At Rouse Hill Family Vets, we’ve been seeing more allergy cases as the weather warms up. Many start as “little quirks” — a dog who chews his paws after a walk, or a cat who grooms her belly a bit too much. But behind those quirks, there’s often a bigger story: atopy (environmental allergies), food sensitivities, or flea allergies.
Left unchecked, these sneaky signs can snowball into raw skin, painful ear infections, and ongoing discomfort for your pet. What starts as a cute head tilt or paw nibble can quickly become a full-blown veterinary emergency.
The good news is that once we spot the signs early, we can jump in with treatment to keep your pet comfortable. That means fewer restless nights for them (and for you), and a much happier, healthier companion.
Lots of owners assume their pet is just “a bit quirky” or “likes cleaning themselves.” But constant licking, scratching, or head shaking is rarely just a habit — it’s usually your pet’s way of saying, something’s not right.
The Sneaky Signs of Pet Allergies:
- 🐾 Paw Licking: Especially after walks or at bedtime.
- 🐕 Ear Scratching & Head Shaking: Often linked to allergic ear infections.
- 🐈 Overgrooming in Cats: Bald patches on the belly or thighs.
- 🛋️ Face Rubbing: On carpets, couches, or even your leg.
- 💤 Night-Time Restlessness: Pets who can’t sleep from all the scratching.
- 🐶 Red Belly or Armpits: A classic hot spot for atopic dogs.
Elmo’s Midnight Routine:
My dog Elmo used to wake us up at 2am with non-stop paw licking. At first, we thought it was possibly some mild anxiety & self soothing. Turns out, it was his atopy kicking in. With the right allergy plan — flea prevention, skin friendly diet, and treatment during flare-ups — he’s gone from itchy night owl to peaceful sleeper.
At Rouse Hill Family Vets, we’re experts at spotting these sneaky signs and working out what’s really going on. Our services include:
- Comprehensive skin and ear checks.
- Parasite prevention tailored to your pet.
- Food trials and allergy management plans.
- Ongoing support to keep flare-ups under control.
✨ Special Offer: For September only, we’re offering $50 off annual flea & tick injections for dogs — helping protect against one of the most common allergy triggers.
Noticed your pet licking, scratching, or shaking a little too much? Let’s get to the bottom of it. Book online at www.rousehillfamilyvets.com.au, call us on 02 9086 9130, or drop by at 10/591 Withers Road, Rouse Hill NSW 2155. You’ll also find more tips and updates on Instagram and Facebook @rousehillfamilyvets.
Allergies may be sneaky, but they don’t have to control your pet’s life. With the right care, we can turn those restless nights and itchy days into happy, comfortable ones.
Warm regards,
Dr Belinda
