Allergies in Pets: What’s Your Dog or Cat Allergic To?

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We can all agree on one thing – allergy symptoms are terrible. No one likes feeling congested and stuffy; we all want to feel our best. While many people are allergic to pets, many pets can have their own allergies? Even worse, though, they cannot tell us how they feel. At Powell Veterinary Service, we can help determine what has your pet down in the dumps.

Can Develop at Any Time

Dogs can develop allergies at any age. From puppyhood to their older years, dogs are constantly growing and changing. There are some dog species that are more likely to get allergies, included flat-faced breeds such as pugs and Boston terriers, but all dogs can be susceptible to allergies.

Our feline friends can also get bogged down by allergies, including many everyday substances that would not bother the average human being.

Identifying Symptoms

Since animals cannot communicate verbally, we as pet owners must be able to identify them using body language. If your pet is acting in an unusual manner, you should notate how they’re acting. Identifying the symptoms could help narrow down what is wrong with your pet.

General allergy symptoms in both dogs and cats include:

  • Sneezing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Snoring
  • Paw chewing
  • Excessive scratching
  • Itchy and runny eyes
  • Ear Infections

Allergens

But what about what can cause allergies in pets? Knowing what can cause an allergic reaction can help you narrow down the source of the cause. Animals and human allergies can be caused by similar sources, and some of the most common allergens for dogs and cats include:

  • Pollen
  • Mold spores
  • Dust
  • Dander
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Perfume
  • Cleaning products
  • Rubber or plastic
  • Certain shampoos
  • Food Ingredients

Wait, what? Pets can be allergic to food ingredients? It’s true! Certain pets can be allergic to types of protein, such as chicken or beef. At Powell Veterinary Service, we can recommend a specialized diet to help see how your pet reacts to help determine what might be the source of the allergy in your pet’s diet.

Treating Allergies

If we determine your pet has a food allergy, there are a couple of actions that can be taken. Some pet food formulas are made specifically for pets with common food allergies, while in other cases preparing homemade meals for your pup or kitten may be the best bet. Before choosing a specialized diet, have your pet checked in our offices and let us work together to make sure that we’re targeting the right trigger substance to eliminate from your pet’s diet.

At Powell Veterinary Service, we believe it is better to take a proactive approach to diagnosing and treating your pet’s allergies. By taking steps to identify and prevent exposure to these allergens, your pet can live a more happy and healthy life. Knowing what triggers your pet’s symptoms can help you identify how to keep your cat or dog symptom free.

For example, if your pet is allergic to dander, mold or dust, you may need to put more of an effort of cleaning your home regularly, particularly your pet’s bedding. For environmental allergens, giving your dog a weekly bath could help with the itching. In some cases, depending on the allergy, an antihistamine could be beneficial. Working with the team at Powell Veterinary Service, we can come up with the best plan for your pet.

If you suspect your canine or feline friend has an allergy, schedule an appointment today. At Powell Veterinary Service, we provide allergy testing and can discuss options for your pet during your visit. To learn more about allergy testing or our full range of veterinary services, call us today at 970-352-9164.