Allergies and Skin Problems
in Dogs and Cats
Allergies are quite common in dogs of all breeds and backgrounds, typically due to fleas, but can also be the result of food or an inhaled irritant like dust or pollen. Most allergies appear after the pet is six months of age with the majority of affected dogs over age two. The most common symptom associated with allergies is itching of the skin, either localized or generalized. Other symptoms include respiratory distress (coughing, sneezing, and wheezing) or digestive problems causing vomiting, flatulence, or diarrhea.
Flea allergy is the most common allergy in cats. A normal cat experiences only minor skin irritation at the site of the bite. The flea allergic cat, on the other hand, has a severe, itch-producing reaction when the flea’s saliva is deposited in the skin. Just one bite causes such intense itching that the cat may severely scratch or chew itself, leading to hair loss and open sores or scabs on the skin. The area most commonly involved is over the rump or base of the tail.
It is important to be able to identify the first signs and symptoms of allergies and dermatological conditions. These include:
• Scratching, licking, chewing or biting the skin, feet and ears
• Red, raised, scaly areas on the skin
• Bumps, crusts or pus filled vesicles on the skin
• Increased skin pigmentation
• Thickened skin
• Loss of hair
• Salivary staining (brown color)
• Head shaking
If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, please make an appointment to have him or her seen . We will evaluate your pet, determine the most effective method of treatment, and explain how you can prevent future problems. If left untreated, allergic reactions and skin conditions can become serious medical concerns.
Your Pet’s Nutrition
Proper nutrition and a balanced diet, along with fresh, clean water, is an essential ingredient for your pet’s overall good health. As your pet’s caregiver, nutrition is the most significant health variable that you control. Feeding your pet high-quality food is one of the best ways you can protect his or her health and vitality. Although the differences between premium and budget varieties may not be apparent on their nutrition labels, they are in the quality of the ingredients. Both may contain the same amount of protein but be very different when it comes to digestibility and nutritional value. Making the best nutritional choices for your dog or cat not only effects general health, but will improve the quality and length of your pet’s life.
To support your efforts, the doctor at forest hill veterinary clinic perform a thorough body condition evaluation during every physical examination, and give recommendations based on what we see. We can also provide you with important information on proper serving size, nutrient needs, and feeding strategies for your individual pet. We will also help you navigate pet food claims so you can make the most informed choices.
Prescription Diets
Some pets have serious nutritional challenges or chronic conditions that benefit from a special diet. When that is the case, we may recommend feeding a special prescription diet. Making this change can have a significant positive impact on your pet’s overall health and well-being.
Prescription diets benefit medical conditions such as liver disease, bladder and kidney disease, digestive problems, renal failure, food allergies, diabetes, and more. Native Palm Animal Hospital carries a diverse inventory of prescription foods and high-quality nutritional products. If your pet requires a prescription diet we do not carry, we can easily order it for you.
Behavior Counseling
Even with the right training and lots of attention and love, your dog or cat can develop bad habits or unwanted behaviors. Please don’t make the mistake of believing that you and your family must live with these problems or worse, consider giving up your pet. Native Palm Animal Hospital offers behavior counseling for many of your pet’s problems including inappropriate urination or defecation, urine marking, aggression, nipping and biting, separation anxiety, inappropriate chewing and barking, digging, chewing, and introduction of new pets into the household.
Causes of behavior problems can be environmental, such as a schedule change or introduction of a new baby or pet; learned, as a result of unintentional positive reinforcement; or genetic. Furthermore, any painful disease or condition, or degenerative changes associated with aging, can cause or contribute to behavior problems. For example, a pet that is fearful of children may become more reactive, irritable, and aggressive as conditions such as dental problems, arthritis, or an infection make him or her more uncomfortable or less mobile. Addressing the underlying medical problem or providing pain relief, along with behavior modification techniques, can often resolve some of these problems.
Our assessment begins with your pet’s clinical history and a thorough medical examination. Before beginning behavior therapy, any medical problems that have been diagnosed will be treated. If our veterinarian and technical staff members cannot help with your pet’s behavior problem, we can refer you to a board-certified animal behavior specialist.
Whether your pet is a playful puppy or kitten, active adult dog or cat, or a senior pet entering his or her golden years, we use a personalized approach to high-quality pet care based on your pet’s needs.
Glaucoma Prevention
Glaucoma is a common condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eye increases, resulting in damage to the optic nerve, followed by loss of vision and blindness. There are two types of glaucoma. Primary or chronic glaucoma is hereditary or develops as your pet ages. Secondary or acute glaucoma develops as the result of an injury or illness. Because secondary glaucoma can progress rapidly, it is considered an emergency situation requiring immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of glaucoma to look for include:
• Redness in the eye
• Tearing or discharge
• Eye sensitivity to light • Pain
• Cloudy-looking eye
• Bulging eyeball
For your pet’s comfort and safety, we use a handheld tonometer to measure the fluid pressure inside his or her eyes. This is a non-invasive, simple procedure that should not cause your pet any discomfort or stress.
Your Pet’s Nutrition
Proper nutrition and a balanced diet, along with fresh, clean water, is an essential ingredient for your pet’s overall good health. As your pet’s caregiver, nutrition is the most significant health variable you control.
Feeding your pet the highest-quality food you can afford is one of the best ways you can contribute to his or her health and vitality. Although the differences between premium and budget varieties may not be apparent on their nutrition labels, they are in the quality of the ingredients. Both may contain the same amount of protein but may be very different when it comes to digestibility and nutritional value. Making the best nutritional choices for your dog or cat not only effects general health, but will improve the quality and length of your pet’s life.
To support your efforts,a thorough body evaluation during every physical examination and give recommendations based on what we see, including information on proper serving size, nutrient needs, and feeding strategies. We will also help you navigate pet food claims so you can make the most informed choices.
Prescription Diets
Some pets have weight challenges or chronic conditions that benefit from a special diet. When that is the case, we may recommend feeding a special prescription diet. Making this change can have a significant positive impact on your pet’s overall health and well-being.
Prescription diets benefit medical conditions such as liver disease, bladder and kidney disease, digestive problems, renal failure, food allergies, diabetes, and more. For your convenience, We sell Hills and Royal canine prescription products for special diet needs.
Treating Your Pet’s Cancer
At Forest hill veterinary clinic, the standard treatment for your pet’s cancer is almost always surgical removal of the mass. Surgery is also the best treatment for both accessible benign cancers and the majority of malignant cancers that have not yet spread. Your pet’s recovery from surgery is usually rapid and post-surgical pain can be controlled using appropriate medications.
Before making the decision on the appropriate course of action for your pet, please discuss all the relevant factors with your veterinarian so you can make an informed choice. Our understanding of cancer is increasing all the time, leading to better treatment approaches, preserved quality of life and an improved outcome for your pet.
Reproductive Medicine
Whether you are an experienced breeder or you are breeding your pet for the first time, Forest hill veterinary clinic can help. We provide the following reproductive medical services for your pet:
• Ultrasound
• Radiology
• Caesarian sections
To learn more about all the ways our medical team can help guide you through this exciting process, please give us a call today. 410-838-6788