skin allergy

Management of Cat and Dog Allergies in Clifton Park, NY

Is your pet’s constant scratching keeping you up at night? Many pet owners' first instinct is to believe the near constant scratching is caused by fleas, but that’s not always the case. Often, it’s more likely to be an allergy. Cat and dog allergies are quite common and, as frustrating as they can be for your pet and for you, there are solutions available.

To relieve your pet’s itching and treat the allergy itself, reach out to our veterinary team in Clifton Park, NY, and we’ll be more than happy to help. We can determine the cause of your pet’s itching and provide safe, effective care to get their allergy under control.

Let’s work together to help your pet overcome their allergy symptoms. Call (518) 383-6254 or schedule an appointment online today.

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This is truly the best animal hospital I have ever been to. They were so kind and attentive every time I brought my dog in. The staff is always so friendly. Thank you to everyone! I would recommend this place to everyone looking for the best care for their pets.

- Sydney K.

This clinic was fantastic, and took excellent care of my California kingsnake! They loved and cared for her as if she was their own pet, and were very clear about the required treatments and care moving forward. I would highly recommend this vet clinic for reptile keepers!

- Rachel N.

The BEST veterinarian in the capital district. I currently bring both my cats for their annual check ups. The staff are very personable and will walk you through everything and they are always willing to answer any questions. I am very thankful to have Animal Care as my vet.

- Samantha M.

How We Diagnose Cat and Dog Allergies

We offer a variety of options for treating pet allergies and will work with you to create a specific treatment plan. First, we need to diagnose the cause of your pet's itching and scratching. To determine whether your pet has an allergy and to accurately diagnose what is causing the allergic reaction, we employ a variety of methods including:

  • Skin scraping
  • Skin culture
  • Biopsy
  • Allergy testing
  • Fungal culture
  • Prescription diet trials (if a food allergy is suspected)

Helping You Manage Your Pet’s Allergies

There is no cure for allergies in pets, but the symptoms can be managed very well with proper treatment. Our veterinarians will go over your options, which may include anti-itch medication, antibiotics, topical sprays, and/or a change in diet. The first step is determining if your pet has allergies or some type of skin infection.

dog allergies clifton park, ny

Dietary Issues and Other Common Pet Allergies

Pets can become allergic to certain ingredients in their food, such as beef and chicken byproducts, dairy, soy, wheat, and corn. To diagnose a food allergy, we implement a diet trial, and restrict your pet to a prescription diet (no treats or table scraps) for up to three months. If the new diet improves their condition, we may recommend keeping your pet on that specific diet for the long term.

We also treat a variety of conditions including flea allergy dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and ringworm. Ringworm is a fungal infection that can spread very quickly to other animals (along with humans), and can be difficult to treat. Atopic dermatitis can be caused by exposure to dust mites, certain molds and pollens, and even grass. Flea allergy dermatitis occurs as a result of flea bite hypersensitivity.