Summer Allergies: Keep Your Pet Comfortable in San Antonio’s Heat

As the temperatures in San Antonio climb, our pets face quite a few challenges, and summer allergies top the list. The team at Borgfeld Animal Hospital is to help your furry friends stay comfortable during these sweltering months. We know how important your pet’s skin health is, and we’re all about getting those allergy symptoms under control.

What’s Bothering Your Pet?

In the heat of San Antonio, allergies can really do a number on your pets. Their skin is their largest organ, and their first line of defense against the sun, heat, and allergens—but it’s also where allergies can show up and cause trouble.

Signs Your Pet Might Have Allergies

Is your pet itching more than usual, or maybe sneezing a bit too often? Here’s what to watch for:

• Signs of Itching: Constant scratching or licking is a big red flag.
• Infections: Frequent skin or ear troubles can be a sign of allergies.
• Hair Loss: This and other skin damage could mean your pet is in discomfort.
• Upset Stomach: Allergies can also mess with the stomach, causing vomiting or diarrhea.

Why Pets Get Allergies

Common allergy triggers include:

• Environmental Allergens: Things like pollen, mold, and dust mites.
• Food Sensitivities: Some pets react badly to certain foods.
• Parasites: Fleas and other parasites can also cause allergic reactions.

Our Approach to Diagnosing and Treating Allergies

At Borgfeld Animal Hospital, we’re dedicated to getting to the bottom of what’s causing your pet’s allergic reactions. Our comprehensive approach to diagnosis means we use a range of advanced tools to uncover the precise allergens affecting your pet:

• Blood Tests: These tests are crucial for detecting environmental and some food allergies.
• Skin Scrapings: This test helps identify skin infections or mites that could be contributing to the allergy symptoms.
• Patch Tests: We apply small amounts of various allergens to the skin under controlled conditions to see which ones trigger reactions.

Customized Care for Every Pet

Once we’ve identified the allergens, we tailor a treatment plan that suits your pet’s specific needs. Depending on what we find, the plan may include:

• Medications: Oral antihistamines or corticosteroids can quickly reduce symptoms.
• Topical Treatments: These treatments, including medicated shampoos or ointments, help soothe irritated skin.
• Allergy Shots: Immunotherapy is an excellent option for pets with chronic environmental allergies.
• Dietary Changes: We might conduct food trials to rule out food allergies by eliminating certain ingredients from their diet.

Our goal is to relieve your pet’s current discomfort and prevent future issues. By tailoring treatments and guiding you through the management process, we ensure your pet enjoys a more comfortable and happy life, no matter the season.

Tips for Keeping Your Pet Comfortable This Summer

Here’s how you can help your pet beat the allergies as the mercury rises:

• Make sure they have plenty of water. If you’re worried your pet might be dehydrated, check if they have dry gums or seem overly tired.
• Regular baths can help wash away allergens.
• Keep them inside when it’s super hot, especially when the pollen is flying around.

Why Borgfeld Animal Hospital?

Our veterinarians are experienced in treating pet allergies and personalize every treatment plan. Our goal is to ensure your pet enjoys life without those pesky allergy symptoms.

Are you seeing signs of allergies, such as sneezing, itching, or anything else unusual? Give us a call today. Let’s keep your pet feeling great all summer long!