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How to Tell If Your Pet Has Allergies

Post by: Kenzie on Jun 25th 2019

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How to Tell If Your Pet Has Allergies

If you’ve ever suffered from seasonal allergies, you know how miserable it is to not be able to enjoy warmer weather with itchy eyes and a runny nose. But you may not be the only one in your home to be suffering from a hypersensitive immune system. Pets can experience seasonal allergies just like us, with numerous different side effects. Here are some signs that your pet has seasonal allergies, brought to you by our pet door installation experts .

Biting and Scratching

The most common symptom of seasonal allergies in dogs–and while less so in cats, still possible–is extreme itchiness (anywhere on the body, but especially around furrowed areas such as behind their ears or between their toes). Your pet will begin scratching or biting themselves incessantly, possibly resorting to rubbing their bodies against surfaces such as your furniture or carpet to find any sort of relief from the itch. You’ll also likely notice the reaction becomes more extreme after they’ve been outside. Though the most desirable course of action is to take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible, a bath can be a temporary remedy. If the allergy is being caused by something outdoors, the water and a gentle shampoo will wash off lingering allergens such as flower pollen, grass pollen, or tree pollen.

Compulsive Licking

Paw licking is a normal part of a cat’s grooming practice, but if your pup is constantly licking their paws (or their facial and belly region) this could be a cause for concern. This response has to do with histamines. Though it’s a chemical produced naturally by a pet’s–and a human’s–body, the immune system also releases histamine chemicals during an allergic reaction, which is what causes the itching and redness. When dogs experience allergies they push the histamines out toward their extremities. You’ll often find them compulsively licking themselves in addition to scratching, biting, and rubbing.

Inflamed/Infected Skin

As a result of both allergies and continual aggravation to their skin through scratching and the like, pets frequently develop inflammation and secondary skin infections with their seasonal allergies. They may also have patches of irritated skin where they’ve come into direct contact with an allergen. Whichever way it comes about, these spots of inflamed skin–often called “hot spots”–become increasingly raw and infection prone if untreated. They can even develop into open wounds the longer your pet is left to scratch unhindered. And though this is most common in dogs, it also occurs with cats; and if it does, it can get intense quickly. They’ll end up scratching themselves so severely that skin lacerations will start to pop up across their body. It’s a painful progression, but sadly it’s the only way they can ease the pain at all on their own. If you notice your pet frequently scratching or rubbing at the skin and/or any sign of irritation or infection on their skin, contact a vet immediately to avoid further discomfort. In the meantime, you can help to soothe their skin with witch hazel or black tea bags.

Ear Infections

Extreme and chronic ear infections are a tell-tale sign your pet is experiencing seasonal allergies. A one-time occurrence may not be an allergic reaction, but if the infections keep returning over and over again you can probably point the finger to allergies as the culprit. Signs to look out for include frequent head shaking, waxy and red ears, foul-smelling discharge, and hair loss around the ears. If you think your pet has an ear infection, don’t wait to schedule them a visit with the vet. Infections are very painful for pets, and though the infection may start as an allergic reaction the ear canal can become even worse with bacteria or yeast if neglected. Treatment is also a lengthy process. It could take weeks for the infection to clear after medical care begins, so addressing the issue early is key.

It’s important to give the signs of your pet’s allergic reaction proper attention and professional medical care sooner rather than later. The longer they are exposed to an allergen and left to endure its effects, the harder their recovery process will be. True, some reactions can be mild enough to handle at home, but more severe cases require the assessment of a vet. Your pet can’t fix the problem themselves. Getting the best treatment for your pet’s allergies will ensure that they can continue to be happy, healthy, and comfortable. Do you have any questions? If your pet doesn’t suffer from allergies in the summer, give them the gift of a pet door for easy access outdoors when you’re not home to let them out. Contact Glass Pet Doors today to discuss installing the perfect pet door for sliding glass door for your pet.

What Our Customers Say

  • Julie Wilson
    All of us, especially the doggie, LOVE the door we got from Utah Pet Access. We’ve had the door for 2 plus years now and it’s still like brand new. Our pet door is on the north side of the house and we get lots of weather from wind and storms. Having the door has never been an issue. It’s a high quality product. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
  • Paula Chase
    Utah Pet Access was so great to work with! My dog door was completed quicker than was estimated and with great customer service. My only regret, is I should have done it sooner!
  • Lauren Michaud
    Everyone I worked with was very professional and got things done in a timely manner. Me sad my pups are very happy with the door already! After about a week of practice, they were using it like champs.
  • Lane Porter
    They were super helpful .The door looks great and their follow up has been wonderful as well.
  • Kirstin Anne Workman
    I highly recommend Utah Pet Access. We received a dog door installation earlier this year and I cannot express how pleased I am with the product. Our rescue pup can now easily enter and exit our home without me needing to assist him. We also got the lockable door, which has also been very useful. The service was great and quick, and they have a great warranty on their product to ensure that if they are damaged or malfunction, they will fix/replace it. So far, we have not needed any fixes or repairs in it. Very happy with our purchase, and I would recommend them to anyone on the fence about it.
  • Heather Singleton
    My experience with Utah Pet Access was great! They responded to my questions in a timely manner, told me exactly what to measure, sent me invoice once they got the measurements, and then made it and sent it out. It came faster than they said and it was a perfect fit. The price was reasonable for being custom made. I would highly recommend Utah Pet access to anyone!
  • Maureen Quinlan
    Great team, prompt and friendly. The door looks perfect. Our little Wiggles loves her pet door.
  • Demi Rainaldi
    We have used Utah Pet Access at both of our houses. I love that they bring a new door with the doggie door cut into the glass and we get to keep our original glass. At our first house, we had to have a custom glass insert made because of the plastic pieces that were in the glass door. It was a perfect match to the rest of the door. This was great when we sold our house to give the new owners the option of putting in the old door. They are quick, easy to work with and very professional. I would highly recommend them!
  • Shaleen Doctor
    Best investment I’ve made! My dog loves the freedom of his new doggie door.
  • Doug Maud’Dib
    they did a great job. New pet door works well
  • Monica Higgins
    My puppy and I love the new doggy door. He loves being outside. This door gives him the Freedom to go in and out without me having to let him out and let him in. Utah Pet Access thank you so much. We love our doggy door!
  • Jamie J
    We love our Utah Pet Access dog door! It has been a game changer for our family! The company was great to work with. They showed up on time, were professional, and did a great job!
  • Dan Ludlow
    Great product, great service!
  • Monica Acton
    Their free in home estimate was great. All my concerns and questions were answered. Installation was quick and our pup loves her dog door! Couldn’t ask for a better experience
  • Matthew Smith
    I had a wonderful experience with Utah Pet Access. From the initial visit, to installation was magnificent. It did take a bit of time to get the door manufactured, but well worth the wait and my two golden doodle pups absolutely love it and so do I, well done Utah Pet Access.
  • Emily Slater
    We love our dog door that you installed in our sliding glass door. Great quality. Our dog loves it also.
  • Connor
    Very good experience. They installed my glass window door very quick and were very reasonably priced compared with other bids I received. I would recommend.
  • Kim Grant
    Fantastic service and a great pet door. Don’t be fooled by low-price dupes. We needed a sturdy door for heavy traffic by three large dogs. Very happy with responsiveness and professionalism.
  • George Richards
    Excellent installations and the tecnician was pleasant to work with. All in all we are avery pleased with the door and the service.
  • Lindsey Hurst
    We love our pet door from Utah pet access! They were so helpful, quick, and everything was very easy. I love that it locks and looks seamless with our door.
  • Jessica Wian
    Utah Pet Access installed a in glass pet door for me. I have had it a few months now and it has been amazing!
  • Sandra Walton
    We’ve had our doggy door for a few months now and we love it. The order for the door took a couple months but the installation was really fast. We are very pleased and would recommend Utah Pet Access if you are looking for a custom doggy door.
  • holtkev
    Utah Pet Access was amazing to work with. They respond in a timely manner and answered all of our questions. Thier product is simply awesome and we and our dog love it.
  • Matthew Neighbour
    Great product, very professional install. Looks great highly recommend. Staff were all freindly and didn’t mind the furbaby bothering the installer :)
  • Big Changes
    Great experience with Utah Pet Access. The owner and the employees are so patient and helpful. I originally thought we wanted a doggie door in the wall. There was only one spot that it would work since we have a lot of windows. The company installer came the day we scheduled the install and while at our house my husband and I changed our minds and wanted the glass door doggie access instead . The installer who is one of the owners was so patient and friendly. So instead of installing the wall doggie door he measured for the glass doggie door. We couldn’t be happier with how the whole experience went! We love the doggie door and so do our pups.
  • ZJ Playz
    After we had a new sliding door installed we looked at several options for a dog door. We settled on Utah Pet Access. They installed a dog door in both the glass door and screen. The entire process from initial bid to installation was excellent as us their finished product. Though there are other similar products are available online I like the idea Utah Pet Access comes out and takes the required measurements and they are local. If you’re needing a dog door I would highly recommend Utah Pet Access over a panel that installs between the door and frame.
  • Angela Abel
    Great service and product. The install was quick and great quality. I have had the door for several months now and it works fantastic. One dog struggled with my old bottom flap door but is much better with the middle swing opening. Thanks!
  • Ana Esquibel
    We ALL are really enjoying the dog door from Utah Pet Access! Including our two giant furbabies! It has made life much easier for us! Thanks Utah Pet for making things easier!
  • Isaac Pugh
    Utah Pet Access was awesome to work with, I highly recommend them to anyone looking to have a pet door added. The measuring process was super quick, the pros were very communicative on how long it would take to get our large glass section made, and when they could get it installed. Once it was ready the install pro came out and had everything finished within 30ish minutes! They even replaced the adhesive on my security sensor and reinstalled that on the door for me. Will definitely be using them again in the future!
  • Rozie Riley
    I am so pleased with my dog door. Trevor was amazing to work with. I am no longer a personal door greeter 24/7. Hallelujah!
  • Tatia Beaslin
    So glad we decided to have Utah Pet Access install a pet door in our glass patio door. It looks so classy and is so nice to not have to let Zoe in and out all day! The process was super easy and I was only without my patio door for about 20 minutes! I was shocked they could install it so quickly!!!! If you’re on the fence about a dog door — do it with Utah Pet Access!
  • Miriam Armstrong
    Thank you for helping Milo learn how to get through the doggie door! He is so confident at doing it now.
  • Janae Thompson
    Excellent quality, professional installation and looks great! Great communication and quality customer service.
  • Kelly Hardman
    Great service, excellent work! Highly recommend Utah Pet Access.
  • Deanie Honsinger
    Needed a door that my BIG pups could get out of. Changed the glass with a dog door in my single back door. Works great!!!
  • Nathan Hulce
    Great door for my dogs. Great service.
  • Becky Lewis
    Our dog absolutely loves his doggie door and we love how convenient it is.
  • Korral Elg
    We have two Great Danes and needed to have a dog door put into our glass door. It looked amazing and has worked fantastic. We’ve had it for almost a year and a half and have loved it
  • Jenny D
    We absolutely love our pet door!! The employees are very kind and pleasant to work with! I highly recommended them.
  • Jane Rogers
    I live in a condo on the 4th floor. I looked very hard to find a dog door for my 40 pound Bernedoodle to go out on my deck. I got some very expensive bids from glass companies, and then found Utah Pet Access! They are total PROS, and focused on this business. They were half the price and it is PERFECT and TOTAL QUALITY! Their people go the extra mile, too! My neighbors across the hall then purchased one for their little Cavalier. Great, great company!!
  • Cindy Tenney
    Amazing experience. Our installer was professional and efficient. We have been extremely pleased with our door.
  • Ingrid Wilson
    The pet door we got works wonderfully! This company was great to work with. They installed a temporary door for us while the permanent one was being made, and it really helped us out!
  • Jenny Norton
    We had moved to new house about 7 years ago and were unable to figure out a place to install a dog door. We found Utah Pet Access at a local show. They was able to replace and extend the glass area of our French door which included a very sturdy, great quality dog door. We have been very pleased with the final product and have recommended them to several friends
  • Kevin Smart
    We have used Utah Pet Access for dog doors twice. We were originally pointed to them by our sister. They did a great job with both installations. The first one was in glass and the second one was in a solid portion of the door. Both installations were excellent. I was originally concerned with putting a dog door in glass, but now, I see that if you limit the cut to the glass it is less expensive to restore to the original state (when you sell). Our new house has a solid door, so we would have to buy a new door if that time comes. UPA was fast and efficient. The door seal is good without any obvious leaks. They cleaned up well after the job. If I need another door, I would likely use them again.