Pet Allergy

If you see your cat coughing and your dog scratching itself every now and then, there is a good chance that they are exposed to allergens. Our pets can be exposed to allergies through contact with allergens, breathing allergens, or ingesting allergy-causing food and medicine. Sometimes an injection can cause sub-dermal allergies.

Allergies through contact happen when our pets come in contact with plants, dust, chemical products in the household, etc. These can cause rashes and shedding of fur; the pet may scratch incessantly; and sores may develop. Usually the chin, underarms, stomach and ears are the worst affected areas. The exact cause of the allergy is diagnosed using a skin patch test. Treatment involves keeping the pet away from the source of allergy. So, carpets have to be cleaned and dusted; keeping the pet away from plants and grass; and perhaps even changing the dishes in which they have their food. Isolating the cause of allergy is the best treatment; steroid-based drugs can also be administered; however there is no guarantee that these will work.

Pets can get allergies from inhaling dust, smoke, pollen, mold, etc. In cats sneezing, watery eyes, sniffling, and nasal congestion are the result of an allergy caused by inhaling something. Dogs react by scratching the skin and licking their paws. Antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection is detected. Antihistamines and corticosteroids may be given too. It should be kept in mind that corticosteroids can cause side effects such as diabetes, muscle loss, and excessive thirst. Antihistamines are generally considered safe.

Allergies caused by ingesting food items can usually be traced to the meat, grain, and dairy products used. Food allergies may manifest in as soon as seven days or may take as long as ten years. The pet may react fast to an allergy caused by ingesting a plant, an insect, or some medicine but allergies to regular food items take a long time to come out to the surface. Symptoms to allergies caused by swallowing something include itches, rashes, diarrhea and vomiting. Treatment includes giving the pet hypoallergenic food and distilled water.

If you can see that your pet is affected by an allergy; do not delay in taking it to a vet because the condition can worsen. A combination of prescription drugs, diet, supplements, and shampoos can cure your pet.

Remember that what works for one animal may not necessarily work for another; all animals are unique. Also it may not be possible to cure the allergy completely; you can only keep it under control through medicine and keeping the pet away from allergens.