Pet Allergies Part 2: Types and Treatments

 In part 1, we defined overview of pet allergies, how it happens and its common signs.

 Now it’s time for the next part of pet allergies. While allergies are the rising concerns for dog or cat, as a pet owner, it is your responsibility to be informed about different pet allergies types and how they are treated effectively. 

Most Common Types of Pet Allergies: 

Flea Allergy: One or two bites of flea make your pet’s skin incredibly itchy.  After that intense scratching, biting and licking from all the flea bites may cause a secondary infection, inflammation and loss of hair in patches. So, it is important to keep your pet on flea treatments that keep your pet and home fleas free.

Food Allergy: Allergy of particular ingredients in food is another type of pet allergy. Some proteins foods like chicken, beef, dairy products and some carbohydrate sources including corn, wheat, oats, and even potato can contribute to allergy of food in pets. The affected pet might show the signs of upsets tummy, itchiness, flatulence, vomiting, and diarrhea. To treat food allergy, you have to eliminate the allergic food and add hypoallergenic diets that available over-the-counter.

Contact Allergy: Some pets are very sensitive to certain materials like plastic, rubber, cleaners, fabrics, carpets; as a result, they are suffered from contact allergy. If you find your pet has red itchy bumps or blisters on skin and he is sneezing after contact with such kinds of products, it might be a contact allergy. In such case, you have to try some topical solutions for relief from itchiness.

Inhalant Allergy: There are numerous allergens in the air. And the dog and cat are very sensitive to airborne particles. The most common triggers that cause inhalant allergy (atopic dermatitis) include dust mites, dander, molds and the pollens of tree, grass and weed. Affected pets have signs of watery eyes, nasal discharge, trouble in breathing and cough. You can treat symptoms directly through the use of anti-itch ointments and medicated shampoos.

Pet Allergies Treatments:

When you suspect your pet is affected with any allergies, the best way to manage it is avoidance. Hence, you have to do something that may help symptoms at bay. Here are some tips:

·         Keep distance from your pet. Don't hug, cuddle or kiss your pet.

·         Keep your pet outdoors as much as possible. And if he is at home, then restrict your pet to certain sections of the home.

·         Wash your hand properly if you touch pet.

·         Clear an air with high-efficiency particulate air cleaners.

·         Vacuum your home regularly to reduce allergen levels.

·         Regular bath helps reduce airborne pet allergen.

·         Keeping your pet’s skin clean and healthy.

Next, determine what treatment would be effective to treat your pet allergy. For immediate and short term relief, topical treatments are best. These treatments come in form of ointments, drops, creams, lotions or shampoos. Such treatments are given according to the symptoms. For Eye symptoms, there are gentle eye clear drops. To relieve the itching and scratching, antibacterial and antiseptic cream can be used.

To identify potential causes of your contact dermatitis, you have to keep your eyes on pet’s activities and the items you think led to an allergy. Once you found the allergen, keep your pet away from such things.

Whatever you do, but don’t think that such pet allergies will be naturally treated over time. And don’t take these allergies lightly. This would be worse and miserable for your pet. So, when you determine any signs of pet allergies, figure out the best method to tackle the problem.