Pets experience severe allergic reactions just like humans. Recognizing common triggers and knowing what to do if symptoms appear will help you keep your pet healthy and limit risks. Here’s some information from our veterinarian to get you started.
What Is an Allergic Reaction?
Your pet’s immune system is responsible for defending the body against bacteria and viruses. In some cases, the immune system will defend against substances that typically don’t pose a threat to your pet’s body. These substances are allergens, and when your pet reacts to them, it causes an allergic reaction. The allergen may originate from animal, plant, or chemical sources. The more times your pet is exposed to a specific allergen, the more likely it is that he or she will have a strong adverse reaction. The immune system produces an exaggerated response resulting in inflammatory conditions and, in worst-case situations, critical and/or fatal reactions.
Common Allergic Reactions
1.
Fleas. Unchecked flea infestation is a never-ending torment for pets. Fleas gravitate indoors on clothing and hidden in pet fur. Many dogs and cats are extremely allergic to even a few flea bites. Exposed pets may develop a severe rash and scratch and chew at affected areas. Fleas prefer their pet host but will bite humans when exposed. This usually results in a red, itchy lesion similar to a mosquito bite. One female flea can lay 500 eggs in under 2 weeks. The environment, both indoors and outside, should be treated to kill and prevent future infestations. Keeping all your pets on a veterinary-recommended prevention product all year round is key in preventing future flea infestations.
2. Food allergies may develop at any life stage. Puppies, adults, and older dogs—all groups—may suddenly develop a sensitivity to something in their food. Common proteins are usually the cause of allergic reactions, but food colorings and artificial ingredients may also trigger nausea, vomiting, skin rash, diarrhea, and other symptoms. If your dog suddenly starts vomiting and you don’t see any obvious reason, consult our veterinarian. It is important not to allow your dog to dehydrate. Food allergy symptoms that gradually get worse over time include weight loss, excess loss of hair, lethargy, and ear infections. A 10–12 week food trial using a specialized dermatitis diet will often show that a food allergy exists.
3.
Seasonal, inhalant, and contact allergies. Tree and plant pollen is a major cause of skin allergies for dogs. An indication of seasonal allergies is symptoms manifesting about the same time every year. Usually in spring and fall due to high pollen/mold counts. Some pets have an allergic response after merely walking through grass. Like humans, certain dogs may be sensitive to common household cleaners, perfume, shampoo, and aerosol sprays. It’s rare, but dogs can also be allergic to people dander. Imagine that!
How Can Our Veterinarian Help?
Our veterinarian will examine your pet and research symptoms and exposures. We want to assist with determining environmental triggers that may be causing the allergic reactions. We can work together to keep your sensitive pet healthy, happy, and protected from allergies. Give our office a call today to schedule an allergy exam.
Pet Allergies FAQs
Allergies can seriously impact your pet’s quality of life, so it pays to understand something about them. Here are some facts about allergies from your friends at Audubon Animal Medical Center.
What exactly is an allergy?
An allergy is a condition in which the body’s immune system produces antibodies and a substance called histamine in response to a presumed threat, even though the trigger (or allergen) is actually something harmless.
What are the principal types of allergies that threaten pets?
The two main categories of allergies that affect animals are environmental allergies (also known as atopy) and food allergies. Environmental allergens may include seasonal pollen, atmospheric pollutants or toxins, chemicals, and tobacco smoke. Flea and tick bites can result in a skin reaction known as contact dermatitis. Food allergens can include pork, lamb, rabbit, fish, beef, chicken, wheat, soy, corn, and dairy products.
What are some common symptoms of an allergic reaction?
Both environmental allergies and food allergies generally take the form of skin itching, redness, swelling, and irritation. You may notice “hot spots” of reddened skin or patches of hair loss. Your pet may also be licking, chewing, or scratching at these inflamed areas. Some animals can also develop respiratory issues.
Do any of these symptoms indicate a potential emergency?
While most allergic reactions are more uncomfortable than dangerous, the occasional severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening. The most frightening such reaction, anaphylaxis, causes the airway to swell up, making breathing difficult or impossible. If your pet has trouble breathing, bring him to our clinic immediately for emergency treatment.
How can “ordinary” allergies create complications for my pet’s health?
The most obvious and common example is bacterial infection. If your pet constantly scratches, bites, or licks an irritated patch of skin, the resulting skin damage invites bacteria to invade, which may lead to a serious infection and further complications down the road.
How are pet allergies diagnosed?
Our veterinarian at Audubon Animal Medical Center can help you discover the source of your pet’s allergy. While environmental and food allergies can produce similar symptoms, for instance, bowel disturbances may point more toward a food allergy. We will advise you on how to remove different allergy triggers from your home environment or substitute one type of food for another until the offending allergen is revealed—at which point you can take steps to eliminate or minimize future exposure.
How are pet allergy symptoms treated?
While our ultimate goal is to alleviate your pet from his allergy symptoms altogether, in the short term we can help relieve his most distressing symptoms. Cleaning the skin to rid it of pests, oils, and bacteria can provide some relief. We may also prescribe topical ointments or antihistamines to ease swelling and itching.
Audubon Animal Medical Center Has the Solution
Your pet doesn’t have to suffer from allergies. Bring him to Audubon Animal Medical Center so our skilled team can find the solution to his problem and help him enjoy life again!
Contact our Louisville vet today to learn more about senior pet wellness care.
