{"id":96,"date":"2023-09-08T15:56:25","date_gmt":"2023-09-08T19:56:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.southseminoleanimalhospital.com\/blog\/?p=96"},"modified":"2023-09-08T15:56:25","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T19:56:25","slug":"treatment-options-for-environmental-allergies-in-cats-and-dogs-living-in-florida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.southseminoleanimalhospital.com\/blog\/treatment-options-for-environmental-allergies-in-cats-and-dogs-living-in-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Treatment Options for Environmental Allergies in Cats and Dogs Living in Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Environmental allergies in cats and dogs may spike seasonally, but symptoms can also persist year-round. Mold, dust mites, and pollen are common allergens that trigger incessant scratching, licking, ear infections, and, let\u2019s face it, overall misery. How do pet owners help their allergic pets cope with atopy, or atopic dermatitis? It\u2019s not always easy or straightforward, but there are specific strategies to treat and soothe the skin, reduce triggers, and increase comfort. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Seeking Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your pet has been scratching or licking themselves obsessively, it is time to understand why. These behaviors aren\u2019t meant to drive the household crazy; often these are the only ways that pets find relief from the never-ending itching. This is especially worrisome if they break the skin, which allows bacteria to enter the wound and cause an infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Genetic Predispositions and More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some breeds, including German shepherds, golden retrievers, shar Peis, and labs, are more commonly diagnosed with environmental allergies than other breeds. That said, any individual animal, including house cats in Florida, can be affected by seasonal or airborne triggers<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, some medications can cause allergic reactions in some pets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deepening Our Understanding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our team<\/a> at South Seminole Animal Hospital is trained to identify and treat allergies in pets.<\/a> First, we have to figure out if symptoms are indeed caused by environmental allergens. Once flea bite dermatitis, medication reactions, and food allergies are ruled out, we can determine the best course of action for your pet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A clinical diagnosis <\/a>of atopy may result in creating a plan that includes any or all of the following possible treatments:<\/p>\n\n\n\n