What are Pet Allergies?

Allergy is the name used to describe an array of symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses or skin rashes felt by some individuals in response to sensitizing substances in the environment. Animals, just like people, can suffer allergic reactions to a wide variety of environmental substances, called allergens. Some allergens are seasonal, such as grass, tree or weed pollens. Other allergens cause year-round symptoms, and include foods, mold spores, hair, dust mites, insects and other materials found in the environment. An allergic reaction is one in which an individual or a pet reacts to normal substance in the environment. Allergens cause reactions through skin contact, inhalation or ingestion. Allergic individuals or pets possess antibodies to the specific allergens. These antibodies cause biochemical changes in the body which produce signs and symptoms of allergy.

What are the signs of Allergies in my pet?

The target organ for allergy in dogs is the skin, so the most common symptom seen is intense itching. Affected animals exhibit swollen, reddened, itchy ears due to inflammation, excessive licking and chewing, face rubbing, and scratching, leading to hair loss, skin rashes, and secondary skin infections. Cats with allergies excessively groom themselves, causing hair loss. Cats experience more runny noses, watery eyes and asthma-like symptoms, much like people.

How can my Pet's Allergies be diagnosed?

After a thorough examination of your pet's history and environmental surroundings, your veterinarian will decide if allergy testing is indicated for your pet. Having ruled out other possible maladies, a small amount of blood may be drawn and sent to a testing lab for diagnostic evaluation. There, your pet's serum will be tested for sensitivity to inhalants such as trees, grasses, weeds and shrubs, molds, oat, wheat, barley and corn pollens, barn dust, as well as for a host of food types used as ingredients in commercial pet food preparations.

How are Allergies treated?

The best form of treatment for allergies is avoidance of the offending allergen(s). In most cases, however this is no possible. Steroid and antihistamines are often used for short-term relief of symptoms, but prolonged use of these drugs can have serious side effects. Immunotherapy (Hyposensitization) is another alternative. In this case, treatment sets are formulated for your pet based on its allergy test results. The treatment is comprised of the same allergens to which your pet tested sensitive. This stimulated the immune system to produce antibodies that bind to the allergens, thus blocking the start of an allergic reaction.

How to help your pet with Allergies?

1.  Consider supplements with Essential Fatty Acids.  

           

For Dogs and Cats: 

            

Vetri-Science Derma-Strength  is effective formula for serious skin allergies and post surgery healing. The focus of Derma-Strength is to increase healing time after surgery and improve the skin health, circulation, and immune response by combining DMG, Hyaluronic Acid, Chicken Collagen, antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids. It is a highly palatable, smoke flavored chewable tablet. 

Welactin is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids derived from salmon, that supports dry skin and coat, general appearance, activity level, attitude, nervous system and immune function.

Omega 3, 6, 9 for Dogs And Cats Gel Caps 

is an advanced multi-fatty acid supplement for dogs and cats with a blend of natural oils from Borage seed, flaxseed and fish.

2. Consider an Anti-histamine

Chlorpheniramine  is an antihistamine used in the treatment of contact, inhaled or drug induced allergies in dogs and cats. It is also used to treat miliary dermatitis in cats. 

Clemastine 

is used as a long lasting over the counter antihistamine symptomatic relief of allergy symptoms. 

It treats the most common aspects of colds, such as sneezing, congestion, capillary swelling, and watery eyes. It also acts as an antipruritic to help soothe itchy hives and helps with a wide range of allergies, including atrophy. It exhibits fewer side effects than other widely used antihistamines, making it a safer choice for your dog or cat. 

3. Consider Natural Anti-histamines 

Homeopet Skin & Itch Relief is a homeopathic formula that provides relief from allergies and airborne pollutants that cause skin irritation and scratching.

Homeopet Skin & Seborrhea relieves symptoms associated with allergies such as localized rashes, oily, greasy coat, smelly skin and ears. Leaves the coat clean, thick and odor free.

What if my pet is allergic to foods?

Food allergy is the most likely cause of allergic symptoms in animals less than 1 of age. Food allergy commonly causes ear inflammation, excessive feet licking, generalized itching and other skin problems. Food allergy in animals also causes more typical gastrointestinal symptoms, among them gastritis, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Since pets cannot be hyposensitized to foods, elimination is the only form of treatment in the case of food allergies. Should your pet test positive to foods, your veterinarian will recommend the proper diet based on the blood test and your pet medical history.

What will happen if I don't treat my pet's allergies?

Allergies that go untreated worsen over time, as antibody levels rise in the blood, in response to your pet's continued exposure to environmental or other allergens. Animals with itchy skin will lick, chew and scratch themselves excessively, causing localized, mild skin rashes to deteriorate, often leading to secondary bacterial or yeast infections. Left untreated, your pet's symptoms will continue to get worse, as your pet ages.