PET ALLERGIES

Hacking, coughing, scratching, watery eyes…do these symptoms sound familiar? Just like with people, these may be signs that your pet is suffering from allergies. Although such symptoms can be attributed to other sources such as hairballs, fleas, or infections, pets can suffer from allergies much the same way as we do and the treatment for this affliction is much the same as our own.

There are four basic types of allergies. These include: contact (skin contact with an allergen), inhalant (breathing in of allergens), ingested (allergies to food and oral drugs), and sub dermal (while less common, this allergy is the triggered by the injection of medication).

Contact allergens are the most common since pets frequently brush against a wide range of plants, especially the oily variety which will cling to the animal’s fur. Other sources of contact include: carpet, carpet fresheners, newsprint, household cleaners, and dust. Rashes, changes in skin color and sores, especially in the chin, underarm, stomach, and ears are all symptoms of contact allergens. How can you diagnose the source of the allergen? As with humans, a skin patch test is all that’s required. Your vet or a veterinary dermatologist can conduct such a test. Treating contact allergies often requires keeping the pet away from the allergen. For instance you may need to remove houseplants from the pet’s vicinity, limit their exposure to grass, keep them off carpeted areas, or even change their food and water dishes from plastic to metal or glass containers. In the case of persistent symptoms, your pet may require treatment with steroid-based drugs. However, you must bear in mind that treatments are not always effective. The best course of action is to isolate the source of the reaction and make sure your pet has limited, or no contact with it.

Inhalant allergies are often triggered by the same substances that illicit reactions in humans. Sources include pollen, mold, dust, tobacco smoke, fragrances, and even commonplace items such as kitty litter. Often misdiagnosed as a respiratory tract or eye infection, feline symptoms include coughing or “hacking”, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, and sniffling. Inhalant allergies are also diagnosed with a skin patch test. Although less reliable, if the skin is too irritated to test or if a dermatologist is unavailable, a blood test can be performed. Treatment of inhalant allergies in cats often includes bronchi dilators, steroids, and an antibiotic if an infection is present. Canine symptoms generally differ. Dogs generally show signs of skin problems characterized by scratching, chewing at their skin, and constant licking of their paws. Treatment includes removal of the irritants, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunotherapy.

Your pet’s food is the most common source of ingested allergens. It is the meat, grain, or dairy products that are used in the food and not the color or preservatives that cause the majority of reactions. This category also includes a reaction to medication given by mouth, and those brought on by your pet chewing on plants. It can take anywhere from seven to ten years for a food allergies to manifest itself. Consequently, a food allergy is rarely one of the first things an owner suspects. Reactions to medication or plant ingestion will manifest much more rapidly. Symptoms in both felines and canines include itching and a rash, and, on occasion, diarrhea and vomiting. An excessively oily coat could indicate that your cat is suffering from an ingested allergen. The good news is that treatment for this type of allergy is the most simple. If your pet has a reaction to a plant, prevent any potential for further contact. If your pet has an allergy to a medication, antihistamines are often administered until the medication is finished. Food allergies can be treated by implementing a bland, hypoallergenic diet. Hypoallergenic food is available at many pet supply stores and these foods generally consist of rice and boiled chicken or lamb. Providing distilled water for your pet to drink is also recommended since the minerals and chemicals in tap water can trigger a reaction. Symptoms should begin to dissipate within a week.

Much less common, and generally caused by the injection of a medication under the skin, is the sub dermal allergen. Once the medication is absorbed into the system the symptoms often subside. Antihistamines can be used to treat severe reactions.

Taking the same precautions that you would use for an allergic human will help you to prevent or minimize allergic reactions in your pets. The best course of treatment is to isolate the cause of the reaction, remove it from your pet’s vicinity, and consult with your vet about appropriate treatment.