Allergy Relief and Skin Solutions for Pets in Piqua, OH

Cat And Dog Allergy And Skin Care In Piqua Oh
Cat And Dog Allergy And Skin Care In Piqua Oh

At Cornerstone Veterinary Clinic, we know how frustrating skin issues and allergies can be for pets and their owners alike. Skin and ear problems are among the most common reasons pets are brought to the veterinarian, and they often stem from complex causes such as environmental allergies, parasites, or food sensitivities. Our clinic is committed to helping you identify the underlying issues and providing comprehensive treatment options to improve your pet’s comfort and health.

If your pet can’t seem to scratch that itch, let us help! Schedule an appointment so we can formulate a tailored allergy relief solution for your pet.

Call Us! (937) 773-8060

How Skin Disease Affects Your Pet’s Health

Skin conditions in pets are more than just uncomfortable; they can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. Pets with skin disease often experience chronic itching, irritation, and pain, which can significantly affect their quality of life. In many cases, skin problems are compounded by secondary bacterial or yeast infections, worsening the irritation and discomfort. Diagnosing and addressing the root cause of your pet’s skin condition is essential to providing effective treatment and preventing recurring issues.

Cleaning Cats Skin

Diagnosing Skin and Allergy Problems in Pets

Proper diagnosis is key to successfully treating skin and allergy issues. At Cornerstone Veterinary Clinic, we offer a wide range of diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause of your pet’s skin problems. Our diagnostic approach includes:

  • Ear Swab Cytology: If your pet is suffering from itchy or infected ears, an ear cytology can help us identify whether yeast, bacteria, or mites are present. This allows us to tailor the treatment to your pet’s specific infection.
  • Skin Cytology: To diagnose yeast or bacterial skin infections, we collect samples from affected areas and examine them under a microscope. This helps us determine whether medications like antibiotics or antifungals are needed.
  • Skin Scraping: This test is used to identify parasitic conditions like mange by collecting samples from the skin’s surface.
  • Allergy Testing: If we suspect your pet’s skin condition is related to allergies, we may recommend allergy testing. We partner with a trusted reference lab to conduct blood tests that identify specific allergens causing your pet’s symptoms. These allergens can include dust mites, molds, pollens, or other environmental substances.
  • Food Trial: Undergoing a food trial is the only way to accurately diagnose food allergies in pets. A special food that contains a novel or hydrolyzed protein is fed for at least 8 weeks before reintroducing a potential allergen. If your pet’s symptoms return, we know that they are sensitive to that particular protein source.

Treating Allergies and Skin Conditions in Pets

Once we’ve identified the cause of your pet’s skin problem, we can develop a comprehensive treatment plan. We offer a full range of treatments, including:

  • Cytopoint and Apoquel: These medications are designed to relieve the intense itching associated with allergic dermatitis. Cytopoint is an injection that targets specific itch-causing proteins, while Apoquel is an oral medication that reduces inflammation and itchiness.
  • Topical Treatments: We offer medicated shampoos, creams, and sprays to soothe irritated skin and address infections.
  • Steroid Therapy: In some cases, we may recommend short-term use of steroids to manage severe allergic reactions. While effective, steroids must be used carefully to avoid long-term side effects.
  • Allergy Injections: For pets with severe or recurrent allergies, we may formulate custom allergy injections to help desensitize them to specific allergens over time.
Pom Licking Paw
Cat Scratching

How to Prevent Skin and Allergy Problems in Pets

Preventing skin and allergy issues starts with proactive care. Some steps you can take include:

  • Year-Round Flea Control: Many skin problems, including allergic dermatitis, are triggered by flea bites. Ensuring that your pet is on a consistent flea prevention regimen can help minimize flare-ups.
  • Environmental Management: Keeping your pet’s environment clean and free from dust, pollen, and other irritants can also help reduce allergy-related symptoms. Wipe their feet, legs, and abdominal area with a damp cloth when coming indoors to help remove aggravating pollens and spores. Reduce exposure by keeping your pet indoors as much as possible during problematic allergy seasons, like spring and fall.
  • Nutritional Management: Low-quality diets and poor nutrition can contribute to skin issues in cats and dogs, as can certain ingredients. If your pet has a dermatological problem or food sensitivity, we may recommend a specialized diet to reduce exposure to common allergens like beef, poultry, or dairy.

Expert Allergy Care, Tailored to Your Pet

At Cornerstone Veterinary Clinic, we understand that every pet is unique. That’s why we take a personalized approach to dermatology and allergy care, ensuring that your pet receives the right treatment for their specific condition. From diagnostic testing to comprehensive treatment options, we are committed to helping your pet feel comfortable and healthy again.

Call Us! (937) 773-8060