502 Mcmillan Ln, Greenville, NC 27834

252-758-9971

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Providing a Spectrum of Care to fit the needs of all patients!

Pet Allergies

Cats and dogs can develop allergies just like people, but instead of sneezes and runny noses, pets usually develop itchy skin. With itchy skin comes a lot of scratching and pets can sometimes damage their skin and open the door to infection.
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Treating Cat & Dog Allergies in North Greenville, NC

At Trinity Veterinary Hospital we understand how frustrating allergies can be, which is why we’re eager to help your pet find relief. Cats and dogs can develop allergies just like people, but instead of sneezes and runny noses, pets usually develop itchy skin. With itchy skin comes a lot of scratching and pets can sometimes damage their skin and open the door to infection.

Pet Allergy Causes & Symptoms

Allergies can be caused by seasonal allergens, household items, and more:
  • Tree and flower pollen
  • Grass
  • Mold and mold spores
  • Dust and dust mites
  • Flea bites
  • Certain materials
  • Cleaning products
  • Food ingredients
If your pet experiences any of the following, it might be allergies:
  • Red, inflamed skin
  • Scratching, licking, and chewing at skin excessively
  • Hair loss
  • Hot spots
  • Frequent ear infections
  • Vomiting/diarrhea (in the case of food allergies)

Diagnosing Cat & Dog Allergies

Allergies are not the only cause of skin conditions. Itchy skin can also be caused by external parasites, a skin infection, or an underlying disease. Therefore, it’s important to run diagnostic tests to rule out these other conditions so we can hone in on allergy treatment.

We’ll run cytology (skin tests) analyses, blood tests, and more to form a complete picture of your pet’s health. We can even send a blood sample to an outside lab for an allergy test, which can tell us exactly what your pet is allergic to. With the results, we may be able to create an allergy shot that slowly reduces your pet’s sensitivity to the allergen over time.

Allergy Treatment Options for Cats and Dogs

Once we confirm your pet has allergies, we’ll work with you to form a treatment plan that gets them the relief they deserve. Possible treatments include:
  • Cytopoint (an injection that controls the itch for 4-8 weeks)
  • Apoquel (a daily pill to control the itch)
  • Atopica (a daily anti-itch pill for dogs and topical for cats)
  • Medicated shampoos that remove allergens from the coat and skin
  • Topical creams that help to soothe irritation
  • Antihistamines and steroids that help to control inflammation
  • Flea prevention (for flea allergy dermatitis)
  • Hypoallergenic diet (for food allergies)