Managing Pet Allergies

Good health is a bond that we share with our dogs. Broken bones, diabetes, obesity, mental illness, physical impairment, and cancer are just a few examples of health issues that humans share with dogs. Tuscaloosa veterinarian Dr. Harold Threadgill and his staff at Bryant Drive Animal Hospital understand that the solutions to your pet’s allergy problems are the same ones that you would use for yourself, minus the fleas of course.

How Fleas Affect Your Pet

Fleas, unfriendly food, and environmental allergens are your dog’s major sources of irritation and suffering. Allergies to flea saliva lead to extreme scratching, sores, and scabs. Secondary infections are a real threat to dogs if this condition is left untreated. Food allergens can cause gastrointestinal distress like vomiting and diarrhea, and itchy skin as well. Dust, pollen, cigarette smoke, incense, and oils can stimulate an allergic reaction in your dog.

If you don’t see fleas in your dog’s fur, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t there. Other signs of a flea infestation are white eggs and black dirt that you may gather from your dog’s fur. Evidence will be left in their favorite sleeping areas. Qualified professionals at an animal hospital have several solutions to this problem.

Food allergies are more of an “isolate the harmful food through the process of elimination” kind of solution. A veterinarian can help you to identify and keep your dog away from these trigger foods. Though food allergy is the least common complaint of the three allergies mentioned, it is a problem. Keeping a record of what you feed your dog and observing his or her reaction is a good start to a practical solution.

Pet Allergies We Share

Allergens like dust and pollen will cling to fur and paws. Your pet will carry these allergens around with them. Before you medicate you should try keeping their paws clean with regular wet and wipe sessions using a towel to dry the paws after saturating them in water. A qualified Tuscaloosa veterinarian can only make it easier and safer for you and your dog.

Call Dr. Harold Threadgill and the caring staff at Bryant Drive Animal Hospital in Tuscaloosa.