medications
  • Cytopoint – injectable anti-itch medication
  • Antibiotics
  • Topical medications
  • Medicated shampoos and conditioners to soothe itchy skin
  • Hypoallergenic diet for pets with food allergies

What Kind of Allergy Does Your Pet Have?

Correctly identifying the cause of your pet’s condition is the first step in making an accurate diagnosis. Some common conditions include:

  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Mange
  • Flea allergy dermatitis
  • Lick granulomas
  • Hot spots
  • Ringworm

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF AN ALLERGY OR SKIN INFECTION

Your pet’s scratching only tells part of the story. Other physical signs you should look for are:

  • Habitual licking and chewing of the feet, sides and belly
  • Raw, red skin
  • Bald and/or scaly patches on the skin
  • Red, inflamed ears
  • Dandruff
  • Hot spots, scabs and lesions
  • Runny nose and eyes

The Sooner the Treatment, the Sooner Your Pet Can Heal

Don’t allow your pet’s condition to escalate out of control. With proper diagnosing and effective treatment, we can help you soothe their itch and heal their damaged skin, so they can return to a healthy, normal life. Call (219) 627-3264 or bring in your pet so we can get started!