Pinnacle Vet Clinic
Is It Allergies or Something Else? Why Your Itchy Pet Needs a Vet Visit

Is It Allergies or Something Else? Why Your Itchy Pet Needs a Vet Visit

Published by Pinnacle Vet Clinic on

Is your pet constantly scratching, licking their paws, or shaking their head? While it might seem like “just allergies,” those symptoms could be signs of something more serious. Itchy pets deserve more than guesswork.

Allergies are common, but they’re not the only reason pets scratch. Skin infections, parasites, or even hormone issues can cause similar symptoms. That’s why a visit to the vet is so important—we can figure out what’s really going on.

What to Watch For

Pets with allergies often show signs through their skin. Look out for:

  • Excessive licking or scratching

  • Red, flaky, or inflamed skin

  • Recurrent ear infections or head shaking

  • Hair loss or “hot spots”

  • Vomiting or diarrhea (especially with food allergies)

Common Causes

There are three main types of allergies in pets:

  • Environmental (like pollen, mold, or dust mites)

  • Flea allergies (just one bite can cause a reaction)

  • Food allergies (usually to a specific protein)

And don’t forget, other conditions can mimic allergies. That’s why testing is key.

How We Help at Pinnacle

We always start with a thorough physical exam to assess your pet’s symptoms and overall health. This allows us to rule out other potential causes and determine the most likely reason for their discomfort. From there, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan to get them feeling better fast.

Real Relief Is Possible

Depending on the diagnosis, your pet may benefit from:

  • Anti-itch meds like Apoquel or Cytopoint

  • Flea prevention

  • Hypoallergenic diets

  • Medicated shampoos or ear treatments

  • Allergy desensitization (like allergy shots or drops)

We’ll also share tips on how to reduce triggers in your home.

Don’t let your pet suffer through another season. Let’s figure out what’s causing their discomfort and fix it.

Book an appointment at Pinnacle Veterinary Clinic and let’s get to the bottom of that itch!