Dear VetBabble,
My 4-year-old pit bull has hives and an ear infection. I’m trying to rule out food allergies. What can I do to make her comfortable in the process? Have you been to your vet? They can do blood tests to find out what is causing the allergy. The vet should be able to provide treatment to relieve the symptoms. Ear infections will not be caused by allergies so that will need a different treatment.
Understanding and Managing Your Pet’s Allergies
Allergies, including food allergies, can be quite common in pets, just like in humans. Your concern for your pit bull’s comfort during this time is commendable. There are a few ways you can help your pet feel better while trying to identify the cause of her symptoms. First, let’s discuss the importance of consulting with your veterinarian, as they can provide invaluable guidance and diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of your pet’s allergies. For more general information on pet food allergies, you may want to check out this article on Pet Food Allergies – Symptoms and Treatments.
Consulting Your Veterinarian
Visiting your veterinarian is always a good idea when dealing with symptoms like hives and ear infections in your pet. A blood test can help determine if your pet is suffering from food allergies or another type of allergy. Your veterinarian can also provide treatments to alleviate the allergic symptoms in the meantime, helping your pet feel more comfortable. Particularly for your pit bull’s ear infection, your veterinarian can identify the underlying cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment. For more information on ear infections in dogs, take a moment to review Ear Infections in Dogs.
Approaches to Food Allergy Management
If the blood tests reveal that your pet does have a food allergy, your veterinarian can recommend an elimination diet in which you’ll gradually remove certain ingredients from your pet’s food to identify the specific allergen. This process can be time-consuming but is invaluable in pinpointing the specific food causing the allergic reaction. While you’re working on addressing your pet’s food allergies, there are a few things you can do to make her more comfortable:
- Provide a hypoallergenic diet: This can be a prescription, vet-recommended food or a home-cooked diet recommended by your veterinarian.
- Keep your pet’s bedding and environment clean: Regular washing of pet bedding and vacuuming can help reduce environmental allergens.
- Use appropriate shampoos and skin care products: Your veterinarian may recommend a specific shampoo or topical treatment to alleviate itching and discomfort.
- Administer medications as prescribed: Your veterinarian may prescribe medications, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids, to help manage your pet’s symptoms while you work to identify the root cause.
For more general information on dog allergies, consult Dog Allergies.
If you own a cat and are facing similar concerns, we also have resources on Ear Infections in Cats. Remember, identifying and addressing the root cause of your pet’s allergies may take time and effort, but it’s essential to ensure her ongoing comfort and health. Consult with your veterinarian every step of the way to make sure you’re providing the best care for your furry friend.
