Pets, like people, can have allergic reactions, and as an owner, there are several things that you can keep in mind and do in order to help your companion animal’s allergies under control. Unfortunately, many pet owners are not aware that their furry friends are also susceptible to have allergic reactions to pollen or other environmental allergens. There are two types of pet allergies.
Types of Allergies
Food and environmental Allergies. It is relatively easy to distinguish between the two types, as the environmental allergies will tend to be due to pollen and be seasonal. If you notice that your pet gets itchy during springtime, summer, or even fall, then there is a good chance that it is due to allergic reaction to seasonal or environmental allergens; however, if the symptoms are occurring continually, throughout the year, then there is a high likelihood that the source of the allergy is in the food, unless of course there is something in her environment which is constant throughout the year.
Signs That Your Pet Has Seasonal Allergies
Dogs and cats, unlike humans, normally don’t have symptoms that involve the itchy eyes, and runny nose—their allergic reaction is in the form of skin irritation and inflammation (skin dermatitis). Pets that have an allergic reaction to seasonal allergies will scratch more often than they normally due, and will often chew or bite certain areas of their body. Another telltale sign is that your pet may try to alleviate the itch by rubbing itself against vertical surfaces (like a table leg), or rub her face on an abrasive surface (like the carpet). The excessive itching could be accompanied by hair loss, the development of open sores and scabbing.
One of the most sensitive areas in your pet is the ears, and the ear canal. So keep an eye on the scratching, because if the allergic reaction is manifesting itself in that area there is a chance that the scratching will lead to an infection.
Even though pets are not prone to a runny nose and red eyes due to an allergic reaction, it is not completely out of the realm of possibilities, so do keep that in mind.
Signs That Your Pet Has Environmental Allergies
Though less common than seasonal allergies, environmental allergies do still occur in pets, and are often a reaction to household cleaners, carpeting, or certain materials, like plastics. Some signs to look for if you think your pet may have environmental allergies are redness, bumps or blisters on exposed (or low hair) portions of the skin such as the muzzle (nose), feet, or belly. Excessive scratching and hair loss (in severe cases) can also be indicative of environmental allergies.
How to Treat Your Pet’s Allergies
As with any health issue, if you notice that your pet is uncomfortable and exhibiting one or more of the signs described above, then it is recommended that you seek the professional advice of a veterinarian.
If your pet is suffering from environmental allergens, the only good solution is to figure out what she is allergic to and remove that allergen from her environment. This could be a difficult task, but once you figure out what he allergen is then removing it is less of a project. Seasonal allergens are another matter.
Since there is not a good way to control the exposure to seasonal allergens, there are several steps you can take to help alleviate the symptoms.
- Baths: The best way to stop the allergic reaction is to remove the allergens, and giving a complete bath can help wash away the allergens from the coat and skin of your pet.
- Foot Soaks: Full baths are not possible (and are not healthy) on a daily basis, so between baths, you can provide foot soaks every time your pet heads back inside the home from a trip outdoors.
- Keep It Clean: As much as possible, keep the living environment for your pet free of potential allergens, by regularly vacuuming and cleaning in and around the house where your pet ventures.
- Change Diet: This is something that your veterinarian may recommend, but changing your pet’s food to an anti-inflammatory type can potentially help with some of the allergic reactions.