Are Pet Allergies Real Health Threats?
While symptoms vary between the species, seasonal allergies affect people and pets. While we’re mostly bothered by runny noses or watery eyes, pet allergies pop up as skin rashes and intense scratching. Indeed, there are scores of pet owners out there who are well acquainted with the misery of an itchy pet. Before you can truly battle this formidable foe, however, it’s important to understand what causes pet allergies.
What’s That Bug?
Fleas are a big culprit behind pet allergies. In fact, flea saliva is responsible for an intensely itchy allergic response. In addition to various diseases spread by parasites like fleas, maintaining parasite prevention is a comprehensive approach to combating flea allergic dermatitis. Without year-round prevention, it’s not possible to rule out a flea allergy when allergic reactions flare up.
Atopy refers to a pet’s overreaction by the immune system to airborne allergens. Pollen, dust, weeds, molds, and grasses are common harbingers of pet allergies. Please watch for the following symptoms:
- Itching and scratching of the ear, face, paws, armpits, and belly
- Biting and excessive licking
- Shaking the head back and forth
- Hair discoloration
- A bad odor
Oral medication, topical treatments, allergy vaccines, and pure avoidance are all ways to combat atopy, but there is no cure. As each pet is unique, so are his or her allergies. We’d have to work closely with you toward an effective treatment, but it can be managed.
Food and Pet Allergies
Sensitivity to various foods can trigger intense pet allergies. Proteins such as beef, chicken, or fish can cause problems, but so can other common pet food ingredients like soy, corn, and wheat. Sometimes, pet allergies can surface suddenly in reaction to an ingredient that hasn’t ever produced allergies before. It can be challenging to pinpoint food allergies or sensitivities, but please let us know if your pet:
- Has persistent itching all year round
- Experiences chronic ear infections
- Has repeated problems with anal sacs
- Hasn’t shown great results with steroids
A strict hypoallergenic diet should be enforced for 10-14 days. Once you know what food your pet is allergic to, you can eliminate it entirely.
Find a Solution Today
Please let us know if you suspect your pet is suffering from allergies. Whether it’s food, fleas, or airborne allergens, we can help your pet on the road to recovery. Allergy tests come in the form of avoidance, desensitization, and even shots. Blood tests or intradermal skin tests can help us identify pet allergies.
Once again, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re always here for you and your pet!