Dogs can suffer from allergies to grass, corn, and preservatives in dog food. Cats are known to have allergies to beef, eggs, yeast, dairy, chicken, pork, rice, seafood, soy and dyes. The most common allergen to affect both dogs and cats is flea saliva. Pets can also suffer from some of the same allergies as humans. Pollen, mold, wool and mosquito bites can cause allergic reactions in your pets just as they do in you. Signs of allergies in your pet may be generalized itching and scratching. Flea allergies may involve excessive biting and scratching to the point that the animal develops sores and/or hair loss. Most flea allergies erupt initially in front of the base of the tail. Flea allergies can be dealt with by keeping your pet free from fleas. Mite infestations can mimic flea allergies. Secondary bacterial infections may take advantage of irritated skin and need to be treated with antibiotics. Bacteria like Staphylococcus exist naturally on your pet’s skin. When your pet is healthy and their immune system is functioning properly the bacterium present no problems. However, some dogs develop bacterium allergies and have to be treated with antibiotics. Contact allergies like grass, wool, latex, rubber and dust mites can result in hives and itching. Bathing in hypoallergenic shampoos will help remove the surface antigens especially after the animal has been outside. Washing bedding frequently and in hot water will also remove allergens like dust mites, grass and pollen. Pets with dust mite allergies should not be allowed on stuffed furniture or allowed to play with stuffed animals. Running the air conditioner in hot weather and keeping the filter changed may also help. Food allergies in animals may develop over time. Your pet may suddenly become sensitive to a food he or she has been eating regularly. Food allergies are usually the result of the protein component of the food. However, wheat allergies are not uncommon in dogs and cats. Signs of food allergies include diarrhea and gas and sometimes generalized all-over itching and ear infections. Severe food allergies may include vomiting and respiratory distress. Cats with food allergies may have itchy dry skin or rashes around their face and ears. Food allergies can be diagnosed by an elimination diet, which can take up to twelve weeks. One problem with food elimination diagnoses is that the animal must also be deprived of treats and vitamins during the diet and the cat must be kept indoors. Blood testing for food allergens is now a faster more accurate way to diagnose food sensitivities. Inhalant allergens like pollen, dust and animal dander can also result in itching as well as respiratory problems like wheezing, sneezing and coughing. Sometimes there may be an associated nasal or ocular (eye) discharge. The most common allergies in dogs are inhalant allergies. Removing your pet when you are vacuuming and changing air filters, frequently reduce dust and dander allergy symptoms. Inhalant allergies can be seasonal itching lasting only a few weeks, but if the animal has several allergies, the itching may last year round. Traditional allergy care and treatment involves part avoidance of the offending allergen (food allergies, dust mites) and part treatment as in flea, bacterial and inhalant allergies. In severe cases, steroids like cortisone may be prescribed to treat the inflammation. In dogs and cats, these anti-inflammatories may have side effects like increased thirst and appetite. In dogs, panting and changes in mood, like depression and hyperactivity, are often seen. Some animals will experience incontinence, immune suppression, and pancreatic inflammation. Long-term steroid use (for months) can result in an overproduction of the body’s own steroid production resulting in Cushing’s disease. Cats and dogs can also be treated with antihistamines for itching. Possible side effects of antihistamines include dry mouth, drowsiness and diarrhea. Cats respond to antihistamine therapy better than dogs, however, cats cannot tolerate antihistamines containing pseudophedrine. Fatty acid supplements are recommended for pets taking anti-inflammatories or antihistamines. Hyposensitization therapy or allergy shots are used for the treatment of inhaled allergens like mold and pollen. The pet is injected with specific antigens on weekly basis until the animal’s immune system is less reactive to the allergen. Hyposensitization takes 6-12 months to start working. It does not work for all pets and you may have to give the injections yourself.
Natural and holistic treatments are a gentler alternative to conventional medications and safe for both humans and pets to use. Homeopathic remedies provide symptomatic relief without any unwanted side effects. A combination of carefully selected ingredients such as Arum triph, Viola tri, Comocladia, Chamomilla and Cina promote skin health and helps to alleviate symptoms such as itchiness, scratching, redness and burning of the skin.
researcher Sheli Ellsworth Helpful Supplements for Pet Allergies
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