Many people aren't aware that their pets can suffer from a variety of different allergies. While allergy symptoms in humans most commonly affect the respiratory tract, cats and dogs tend to develop allergy symptoms on their skin.
At Kato Animal Hospital, an animal hospital in Toronto, ON, we often see pets whose allergy symptoms have resulted in inflamed and irritated skin. The good news is that learning how to recognize skin allergies in pets can alert you to the need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Pets can suffer from allergies for a variety of different reasons. Sometimes they have allergies to food, while other times they may be allergic to something in the environment, such as pollen. If your pet's symptoms usually ease during the winter months, then their allergies are probably environmental. If, however, your pet is symptomatic year-round, then the symptoms could be related to their diet. A pet with allergies is going to develop very itchy and inflamed skin, most commonly around their feet, arm pits, eyes, ears, and groin area. Your pet will likely scratch, bite, and even excessively chew the itchy area. They may also rub themselves on the floor or against furniture in an effort to find relief. The more your pet itches and scratches their skin, the more tender and inflamed their skin will become. Pets suffering from a skin allergy will also display signs of face rubbing, head shaking, belly biting, and bottom scooting. Cats with food allergies will commonly pull their fur and create bald spots on their coat. Dogs, on the other hand, can develop something known as hot spots in response to allergies. A hot spot is an area of infected, inflamed, and very red skin that may be accompanied by hair loss and bleeding. One of the most common causes of skin allergies in pets is flea bites. While fleas generally cause itchiness, pets with an allergy to flea saliva will experience significant skin irritation. Symptoms of a flea allergy generally show up on the back half of a pet's body. You will likely notice small red bumps on your pet's stomach, groin, and inner thighs, as well as around the base of their tail. Cats, however, can sometimes develop these bumps all over their body. Kato Animal Hospital: Your Animal Hospital in Toronto, ON If your pet is exhibiting signs of a skin allergy, then you should have them checked out by a Toronto veterinarian. An experienced vet will be able to help you figure out what is causing the symptoms and will prescribe the right treatment to give your furry friend relief from itchy and inflamed skin. Kato Animal Hospital is your go-to pet hospital because we'll give your pet all of the care and attention they deserve. We can also provide immediate medical care in emergency situations. If you'd like to have your pet seen by a Toronto veterinarian for skin allergies or any other problem, just schedule an appointment with Kato Animal Hospital today.