Allergies

Pet Allergies

Suffering from an allergy can be uncomfortable.

If your pet has been scratching, sneezing, or experiencing skin problems, they may have an allergy. Westgate Animal Hospital treats allergies in cats and dogs. Dr. Walia will create a plan to manage your pet’s allergy symptoms and improve their quality of life. Your fur baby can feel better with expert guidance and effective pet allergy treatment options.

Signs Your Pet Might Have Allergies

Pets can be allergic to many things. Common types of pet allergies include environmental allergies (like pollen, dust mites, or mold), food allergies, and reactions to flea bites. Recognizing the signs early can make a big difference in managing your furry companion’s comfort and health. Symptoms of pet allergies often include:

Excessive Scratching or Chewing
Red, Inflamed Skin
Chronic Ear Infections
Sneezing and Watery Eyes
Hair Loss or Thinning Coat
GI Issues like Vomiting or Diarrhea

If you notice these symptoms, it is time to set up a consultation with a veterinarian. Dr. Walia and our staff will help you determine whether a pet allergy might be the cause and discuss the next steps for relief.

Diagnosing Allergies in Cats and Dogs

Diagnosing a pet allergy can sometimes be challenging. At Westgate Animal Hospital, we may recommend preliminary diagnostics like skin scrapings to check for underlying skin conditions or parasites that could be contributing to your pet’s symptoms. An elimination diet can pinpoint problematic ingredients that your furry companion may be allergic to by systematically removing and reintroducing specific foods.

Advanced allergy tests will require a referral to a specialist. If specialized testing is needed, Dr. Walia will work closely with you to coordinate care with trusted allergy experts.

What Are the Treatment Options for Pet Allergies?

Managing allergies in pets requires a personalized approach, as effective treatment can depend on individual reactions. Dr. Walia will discuss effective allergy treatment options to reduce symptoms and improve comfort. Your pet’s allergy management plan may include:

Medications to control itching and other allergic reactions.
Medicated shampoos to soothe irritated skin, available right here in our clinic.
Dietary changes to avoid triggers for pets with food allergies or to support skin health after an allergic reaction.
Allergy injections to help your pet build tolerance to allergens over time through immunotherapy.

Some pets may experience relief with just one treatment. For other pets, we may need to adjust their allergy management plan to find the right combination of therapies that works best for them.

Pet Allergy Care in Tacoma, WA

Don’t wait to seek relief if you suspect your companion may be dealing with a pet allergy. Dr. Walia will get your pet feeling better again with convenient, affordable allergy treatments. Help give your fur baby their comfortable life back.

Contact us today to schedule your pet’s allergy consultation. Call our clinic to book an appointment or ask about same-day or walk-in availability.

Westgate Animal Hospital provides allergy treatment for dogs and cats in Tacoma, Pierce County, North End, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, Lakewood, Steilacoom, Lacey, Olympia, Federal Way, Dupont, and surrounding Washington areas.