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Similar to humans, pets can also develop allergies due to various factors around them. Pet allergies can occur when a potential allergen comes in contact with the pet's body like ears, nose, eyes, or skin and the immune system reacts to remove it. These allergens can be anything like pollen, dust mites, or any food substances that may irritate the skin of the pet and even cause inflammation. Understanding the signs of these allergies early can make a world of difference in your pet's comfort and well-being. Keep reading this article to gather more information about pet allergies.
What Causes Pet Allergies?
Pet dander allergy skin rash or pet hair allergies are a few common allergies found in pets. The reasons stated below can cause skin allergies, ear inflammation, and contact allergies in pets:
1. Environmental Factors
Pet allergies might be caused by several common environmental factors, such as fleas, mold, pollen, dust mites, and airborne allergens like pollutants, particulate matter, and pet dander.
2. Food Allergies
Like human body, a pet's body might also be allergic to certain foods, such as dairy, beef, chicken, eggs, wheat gluten, soy, and fish.
3. Contact Allergens
Shampoos, cleaning agents, or materials that come into contact with the pet’s skin can lead to allergies.
4. Insect Bites
Flea bites or other insect stings can cause allergic reactions to your pet’s body.
5. Genetic Predisposition
Certain breeds are more prone to developing allergies.
These are some of the possible trigger points for pet allergies; however, there can always be other reasons for an allergy. You may have to watch out closely for the symptoms and medical history of your pet to find the right cause.
What are the Symptoms of Pet Allergies?
Many pet owners consider itching as the only symptom of allergy, however, this isn’t true. As of now, we have seen so many causes of pet allergies, and therefore there are a lot more symptoms related to pet allergies that every pet parent should be well aware of. Here’s an overview of what are some possible symptoms of pet allergies:
1. Itchiness
When an allergen comes into contact with your pet’s body, the immune system releases histamine, which triggers itchiness that becomes a common and primary symptom.
2. Hives
Hives are red itchy bumps that can be painful at times. Hives appear when a pet's body is affected by allergens.
3. Inflammation
A common sign of allergy is inflammation, which leads to swelling, irritation, and itchiness caused by food items like fish or meat.
4. Swelling of Face, Ears, and Lips
Histamine and any other inflammatory hormones trigger the inner layers of tissues to swell and irritate. This condition is also known as angioedema.
5. Vomiting
Inflammation in the worst cases can lead to nausea and vomiting.
6. Diarrhoea
Often triggered due to food allergens but diarrhoea can also be a symptom of other allergens. Dehydration due to watery diarrhoea can be dangerous.
7. Runny Nose and Itchy Ears
Similar to humans, when pets get exposed to allergens like pollen, moulds, or dust mites, their eyes become teary , and they develop a runny nose and itchy ears. These symptoms are a protective mechanism by the body to help remove external particles.
8. Sneezing
Sneezing is another symptom of allergies, which is also a protective measure by the body to kick the foreign allergen out of the body.
How to Prevent Pets Allergies?
To save your pet from an allergy you should make sure that the pet is living in a clean, dry, and hygienic environment, as there are many reasons why your pet might get these allergy symptoms. Regular cleaning of the pet by showering it, using hypoallergenic products, sanitising its shelter, taking care of its hair, nails, and teeth, and having a regular visit to the vet can keep your beloved away from potential dangers. Despite these proactive measures, a pet playing or roaming outside might take home pet dander, dust mites, pollen, flea bites, or insect stings and may show signs and symptoms of pet allergies. Monitoring these pet allergies and seeing a veterinarian soon can help manage this.
>> Also Read: Avoid These 6 Skin Allergies This Summer: Helpful Tips and Tricks
Pet Allergies Treatment
When you are a pet parent and you are witnessing pet allergies, you must seek immediate medical help. Following are a few pet allergy treatment methods frequently used:
1. Medications
Pet allergy symptoms can be subsided easily by giving your pet a dose of antihistamine. Petarmour antihistamine is a highly useful medication that is easy to use and gives your furry baby instant relief. Moreover, some of the best antihistamines for pet allergies are levocetirizine and desloratadine.
Other options can be getting professional help and going for allergy shots for pet allergies for quick relief.
2. Self-care
Taking care of your pet fully and avoiding potential allergens can help reduce the risk of pet allergies. To avoid pet dander allergy, get rid of pet dander by keeping the living area clean and using hypoallergenic bedding for the pet. Groom your pet often and use products like Allerpet dog dander remover to keep it safe from pet dander. Also, taking care of your pet's food preferences and suitability can help prevent allergies in the future.
In Conclusion
Many pets, including dogs and cats, may suffer from allergies triggered by a range of factors such as environmental allergens, food ingredients, and contact irritants. Allergies can manifest as mild symptoms like itching and sneezing, or severe reactions such as skin infections and digestive issues. If you understand the unique needs of your pet and take care of it accordingly you can very well manage these allergies effectively. However, if needed you must always visit a veterinarian once in a while to understand whether it is a one-time issue or a chronic one. This way you can refrain from spending a fortune in treatment as pets are not as fluky as humans to have health insurance to cover their treatment expenses. So, give your furry babies the much-needed care they deserve!
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