Just as a person may develop allergies, domesticated animals may exhibit symptoms of an adverse condition from exposure to fleas, environmental and dietary allergens. Allergens can be inhaled, ingested or in contact with the skin of a pet, leading to various digestive, respiratory or dermal symptoms. Fortunately, there are reliable testing methods that allow you to accurately diagnose and treat allergies in pets. Potential solutions include animal medicine and a hypo-allergenic diet.
Diagnosis of Allergies to Pets
Allergens and the reactions they cause may vary from animal to animal. Reactions to dietary allergens are unusual, affecting less than 10% of dogs or cats. Environmental allergens include those found indoors, such as dust mites and mold spores, and outdoors, such as pollen spores and grass. Animals can also be extremely sensitive to flea bites. Even a small amount of flea saliva can cause widespread irritation on the animal.
Pets may display a number of symptoms that may indicate an allergic reaction, including:
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sneezing, coughing or wheezing
• Snoring caused by swollen throat
• Irritated paws or chewing paws.
• Itchy ears or ear infections
• Itching behind or the base of the tail
Some of these symptoms, although they are common allergic reactions, may also indicate other health problems. Before a pet is tested for allergies, they should be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian. After the veterinarian has determined that the animal is suffering from an allergen exposure, they can carry out an adequate allergy test.
Pet Medicine
Human medications, such as non-prescription antihistamines, should never be given to pets unless specifically prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. These drugs can cause side effects in animals if they are taken alone or mixed with another medicine. Extreme drowsiness, seizures, or other symptoms may occur.
Pet preparations will be administered based on the individual symptoms, the severity of the symptoms, and any pre-existing conditions that the animals may have. As for food allergies, an animal can be put on a special diet that limits or removes the reactive ingredient. Medications, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or allergies, may be prescribed to treat other allergies. Topical medications such as shampoos or creams may also be prescribed for dermal reactions.
Unfortunately, at the moment there are no drugs for allergies to animals. However, treatments are available, including medicines for pets that can successfully manage symptoms and allow the animal to enjoy a better quality of life. A licensed veterinarian can accurately diagnose and properly treat animal allergies.
