Animal Asthma and Allergy Awareness with our Veterinarian in Clifton

If you've ever had difficulty breathing due to asthma or have experienced a sneeze attack from an allergen trigger, then you can relate to the miserable symptoms many our of furry friends experience. Unfortunately, our pets can become asthmatic, and they can also suffer from a host of allergies. While there's no cure for asthma and allergies, comprehensive treatments can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for your pet. Learn how you can help your pet during with information about animal asthma and allergy awareness from our veterinarians here at Valley Animal Hospital in Clifton, NJ.

Asthma in Cats and Dogs

Asthma is more common in cats than dogs, although both can suffer from this inflammation of the respiratory tract. Caused by an allergic irritant, exercise, illnesses or cold temperature, asthma restricts the airways and makes breathing difficult. During a temporary flare-up, you will notice rapid breathing with coughing and fatigue. If your pet gasps for air, seek immediate care from your veterinarian in Clifton. At our animal hospital, we treat asthma with medication that reduces inflammation in the airways.

Pet Allergies Treatment

The list of things your pet can be allergic to is long and varied; the good news is that once the trigger is identified, we can work with you to reduce exposure and treat the symptoms. Pet allergies treated at our Clifton animal hospital include dietary, seasonal (tree, grass pollen), contact (medication, shampoo), inhalant (cigarette smoke and other chemicals in the air) and flea saliva. Allergy treatment may include antihistamines, allergy injections and skin treatments, such as weekly baths and witch hazel applications. If your pet's food is the culprit, we can recommend a special diet.

Symptoms of Dietary Allergies

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Itching
• Ear infections

Symptoms of Other Allergies

• Scratching
• Skin infections
• Hair loss
• Ear infections
• Paw licking, anal licking and scooting in dogs

Schedule an Appointment with Valley Animal Hospital in Clifton

If your cat or dog is itchy, having difficulty breathing or showing signs of an upset stomach, don't ignore the problem. An appointment to screen for pet allergies or pet asthma can change your animal's life. Call our Clifton veterinarian at Valley Animal Hospital today for an appointment at (973) 509-5225.