Pet Allergy Care in Duxbury, MA

Itching, recurring ear infections, skin irritation, tummy troubles — allergies are one of the most common reasons pets feel miserable, and they affect both dogs and cats. At Duxbury Animal Hospital, our team provides pet allergy care for families across Duxbury and the South Shore, working to identify the trigger and bring your companion real, lasting relief.

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Why Allergies Matter for Your Pet

Allergies are far more common in pets than many owners realize, and they’re becoming more prevalent. Left untreated, they can significantly affect your pet’s comfort and quality of life — leading to constant scratching, hot spots, skin and ear infections, and in some cats, even asthma or breathing trouble. Addressing allergies isn’t just about stopping the itch; it’s about protecting your pet’s overall health.

cat laying outside on a table itching its own face softly with its paw

Signs Your Pet May Have Allergies

Allergy symptoms overlap with many other conditions, which is one reason a veterinary diagnosis matters. Watch for:

Constant itching, scratching, licking, or chewing
Recurrent ear infections
Red, inflamed skin, hot spots, or hair loss
Recurring skin infections
Vomiting or diarrhea
Runny eyes, or in cats, snoring from an inflamed throat

Common Allergies in Dogs and Cats

Pets can react to a range of allergens, and sensitivities vary from one animal to the next. The most common include:

Flea Allergies

The most common allergy in cats, and frequent in dogs. Even indoor-only cats can be exposed through clothing or a dog that goes outside.

Food Allergies

Often triggered by protein sources such as chicken, beef, or pork.

Environmental Allergies

Pollen, mold, dust mites, and contact allergens.

Why You Shouldn't Self-Diagnose

It’s tempting to assume “it’s just allergies,” but many other conditions — including endocrine disorders and parasites — can mimic allergy symptoms. Cats in particular are masters at hiding discomfort, so guessing can prolong their suffering and delay the right treatment. Pinpointing the exact allergen is challenging even for veterinarians, which is why a proper workup matters.

How We Diagnose Allergies

Diagnosing allergies is a bit like detective work. We start with a thorough physical exam and rule out other causes, examining the skin closely for bacteria, yeast, fleas, and other clues. Depending on your pet’s symptoms and history, we may perform skin tests, skin cytology or scrapings, ear exams, or blood and saliva tests. For suspected food allergies, we often recommend a food elimination diet. Sometimes we reach a diagnosis through careful exclusion, considering factors like seasonal changes, a move, or a new food.

Treatment and Relief

Once we understand what’s triggering your pet’s symptoms, we tailor treatment to their specific needs. Options may include:

Modern anti-inflammatory medications such as Apoquel and Cytopoint, which are safer and more effective than the steroid shots used in the past
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, which offer natural anti-inflammatory support
Medicated and hypoallergenic shampoo therapy to remove allergens and soothe or treat skin infections
Desensitization therapy (allergy shots), which gradually builds your pet’s tolerance to specific allergens over time

While allergies often can’t be fully cured, the right plan can dramatically reduce symptoms and keep your pet comfortable. Because allergies are individual, we’ll work with you to find what works best for your companion.

Compassionate Allergy Care Since 1967

As an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital, Duxbury Animal Hospital is committed to getting to the root of your pet’s discomfort and helping them get back to feeling like themselves. If your dog or cat is struggling with allergy symptoms, we’re here to help. You can explore everything we offer on our Veterinary Services page.

Schedule Your Pet’s Allergy Visit

If your pet is itchy, uncomfortable, or showing signs of allergies, let’s get to the bottom of it together. Call us at (781) 737-7820 or book online today.

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