Protect Your Pet
PET DERMATOLOGY & ALLERGY CARE IN OAK PARK,
CA
Serving All of Oak Park, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills & More!
Is your pet scratching, chewing, or licking excessively? Are
you noticing discolored fur or hair loss where they are
licking too much? These are often symptoms of allergies in
pets. Environmental allergies in dogs are one of the most
common reasons for vet visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Pet Environmental Allergies?
Environmental allergies occur - both in humans and dogs
- when there is an exaggerated immune response to an
allergen. An allergen is a protein that comes from
exposure to things like tree and grass pollen, dander,
and flea saliva. Pets will often develop antibodies to
allergens and then overreact to them. This leads to
itchiness and inflammation.
Can a Vet Diagnose and Treat My Pet’s Allergies?
Yes! The team at Kanan Veterinary Hospital can help. We may start by allergy testing your pet to determine what they are allergic to. If there is an allergic reaction to a particular allergen, we know this is a trigger for them. At that point, we may consider desensitization therapy using oral drops or injections which is helpful in about 70% of allergic dogs. In other cases, we may recommend medication or medicated baths for symptom control. We will discuss your pet’s unique case and work with you to determine the best treatment for your pet.
Do Pets Have Food Allergies?
Yes, pets can definitely be allergic to certain foods. A
food allergy occurs when there is an overreaction of the
immune system to a particular ingredient. Food allergies
can cause a variety of symptoms including:
- Red or dry skin
- Oily skin and hair
- Ear infections
- Skin infections
- Over-grooming in cats
- Self-grooming in dogs
- Hot spots
- Hair loss
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Swelling
How Will You Diagnose and Treat My Pet’s Food
Allergy?
We will work closely with you and your pet to determine
the best way to diagnose and treat your pet’s food
allergy. We may recommend a dietary elimination trial.
This type of testing should only be done under the
supervision of a veterinarian. Once we see how your pet
reacts, the best food will be determined based on your
pet’s age, general health, previous diet, and the
symptoms that are being exhibited.
Schedule an Appointment Today at Kanan Veterinary
Hospital
At Kanan Veterinary Hospital, we understand how much you
love your pet. No matter the reason for your visit, we
will make sure your pet receives the best care available
from professionals who truly care. To learn more about
pet allergies and treatment or to make an appointment,
call us at
818-532-7434 today.