In early May, Amber L. visited the PetwellClinic in Farragut with her dog, Tanner. Amber was concerned because Tanner was in pain from inflamed paws, and had not been acting like himself because of the discomfort. He had been licking at his paws, but his symptoms weren’t improving and Amber was rightfully worried.
Dr. Katie Comerford talked with Amber while examining Tanner and determined that the inflammation was allergy related. While we all know East Tennessee is a hotbed for allergies, it’s not always assumed that pet owners are aware that dogs and cats can develop allergies because of the environment they live in as well. Pollen, grasses, trees, weeds, and mold, can affect our pets in various ways.
Amber said, “The staff were calm and understanding…Katie Comerford DVM is a true asset to this clinic. She was gentle with Tanner despite his best efforts to avoid treatment. And she was very understanding. She listened to our concerns and was able to start him on Cytopoint STAT. We are relieved to find that he is resting comfortably after we applied his Derma Calm mousse and gave meds with food. Thank you so very much as Tanner is our baby.”
Amber and Tanner are far from alone in their experience. We see many pets this time of year showing symptoms of discomfort from environmental allergies. But symptoms of allergies in pets can occur anytime of the year, and be caused by food, shampoos, or by flea or tick bites. Some pets may develop an irritated skin condition called contact dermatitis when they’re exposed to substances like pesticides or soap that they’re allergic to.
Here are some of the more common symptoms that may indicate your pet is suffering from allergies:
- Scratching or itching more than usual
- Licking or chewing at paws
- Inflamed or swollen paws
- Sneezing or coughing
- Frequent head shaking
- Runny eyes or eye discharge
- Red bumps, hair loss, or hot spots
If your pet is experiencing any of the symptoms above, consult with your veterinarian or bring them into PetWellClinic® for an evaluation. Sometimes a physical examination is all that’s needed to determine allergies are at play. Other times, skin, blood, or urine tests may also be recommended to rule out bacterial, fungal, or yeast infections or any systemic disease.
Fortunately, there are ways to treat allergies in dogs and cats so that your pet doesn’t have to suffer needlessly.
If the symptoms are minor, simple home-care steps like wiping your pet’s paws and coat with a damp towel after they’ve been outdoors can make all the difference. For more severe symptoms, medication may be recommended, as was the case with Tanner.
The veterinarians at PetWellClinic® have a great deal of experience diagnosing and treating allergies, and we encourage you to bring your pet in for an evaluation. Our wellness walk-in clinics in Knoxville and Alcoa are dedicated to helping dog and cat owners treat conditions like allergies, whether they are seasonal or chronic.
By operating convenient hours for non-surgical care, PetWellClinic® is able to offer substantially discounted prices for wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite preventative products, and treatment of minor conditions like allergies. Our staff can also help you manage your pet’s chronic conditions, and monitor lab work in a quick and affordable manner. We operate as a walk-in clinic for your pet—no appointment necessary, with convenient evening and weekend hours and quick in-and-out service.
PetWellClinic® has three locations: 10549 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922; 7329 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919; and 228 S. Calderwood Street, Alcoa, TN 37701. Learn more about how PetWellClinic® can exceed your expectations for affordable, top quality pet care by visiting our website at www.petwellclinic.com.