Sunny days and ocean breezes make Pompano Beach a wonderful place to live, but for pets, Florida’s warm, humid climate can also mean a longer exposure to allergens. Cats and dogs can suffer from seasonal and environmental allergies that leave them scratching, licking, and feeling miserable. All Aboard Animal Hospital helps pet owners recognize allergy symptoms early and provide the right treatment for pets with allergies.
What Types of Allergies Do Pets Experience?
Pets in South Florida are exposed to many potential allergy triggers.
- Environmental allergens: Pollen, mold spores, and grasses thrive in Florida’s warm, humid climate and can cause flare-ups at almost any time of year.
- Food sensitivities: Some cats and dogs develop allergies to proteins in their diet, such as beef, chicken, or eggs.
- Flea allergies: Even a single flea bite can cause severe itching in sensitive pets (flea allergy dermatitis), leading to intense scratching and skin infections.
- Contact allergies: Reactions to cleaning products, shampoos, or even lawn chemicals may irritate your pet’s skin.
Unchecked allergies make pets uncomfortable and often lead to bigger problems. Constant scratching or licking can damage the skin. These open wounds invite bacterial or yeast infections. Pets may also become restless, lose sleep, or develop behavioral changes due to constant discomfort. Over time, chronic allergies can have a serious impact on your pet if not managed properly.
How Do I Know if My Pet Has Allergies?
Allergies in pets don’t always look the same as they do in humans. Instead of sneezing and watery eyes, many pets show skin-related symptoms. If your pet has an allergy, you may notice:
- Persistent scratching, licking, or chewing at the skin or paws
- Red, inflamed, or irritated skin
- Frequent ear infections or head shaking
- Hair thinning or bald patches
- Scooting or chewing near the tail base
- Chronic odors from the skin or ears
These symptoms may appear suddenly during certain times of the year or persist all year, depending on the allergen. The only way to know if your pet has an allergy for certain is to make a veterinary appointment for allergy testing.
Allergies and Your Veterinarian
When you bring your pet to a veterinarian, they will perform a physical exam and take a detailed history to identify potential allergen triggers. They may recommend diagnostic tests such as skin scrapings, allergy testing, or elimination diets to pinpoint the cause. While allergies cannot be cured, your veterinarian will suggest a treatment plan for long-term management. Sometimes, this may come with trial and error to find the right combination of treatments and at-home changes. The goal of any allergy management is to break the itch cycle and prevent flare-ups so your pet can enjoy life in comfort.
Allergy Treatment for Pets in Pompano Beach, FL
Having an allergy doesn’t mean your pet has to suffer. With the right diagnosis and treatment, cats and dogs can live itch-free lives. All Aboard Animal Hospital has allergy testing and treatment for pets in Pompano Beach and from neighboring communities like Fort Lauderdale, Lighthouse Point, and Oakland Park. Schedule an appointment for your pet’s allergy consultation.