Cat & Dog Allergies in St. Paul, MN

Late summer and early fall is the peak time for dog and cat allergies in our area, and the team at St. Paul Pet Hospital wants to help you and your pet prepare. When a pet with allergies comes in contact with certain allergens, that pet can exhibit problems with the skin, digestive system, and respiratory system. We would like to educate you on the common causes of pet allergies, the common symptoms to look out for, and ways to prevent and treat allergies.

Common Causes of Allergies in Pets

Environmental allergens are the most common causes of allergies in dogs and cats, but there are a number of household substances that can cause them as well. Below is a list of some of the most common indoor and outdoor allergy triggers:

  • Pollen
  • Mold spores
  • Dander
  • Feathers
  • Dust mites
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Certain food ingredients, such as beef, corn, or wheat
  • Perfumes
  • Cleaning products

How Do I Know if My Pet Has Allergies?

While the specific symptoms of allergies in dogs may differ from those in cats differ, the general symptoms of both include:

  • Itchy and/or red, irritated skin
  • Excessive licking of paws or stomach
  • Itchy ears and ear infections
  • Sneezing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Paw chewing/swollen paws

Treating and Preventing Allergies in Pets

If your pet exhibits any of the symptoms listed above, it’s best to schedule an appointment here at St. Paul Animal Hospital. We’ll conduct a physical exam and discuss your pet’s whereabouts, diet, etc. to determine the cause of the allergies. We may also recommend a skin or blood test. Once we determine the source, we can provide treatment. Sometimes, treatment is as simple as removing the allergens from the environment, but other allergies require an actual treatment regimen. Here at St. Paul Pet Hospital, we offer Apoquel medication, dietary management, and multi-modal approaches. Give us a call in Cathedral Hill at (651) 789-6275 or Highland Park at (651) 789-0099 to schedule your pet’s allergy test or to ask about treatment options.

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