Is your pet causing allergies or sensitivities? It is not uncommon for owners to experience allergic reactions to their pet’s fur, dander, or hair. This does not mean that you need to rehome your pet, however; it could be caused by a grooming product or resolved with over-the-counter medications, in most instances.
Are you allergic to your pet? Here are some things that owners should know about allergies:
- The allergic reaction is typically in response to your pet’s skin cells, urine, or saliva.
- The skin cells that your pet sheds when they scratch are called dander, and this is most often the cause of allergies in their owners.
- Some symptoms of an allergy include signs that resemble asthma, like difficulty breathing and wheezing, as well as sneezing, runny nose, and sinus headaches.
If allergies are a problem for you but you still want to adopt a pet, look for dogs or cats with hypoallergenic fur. This does mean that they will require regular grooming, but they will have no more effect on sensitivities than human hair. Or you may opt to adopt a different type of pet without dander or fur, like fish or reptiles.
Furthermore, many pets experience allergies or discomfort during specific seasons. The best thing for owners that suspect their pet has an allergy is to visit the vet to rule out any medical issue; it may require trial and error in terms of diet to pinpoint the root cause of the reaction. Here are some things to know about your pets’ allergies:
Symptoms Your Pet has a Problem
Do you know what to look for in terms of allergy symptoms? If you notice behaviors that include excessive licking, itching, or biting at their skin, they could be experiencing an allergic reaction. Some other symptoms that your pet has an allergy include:
- Stomach or digestive issues.
- Chronic ear infections.
- Swelling, particularly around their face.
The best thing to do when noticing unusual behaviors in your pet is to seek veterinary advice. Some allergies can cause anaphylactic shock, which could be fatal.
Consider Your Pet’s Diet
The common culprit behind these pesky symptoms are pet food allergies. Most often, pets are allergic or have sensitivity to chicken, beef, or dairy- found in pet foods. Inexpensive kibbles may also contain grains, which are also common allergens among dogs and cats. Some of the ingredients that pets are most sensitive to include barley, corn, oats, wheat, and rice.
Got questions or concerns about your pet and allergies? Be sure to speak with a trusted veterinary professional near you. And for emergency or specialty care, talk to the veterinary professionals at CVETS in Columbia, South Carolina; this is a brand new, state of the art Emergency Vet and Surgery center serving your pets’ specialty veterinary needs. Call for an appointment today!
