Allergies occur when the immune system reacts abnormally to everyday substances, such as pollens, mold spores, fleas, mites, or certain foods. The allergic reaction can be caused by inhaling or ingesting the allergen, but more commonly by direct contact with the pets skin.  

Your pet inherited its ability to become allergic from its parents. After continued exposure to the offencing allergen for months or even years, the signs fo allergies occur. With repeated exposure your pet gradually experiences longer and longer periods of itching and discomfort. Most pets develop allergies between two to four years of life.  

Signs of allergies are:

• scratching , biting, chewing or licking the skin. The most common areas are the belly, feet, base of tail and face.
• Excessive face rubbing
• Excessive grooming
• Hair loss
• Recurrent ear infections
• Less commonly sneezing, coughing and asthma  

Not all scratching is due to allergies. The doctors at Corinth Animal Hospital will take a complete history of your pet’s problems and perform a complete physical examination, along with possible laboratory tests. They may recommend a special diet or food trial to eliminate food allergy as a cause for the allergic signs.