Little River Veterinary Clinic
Allergy FAQs
Like humans, dogs and cats can suffer from allergies. Allergies can be anything from a mild case of sniffles to a full-blown allergic reaction that requires professional medical care. That's why it's essential to know the signs of pet allergies and ensure your pet has access to the necessary treatment they need. At Little River Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Judy Downs and our experienced veterinary team are here to help provide the care your pet needs to prevent allergies from negatively impacting their life. If you are looking for a veterinary clinic in Fairfax to help your pet live a long and healthy life, our team is here for you and your animal.
What Are Pet Allergies?
An allergic reaction occurs when the body reacts to a foreign substance that it believes to be dangerous. The body creates an immune response that causes the classic symptoms of allergies in pets. It does this to combat the substance it believes to be dangerous. This can include pollen and dander, certain foods, medications, topical ointments, and even grooming products. Allergic reactions in pets often cause various symptoms like:
Sneezing
Watery eyes
Vomiting or diarrhea
Hives
Itchy skin
Swelling of the face and surrounding areas like the ears
Ear infections
How Can a Veterinarian Help?
If you notice any symptoms of pet allergies, it's best to reach out to a veterinarian who can prescribe the proper treatment plan for your pet's allergies. Our veterinarian will also be able to determine if your pet's symptoms are due to an allergy or another underlying illness, such as an infection. If the allergen is a new food, grooming product, or even a household cleaner, you'll have to do a bit of detective work to discover the culprit and get rid of it. After determining what's causing your pet's allergic reaction, we will work with you to create the appropriate treatment plan. Treatments our veterinarian can prescribe may include medicated ointments to help topical allergies or medications such as antihistamines to combat the effects of allergies.
Will My Pet Be Cured of Allergies?
Unfortunately, you cannot cure an allergy. The only solution is to ensure your pet stays away from the allergen and the correct treatment is administered when a reaction occurs. This can include changing your lifestyle in order to ensure your pet doesn't have a severe allergic reaction.
Visit Us for Pet Allergy Care
Our veterinarian, Dr. Downs, and the rest of our staff at Little River Veterinary Clinic in Fairfax, VA, want your pet to feel their best! Call us at (703) 273-5110 today to learn more about how we can help treat your pet's allergies and other medical issues.
