Pet Allergy Testing and Treatment in Colorado Springs
If your pet is constantly licking, scratching, or battling recurrent ear and skin infections, allergies may be to blame. At Red Rock Veterinary Health, we offer thorough allergy testing and treatment to help identify the root cause of your pet’s discomfort—whether it’s environmental, food-related, or due to fleas or other ectoparasites. Colorado’s dry climate and seasonal shifts can intensify allergy symptoms and prolong the allergy season, and what may look like a simple skin issue could actually be an allergic response.
Our approach includes detailed history-taking, diagnostics, and tailored treatment plans that may involve diet trials, medications, medicated topical therapy, or custom allergy immunotherapy (ASIT) based on testing results. We’re committed to helping your pet feel better with solutions that minimize side effects and provide long-term relief.
Does Your Dog Have Allergies?
"Why is my dog constantly scratching?" "Is this licking normal?" As a concerned pet parent in Colorado Springs, you might be asking yourself, "Does my dog have allergies?" It's a common question, and understanding the signs is the first step toward getting your furry friend relief. Our unique Colorado Springs environment, with its diverse plant life and dry air, can be a major factor in canine allergies.
Here are the key signs and symptoms that could indicate your Colorado Springs dog is suffering from allergies:
Non-Stop Itching and Scratching: This is often the most telling sign. If your dog is frequently scratching, biting, or rubbing their body against furniture or the floor, especially around their ears, face, armpits, or groin, allergies are a strong possibility.
Excessive Licking or Chewing: You might notice your dog persistently licking or chewing their paws, belly, or hindquarters. This behavior is often a direct response to intense itchiness.
Red, Inflamed Skin: Examine your dog's skin for any redness, rashes, or irritated patches. These are common signs of allergic inflammation.
Chronic Ear Infections: If your dog experiences recurring ear infections, characterized by redness, a strong odor, or frequent head shaking, allergies are a common underlying cause.
Hair Loss or Thinning Coat: Prolonged scratching and licking can lead to patches of hair loss, a dull coat, or even visible scabs and crusts on the skin.
"Hot Spots": These are acute, moist, red, and often painful skin lesions that can develop rapidly from intense scratching or licking.
Face Rubbing: Your dog might frequently rub their face on carpets, furniture, or your legs in an attempt to alleviate an itch around their muzzle or eyes.
Watery Eyes or Sneezing: While skin issues are most common, some dogs with environmental allergies may also show signs like watery eyes, redness around the eyes, or occasional sneezing, similar to human hay fever.
If you're observing any of these symptoms in your Colorado Springs dog, it's crucial to seek veterinary attention. Early diagnosis allows us to identify the specific allergens impacting your dog and develop an effective, personalized treatment plan to help them find lasting comfort. Don't let your dog suffer in silence – we're here to help!
Does Your Cat Have Allergies?
"Why is my cat suddenly over-grooming?" "Are these scabs normal for a cat?" If these questions are on your mind, you might be wondering, "Does my cat have allergies?" Feline allergies can be a puzzling condition for many cat owners in Colorado Springs, often presenting with subtle or unusual signs compared to dogs. Understanding these unique indicators is crucial for getting your feline friend the right care.
Here are the key signs and symptoms that could suggest your Colorado Springs cat is experiencing allergies:
Excessive Over-Grooming or Hair Pulling: Unlike dogs, cats often respond to itchiness by meticulously licking or chewing their fur, sometimes to the point of creating bald patches, especially on their belly, inner thighs, or flanks. You might even notice them pulling out clumps of hair.
Miliary Dermatitis: This is a common allergic skin reaction in cats, characterized by tiny, crusty bumps that feel like millet seeds when you run your hand over their fur. These are often found on the back, neck, or around the tail base.
Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex: Look for distinct, raised, red, and often linear plaques or ulcers on your cat's skin, particularly on the belly, inner thighs, or lips. This is a specific allergic inflammatory response.
Chronic Ear Itching or Infections: While less obvious than in dogs, cats can also experience persistent ear irritation, redness, or recurrent infections due to allergies. You might see them shaking their head or scratching their ears.
Facial Itching and Rubbing: Cats might rub their faces on furniture or your legs in an attempt to alleviate an itch around their eyes, muzzle, or chin.
Asthma-like Symptoms: Though less common for environmental allergies than for food allergies, some cats with airborne sensitivities can develop respiratory signs like coughing, wheezing, or labored breathing. This can be a sign of allergic asthma.
Vomiting or Diarrhea (if concurrent with skin issues): While often linked to food allergies, if your cat has both digestive upset and skin issues, it warrants a comprehensive allergy investigation.
If you've observed any of these puzzling symptoms in your Colorado Springs cat, it's vital to consult with a veterinarian. Feline allergies can be complex to diagnose, but our team is equipped to perform thorough evaluations to identify the underlying cause and develop a tailored treatment plan to bring your cherished companion much-needed comfort and improve their quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the signs my pet might have allergies?
A: Common signs include frequent scratching or licking, red or irritated skin, recurring ear/skin infections, hair loss, or chewing at the paws. These symptoms can often worsen seasonally or after exposure to certain foods or environments.
Q: How do you test for pet allergies?
A: We use a combination of diagnostic tools including primarily blood testing (but in some cases intradermal testing) to identify environmental allergens. For food allergies, we typically recommend a strict elimination diet trial with a hydrolyzed protein or novel protein to pinpoint the source as blood testing for food allergens is not usually helpful.
Q: What treatments are available for pet allergies?
A: Treatment may include anti-itch medications, immunosuppressive medications, prescription diets, medicated topicals/mousses/shampoos, and long-term options like custom immunotherapy. We tailor each plan based on your pet’s unique needs, your budget, and their response to treatment.