Watery, itchy eyes, sensitive skin, uncontrollable sneezing… sounds like a day in the life of your allergy symptoms. But we’re not talking about your allergies – we’re talking about your pet’s. That’s right, your pet can experience the same allergy symptoms as you can, without access to a big box of tissues. Even more, they can’t really let us know they are having an allergic reaction until we see signs first hand. Paying attention to the common signs of pet allergies is the best way to make sure you can help your pet when allergies flare up. Let’s take a closer look.
Why Is My Pet Having An Allergic Reaction?
Just like in people, your pet can have particular sensitivities to various environmental triggers. These triggers send a signal to the immune system to send out the troops to take care of the offending intruder. These troops are actually specific antibodies that release various chemicals to fight off the offensive substance – but they also affect other bodily functions as well, causing what we refer to as an ‘allergic reaction.’
What Is Causing The Allergic Reactions?
There are two primary categories that pet allergens fall into – food and environmental. Some allergies are present from birth due to various genetic or inherited traits from the parent. In other cases, the allergies are developed over time through repeated exposure to various offensive substances.
Some of the most common environmental allergens in pets include, but are not limited to:
● Dust
● Dander
● Pollen
● Various grasses, trees, and wild plants
● Mold and mildew
● The chemicals found in various fabrics
● Plastics, and petroleum-based materials like car tires, PVC, and others.
● Fleas, ticks, ear mites, and other pests
● Chemical perfumery
● Some brands of cat litter
● Some brands of shampoo
● Toxic cleaning products
● Cigarettes, cigars, vapes
● Some essential oils (tying into the above plant allergies/sensitivities.
Some of the most common food allergens triggering reactions in pets include, but are not limited to:
● Prescription medications
● Processed meat and meat byproducts
● Corn
● Soy
● Wheat
Keeping an eye on these most common triggers can help you to avoid exposing your pet to them. If your pet is sensitive enough to any of these, you will soon see one or more of the allergy symptoms typical of exposure.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Pet Allergies
Here is a short list of some of the most common pet allergies. If you notice your pet is experiencing any of these, visit our veterinarian immediately to provide a more thorough investigation.
Signs and Symptoms of Pet Allergies:
● Skin problems – Itchy, red, inflamed, scabby, rash, bumps, infection, bleeding
● Constant scratching, rubbing, scooting, chewing, pawing, biting, etc
● Hair Loss
● Ear issues – infection, foul odor, itching/shaking, hair loss, discharge
● GI problems – diarrhea, vomiting, constant foul flatulence, anal swelling/redness, anal discharge
● Respiratory issues – sneezing, coughing, runny nose/eyes, red eyes, snoring, discharge
Can My Pet’s Allergies Be Treated?
The good news is that your pet can experience a relatively allergy-free life when the appropriate measures are taken. The first step is visiting our office for a wellness exam. This will give us a complete overview of your pet’s overall health, not just allergies. In some cases, we find that the underlying issue is not an allergy at all but rather something else entirely. Even so, this is the most important part of the diagnostic process when it comes to allergy detection, prevention, and treatment.
Food allergies, if found, are best treated by avoiding the offending allergen altogether. Avoid foods, treats, and medications – essentially anything they will ingest – that includes the allergen in the ingredients. Pest reactions – like flea allergy dermatitis – are best prevented by administering a medicated preventive.
Environmental and seasonal allergies are best prevented through great hygiene standards. Keep pet bedding, toys, and other items clean. You can opt to bathe your pet once per week with an appropriate pet shampoo as well. These are the most common ways of preventing regular flare-ups and can help keep allergens at bay.
Final Thoughts
When you are aware of the common signs of pet allergies, you can take appropriate precautions, get proper treatment, and provide conditional care when needed. If you are ever not sure what’s going on with your pet’s health and want to be sure everything is okay, contact us today. We are here to make sure you have all the help, tools, and information you need to have a healthy and happy pet for years to come.
