Allergies in dogs and cats can be very annoying especially if you do not know what is causing the reaction. An allergy is nothing more than a reaction to an everyday substance and any pet can develop one at any time. In fact, over 30% of skin irritations in dogs are due to an allergic reaction. These may be seasonal allergies or they may occur year round and the underlying cause is similar to that which causes allergies in human. The outward signs are different though so you need to know what to look for in order to help your furry friend.
Common symptoms of allergies in cats and dogs include itching, scratching and hair loss. You may see redness and itching in the face, feet, ears or rump of your pet or you may just notice hair loss from repeated scratching. This is of concern as scratching can lead to bacterial infections and other illnesses. You may also notice such things are foul odors or flatulence which can be disturbing to a household. Other signs your pet may be suffering from allergies include vomiting, which is rare, and scooting across the floor.
The best treatment for allergies in cats and dogs is to keep the pet away from the allergens. Unfortunately this is not always possible, especially if your animal is allergic to something outdoors. Yet, the single most common allergen is the flea. By protecting your pet from these nasty critters, you can eliminate a great deal of the problem quickly and easily. Prescriptions, supplements, shampoos and a change in diet may all be of help so consider these before moving to more intensive treatments such as allergy shots.
Certain foods are also known to trigger allergies in dogs and cats. It has been shown the 66% of dog allergies are caused by beef, dairy and wheat. For cats, 90% of allergies are a result of exposure to fish, dairy or beef. If you remove these items for your pet’s diet and the symptoms abate, you most likely have found the culprit. Yet, if they do not or if the allergies are causing severe problems for your pet, consult with a veterinarian. He or she can help to narrow down possible allergens and get your pet back to their normal, healthy self.
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