We Can Treat Your Pet’s Allergies
Pets can develop allergies to environmental factors, foods, and other irritants. These allergies can cause significant discomfort and negatively impact their quality of life. Jupiter Veterinary Hospital & Urgent Care can perform pet allergy testing for cats and dogs. Our doctors will identify the cause of your pet’s allergies and provide effective solutions to manage their symptoms, helping them live comfortably.
How to Identify Whether Your Pet May Have an Allergy
Pets can develop allergies to many things, from environmental allergens to certain ingredients in their food. Environmental allergens such as grasses, mold, dust mites, and flea saliva are common environmental triggers that can cause allergic reactions in pets. Some cats and dogs can be allergic to specific foods like beef, chicken, dairy, or grains. Certain materials, including shampoos or cleaning products, can also trigger allergic reactions in pets. Signs of your pet having an allergic reaction can vary but often include:
- Itching and scratching
- Red, inflamed skin
- Hair loss or bald spots
- Chronic ear infections
- Excessive licking, especially of the paws or belly
- Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea
If your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms, schedule a pet allergy evaluation with our helpful team. Left untreated, allergies can cause chronic discomfort and even lead to secondary infections.
How to Test for Allergies in Animals
- Intradermal Skin Testing: This test involves injecting small amounts of common allergens into your pet’s skin to see if a reaction occurs.
- Blood Tests: Blood testing can identify certain allergens your pet may be reacting to, such as pollens, molds, or dust mites.
- Diet Trials: If we suspect your pet has a food allergy, we will likely recommend a diet trial. This diagnostic trial involves feeding your pet a specific or hypoallergenic diet for several weeks, followed by reintroducing ingredients one by one to identify the culprit.
Through these testing methods, we can pinpoint the specific allergens affecting your pet and develop a targeted treatment plan.
Treating Allergies in Pets
Once our veterinarians have identified the cause of your pet’s allergies, we can create a customized treatment plan to help manage their symptoms. Treatment options may include medications, topical treatments, allergy shots (immunotherapy), laser therapy, dietary changes, or parasite preventatives. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that not only relieves your pet’s current symptoms but also helps prevent future flare-ups. Regular follow-up visits may be recommended to monitor your pet’s progress and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.
Should your pet require medications or topical treatments, we have a well-stocked on-site pharmacy as well as an online pharmacy. We maintain a full inventory of medications, shampoos, and supplements as well as flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. We also work closely with a compounding pharmacy to special order medications in forms that make administering doses easier.
Pet Allergy Testing in Jupiter, FL
Here’s What Our Clients Are Saying
“The doctor explained what my dog is experiencing and prescribed medications to help relieve current symptoms. My dog is doing so much better thanks to him.” – Marsha
Jupiter Veterinary Hospital & Urgent Care offers allergy testing and treatment for dogs and cats in Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Jensen Beach, Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Stuart, Hobe, Sound, Tequesta, Palm Beach Gardens, Juno Beach, North Palm Beach, Lake Park, Riviera Beach, Loxahatchee, Royal Palm Beach, Palm Beach, West Gate, Palm Springs, Wellington, Greenacres, Haverhill, Lake Worth, and neighboring Florida communities.
