Dog and Cat Allergy Treatments in Chicago

Just as many of us suffer from seasonal allergies in the spring and fall, so too can our cats and dogs! Cat and dog allergies are the most common culprit of atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions in pets, and city-dwellers in Chicago are no better off. With the amount of greenery in the city, plenty of pollens and other allergens are around to affect both us and our pets. At South Loop Animal Hospital, our goal is to offer your pet relief with allergy management medication as well as treatments for the skin conditions themselves.

Does your cat or dog have allergies? Call (312) 753-5551 to book an appointment!

Get your pet relief from the allergies!

Common Pet Allergens and Symptoms

Many of the same allergens that affect us, affect our pets. Some of the most common include:

  • Pollen
  • Ragweed
  • Mold
  • Dust and dust mites
  • Flea bites (flea allergy dermatitis)

Cat and dog allergies can also be caused by food ingredients, as well as certain materials including plastics, rubber, fabrics, and more. Signs that your pet may have an allergy include:

  • Red, itchy skin
  • Dry, flaky skin
  • Chronic hives
  • Hair loss
  • Frequent ear infections
  • Chewing of the paws
  • Excessive licking, scratching, or grooming
  • Odorous skin or ears
  • Diarrhea and vomiting (usually indicative of a food allergy)
Dog and Cat Allergy Treatments in Chicago, IL

Managing Dog and Cat Allergies

Allergies alone are not the only cause for concern. As your pet continually scratches themselves, they open the door for yeast and bacteria to infect the wound causing both bacterial and fungal infections. The veterinarians at South Loop Animal Hospital work with you to treat these secondary infections as well as offering solutions to control your pet’s allergies and reduce future outbreaks. After we complete the diagnostic testing needed to determine the cause is allergies, we’ll devise a treatment plan.

Dog and cat allergy treatments we offer include:

  • Cytopoint – an antibody injection that blocks the itch at its source and offers 4-6 weeks of protection
  • Apoquel – a daily oral tablet for dogs that interrupts the biological pathway that causes itchiness
  • Atopica – a daily oral tablet that targets the immune response to the allergen, eliminating your pet’s reaction to the stimulant
  • Parasite preventative (especially for a flea allergy)
  • Medicated shampoos and topical creams
  • Antibiotics for bacterial infections
  • Antifungals for yeast infections
  • A hypoallergenic diet for a suspected food allergy*

Since there are no diagnostic tests to confirm a food allergy, an elimination diet is implemented for 4-6 weeks and then each possible allergen is added back in one-by-one to determine which causes the reaction.

Call us at (312) 753-5551 with any questions about cat and dog allergy treatments or book your pet's appointment online!