Effective Relief for Allergies and Itchy Skin
Thanks to the hot, humid conditions here in Texas, our pets can be affected by allergens year ‘round—particularly grass and mold. Fungal infections such as ringworm are also common, and some pets suffer from food sensitivities. At Texas Republic Veterinary Hospital, our goal is to accurately pinpoint your pet’s allergy so we can create an effective, customized treatment plan.
Allergy Symptoms
Itchy, irritated skin can stem from environmental allergies, fleas and mites, ringworm, and even food allergies. We can process skin cultures in our on-site laboratory to help us determine the cause of your pet’s skin condition.
Other symptoms of regional-specific allergies can affect your pet’s respiratory system, causing sneezing, runny eyes, or coughing. Gastrointestinal signs, such as diarrhea or vomiting, could point to a food allergy or sensitivity.
Effective Treatments
If Dr. Buvinghausen determines that an allergy is causing your pet’s discomfort, he will start with a safe, proven medication to mitigate your pet’s symptoms. If more effective treatment is needed, he will order bloodwork for in-depth analysis and create customized injections for your pet. Our allergy treatments include:
- Cytopoint®: This safe, drug-free injectable biologic is approved for use in dogs of any age. It blocks the allergen for an extended length of time. Some pets are able to go months between injections.
- APOQUEL®: This daily tablet is highly effective in providing itch relief related to fleas, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, and contact allergies. APOQUEL can be used for both cats and dogs.
- Allergy injections: Immunotherapy shots based upon your pet’s specific allergy panel can effectively desensitize your pet to a known allergen over time. Many pet owners learn to administer these injections at home for more convenience.
Schedule an appointment with us if you suspect that your pet is suffering from allergies.