Tips About Pet Allergies Tips
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Fido is More Sensitive Than You Think
Do you think that Fido has allergies? Allergies are common in animals and there's a good chance that your dog has one. The key to controlling this condition is taking note of things to which your furry friend is sensitive. Some common allergies include:
• Plants, especially ones with oily leaves, that your pet brushes against
• Dust
• Newsprint
• Cleansers and bleaches
• Carpet deodorizers
• Wool
• Topical medications
If your pet is diagnosed with an allergy, your vet will likely prescribe a dog allergy relief medication that will help keep Fido's condition under control. It is also helpful, however, to get rid of the problem—get rid of or keep that pup away from things to which he is allergic.
Spot the Symptoms
Dogs are the animal species most often affected by allergies. If your dog is suffering from an allergy the symptoms will likely surface before he turns three years old. The first signs are typically ear or skin irritations, so keep your eyes peeled!
It is common for pets to be allergic to certain types of food such as chicken, beef, corn, fish, soybeans, and wheat. How can you tell if your furry friend is having a reaction? If your dog is allergic to certain foods, you'll notice reactions such as itching, vomiting, and diarrhea. Bring him to the vet and look into some form of allergy relief. Discuss your options with the vet.
Help Your Pet Feel 100% Better
How, exactly, should a pet's allergies be treated? The answer is that every animal is different, and the severity of symptoms vary.
Treatments will be administered on a case by case basis. Some animals will need weekly or monthly shots to keep their condition under control. Some animals will need special shampoos to help them feel more comfortable. And, in extreme circumstances, an animal may require an air purifier or even a humidifier to breathe more easily.
Sometimes the best solution is to eliminate whatever it is that your pet is allergic to. Additionally, your vet will likely suggest an allergy relief product that will help your furry friend feel 100% better. There are many topical products out there as well as pills that contain antihistamines or corticosteroids. Do not treat your animal with a product normally used by humans.
Does Your Kitty Have Allergies?
One of the most common problems that cats face is allergies. When a cat is having an allergic reaction its immune system overreacts to certain substances that the animal is exposed to. The reaction can surface in one of three ways:
• Localized irritation on one area of the cat's body or generalized irritation all over the cat's body
• Respiratory problems (coughing, sneezing, wheezing, nose and eye discharge, etc.)
• Digestive problems (diarrhea or vomiting)
If you have even an inkling of a suspicion that your cat is suffering from an allergy, contact your veterinarian immediately—it's better to be safe than sorry. Describe your cat's symptoms to the vet and he'll be able to advise you on what to do next. It is likely that your cat will need an allergy relief medicine.
The Usual Suspects
Many cats suffer from a variety of different allergies, and a cat that has one allergy will likely have others as well. A variety of different things can cause allergic reactions in your cat. Some common allergy triggers include:
• Airborne irritants, like pollen
• Contact allergies (objects that irritate the animal after prolonged contact)
• Food allergies (some cats are sensitive to certain foods)
Pay attention to your kitty and be on the lookout for allergies. If you suspect that your cat is suffering from an allergy, bring her to the vet immediately.
Your vet will run tests to determine the root of the problem. Then he will likely prescribe a cat allergy relief medication.
Monitor Fluffy's Diet
Watch what Fluffy eats! Approximately 5 to 10 percent of all pet allergy problems are caused by food. A food allergy will surface in the form of a rash, severe itching, or dermatitis—sometimes they will even result in vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, food allergies can give your ordinarily pretty kitty slick, oily skin and even cause hair loss.
If your cat is allergic to a certain food the effects won't be evident overnight—it could be anywhere from 7 days to 10 years of exposure before the effects of the allergy become evident. In fact, over 80 percent of cats with food allergies will consume the allergen-containing food for over 2 years before displaying symptoms. Talk to your kitty's vet about treatment options.
Spot Those Spots!
The fur and skin of your pooch can tell a very allergic tale. If your dog has an allergy, keep your eyes peeled for evidence of skin irritations. Some of these symptoms include:
• Dermatitis
• Changes in pigment
• Rashes
• Skin eruptions
• Pustules
Most often skin irritations will appear on the abdomen, chin, ears, inner thighs, armpits, anal area, and underneath the tail—be sure to examine these areas.
The vet will use skin patch tests to figure out the cause of contact allergies. Then, he will likely prescribe an allergy relief medication.
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| Sheri Ann Richerson |
