Central Austin has the distinction of being named the Allergy Capital of the U.S.A. by many people. For many Texans and their pets, allergy season may seem as though it is year-round! Your dog or cat can be allergic to numerous things, but the most common allergies seen in domestic pets are to food, fleas, or environmental factors, such as pollens and grasses. Some animals may be allergic to stimuli in more than one category.

Different pets and their owners present varying allergic disease scenarios. Many owners are more aware of allergic symptoms in their pet, while some pets have less obvious signs of allergy than others.

Your pet could be dealing with a form of allergy if they are displaying any of these symptoms:

  • Licking or chewing the paws, belly, groin or rear- end
  • Rubbing or scooting their rear-ends
  • Gnawing on forelimbs or hindlimbs known as “corncobbing”
  • Rubbing their face on the ground or furniture
  • Shaking head and/or scratching ears
  • Hair loss, red skin
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea
  • Redness around eyes, or increased eye drainage

Traditionally, steroids were the mainstay of allergy treatment. Modern veterinary medicine now offers many more diagnostic options in the way of allergy testing along with new treatment modalities that are as effective as steroids, but safer for your pet!