With the recent change in season, you may have noticed that your best pal is acting a bit peculiar….they may be scratching and itching frequently, having digestion issues, or struggling with respiratory problems. Just as people are susceptible to a myriad of allergies caused by skin contact, inhalation or digestion, so are their pets. Since allergies may be seasonal or year round and can range in severity, it is important to take steps to properly identify the cause to determine the best treatment.

Itchy allergies may stem from inhaled allergens, contact or food. When pets are allergic to something in their environment they may have abnormal, localized spots or general problem areas covering their entire body. Plant pollens, molds or tiny mites in the home along with carpet cleaners and other chemically based cleaning supplies can be a problem for pets inside. Other environmental allergies pose threats to more active pets like fleas, toxins and chemicals that are found outdoors. Allergy tests can be performed to find what is causing irritation to your pet. Skin and blood tests are both used by vets to determine internal and external environmental allergies.

Food allergies typically cause digestive problems and are not identified by a skin or blood test. Typically food allergies must be identified with special food prescribed by the vet to diagnose what is ailing your animal. Ingredients in your pet’s food or treats like preservatives and fillers cause symptoms of food allergies including itching and digestive trouble. Although ironic, it is not uncommon for cats to be lactose intolerant. Even though respiratory allergies are rare, they are cause for major concern. If your pet has difficulty breathing, consult your veterinarian for immediate help and then follow up and have an examination performed to determine how to help your pet breathe without struggle.

Identifying the allergen that is aggravating your pet is critical in their treatment. Animals may suffer from more than one allergy at a time, which can make the detection process very challenging. There are steps you can take to help prevent your pet from coming in contact with potential irritants as well as restricting their contact with allergy agents. Take time in your home to keep your pets from coming into contact with chemical agents by moving them to another room when you clean and try to keep floors as clean and dust-free as possible. Dust bunnies that hide in corners and under furniture are at eye and mouth level for most pets enabling them to inhale allergens with every breath. A higher quality diet, preferably homemade hypoallergenic food and treats may prevent food allergies along with prolonging the quality of life for your pet.

Oatmeal and hypoallergenic shampoos can help ease the tenderness and frustration your pet experiences with a skin allergy. A flea and tick application or insect repellent shampoo can help keep your pet from coming in contact with critters who can wreak havoc with your pet’s skin. Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin A, E and Zinc supplements added to your pet’s diet can help with inhalant allergies but it is typically best to have the vet prescribe antihistamines, steroids, antibiotics or allergy shots. Taking a few steps and working with your vet can help determine the source of your pet’s allergy along with the appropriate medical treatment and can make the change of seasons easy and uneventful.
By David Greenwood