Effective Allergy & Dermatology Care for Dogs & Cats in Huntington Beach, CA
Is your pet constantly scratching, licking, or dealing with irritated skin? At Cali's Cottage, we’re pros at diagnosing and treating all types of dog and cat allergies, chronic skin conditions, ear infections, and hot spots. Let’s get to the root of the problem so your pet can get back to feeling comfortable in their own fur.
Ready to help your pet feel comfortable again? Call us now at (714) 846-1378 or book online to schedule an allergy and skin consultation!
Common Allergies in Dogs & Cats in Orange County
Living by the coast has its perks, like sunny skies, ocean breezes, and palm-tree-lined streets. But our balmy climate also brings challenges for sensitive pets. Here are the allergies we see most often in cats and dogs:
Environmental (Atopic) Allergies
Pollens from grasses, weeds, and ornamental plants (like eucalyptus and olive trees) trigger itchy skin, red paws, and ear infections.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
All it takes is a handful of flea bites to cause intense itching in allergic pets. You may notice hot spots, hair loss, and relentless chewing, especially on the hind end and tail.
Food Allergies
Common culprits include proteins like beef, chicken, and dairy. Food-allergic pets often develop itchy rashes, ear infections, and gastrointestinal upset.
Contact Allergies
Ingredients in grooming products, household cleaners, or even certain fabrics can irritate skin and cause redness or inflammation.
Cat & Dog Dermatology Issues
Beyond allergies, pets can develop a variety of dermatologic issues that affect their comfort and quality of life:
Yeast & Bacterial Infections
Under humid, coastal conditions, yeast can overgrow in skin folds and ears, leading to odor, discharge, and intense scratching.
Mange & Mites
Tiny parasites like Sarcoptes or Demodex can cause hair loss, crusty skin, and severe itching.
Chronic Ear Disease
Recurring ear infections often accompany skin allergies, leading to odor, head shaking, and discomfort.
Lumps & Bumps
All manner of growths can pop up on your pet’s skin, from a benign adenoma to a rapidly growing mast cell tumor, so perform routine checks for unusual bumps.
Seborrhea & Dry Skin
Flaky, scaly patches can be a sign of underlying hormone imbalances or nutritional deficiencies.
Diagnostic & Treatment Options for Lasting Comfort
We combine advanced diagnostics with years of experience to pinpoint the root cause and create a tailored treatment plan. To help your pet find relief, we’ll start with conducting appropriate diagnostic tests that may include:
- Comprehensive Skin & Ear Exams: We start with a hands-on physical exam, looking for lesions, inflammation, or parasites, and discussing your pet’s history and lifestyle.
- Skin Scrapings & Cytology: Quick, painless samples help us identify mites, yeast, or bacteria under the microscope.
- Allergy Serum Testing: Sending out a blood sample reveals environmental triggers so we can target them precisely.
- Elimination Diets: A structured food trial pinpoints dietary allergens and guides us to a safe, balanced diet.
Once we’ve identified the cause of your pet’s skin issues, we’ll create a tailored treatment plan that may include soothing topical treatments and medicated baths to restore the skin’s barrier and reduce inflammation; oral medications or supplements like antihistamines, fatty acids, and immunomodulators to address symptoms internally; and allergen-specific immunotherapy to gradually desensitize your pet to their triggers. For pets with chronic allergy issues, we offer packages that help you stay on top of skin problems to avoid full-blown flares, without the full expense of a traditional exam each visit.
Your pet deserves to run, play, and cuddle without the constant urge to scratch. If you’ve noticed persistent itching, red patches, or ear troubles, give us a call or book an appointment online.