Animal Skin and Allergy Clinic Blog

People spend an inordinate amount of time saving up for vacations, or planning activities designed to stimulate the senses. In fact, this preoccupation with our own entertainment motivates us to work longer hours, cut coupons, and invest in the art of patiently waiting for the right moment to appear. This endless pursuit got us thinking about the cats we know and love.

If they were to create something that truly knocked their proverbial socks off, would they build a catio? You bet!

A Taste of Freedom

Without exposure to predators, parasites, or vehicular accidents, indoor-only felines can live two decades (or more!). However, strictly indoor cats commonly have fewer opportunities to exert themselves and exhibit their natural behaviors. Some form of enrichment should be provided and with obesity and diabetes on the rise, it’s worth it to consider the benefits of a catio. Continue…

Even though Punxsutawney Phil may have seen his shadow this year, spring is still right around the corner – especially here in the Pacific Northwest. While we all may be looking forward to some warmer temperatures, the change in seasons often comes with changing allergy symptoms.

Spring pet allergies can be challenging but, with a little preparation, you can prepare to manage your pet’s symptoms in the months ahead.

What Causes Spring Allergies?

Pets can be allergic to many things, including pollens from trees and grasses. The start of the spring allergy season is brought on by the increase of pollen in the air as plants begin to come out of their winter dormant period. This starts a little earlier in the Pacific Northwest than in many other areas of the country, due to the mild weather of the region. Continue…

Sadly, obesity is a big problem in this country for both pets and people alike. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over half the pets in the United States are overweight or obese. While pudgy pets may look cute, the problem is far from pretty.

How Can I Tell if My Pet is Obese?   

Obesity is simply the accumulation of excess body fat. We are accustomed to seeing pets who are overweight so it can be more difficult than it would seem to determine if your family friend is packing a little more than he or she should be. Try to look objectively at your pet by: Continue…

Having an itchy pet is frustrating. The solution requires determining not only the source of your pet’s itching, but also the best strategy for managing whatever your pet’s condition may be.

Investigating the cause of your pet’s itching may include checking for a food allergy. But how do you know if your pet needs to be checked for food allergies, and what exactly is involved?

How Do I Know if My Pet Might Have a Food Allergy?

A pet food allergy is a response by the body to a food that has been ingested. These reactions can be due to a chemical or other intolerance, not necessarily allergy, so it is more accurate to call these adverse food reactions. Many times the offending food item is a protein. Occasionally, though, a carbohydrate can be the cause of the issue. In order from most common to least, the causes of adverse food reactions in dogs and cats include: Continue…