A Look at the Most Common Allergies that Affect Pets

A Look at the Most Common Allergies that Affect Pets Seasonal Allergies MAY BE TRIGGERED BY: Plant pollen Mold spores MAY CAUSE: Symptoms that appear or worsen in spring or fall Itchy skin and Hot spots and hair loss excessive scratching COUGH COUGH Respiratory problems, such as runny nose, coughing, or sneezing SOLUTIONS: Weekly bathing with prescription shampoos may help relieve some of the symptoms of allergies Food Allergies MAY BE TRIGGERED BY: Beef Dairy Grains MAY CAUSE: Symptoms that are present year-round Recurrent skin Itchy skin and or ear infections excessive scratching Digestive upset SOLUTIONS: Food allergies can be diagnosed by food elimination diets and/or blood tests Special Diet Once the allergy is determined, your veterinarian will recommend specific foods/diet Skin Allergies MAY BE TRIGGERED BY: Shampoo Cleaning products Flea bites MAY CAUSE: Symptoms that appear after exposure to triggers Itchy skin and excessive Constant licking and chewing scratching SOLUTIONS: Switch to hypoallergenic shampoos For flea bites, use a flea prevention program from your veterinarian FLEA BE GONE Indoor Allergies MAY BE TRIGGERED BY: Mold Cigarette smoke Perfumes Dust and spores dust mites MAY CAUSE: Symptoms that are present year-round COUGH Itchy eyes and skin Respiratory problems, SNEEZE such as runny nose, coughing, or sneezing SOLUTIONS: Clean pet's bedding once a week and vacuum all dust-gathering materials at least two times a week Overall Allergy Solutions Veterinarian may suggest anti-inflammatory injections/medications, antibiotics, antihistamines, and allergy testing and desensitization Fatty acid supplements may help relieve itchy skin Sprays containing oatmeal, aloe, and other natural products are available Provided by: Dr. Daves GROOMING BOARDING DAY CARE www.drdavesboardinggrooming.com pets.webmd.com/dogs/allergies-dogs www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2111&aid-143 www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-health/dog-skin-allergies/ pets.webmd.com/cats/cat-allergy-symptoms-triggers www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2141&aid=142 www.petfinder.com/cats/cat-health/cat-allergy-symptoms/ healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/06/22/pets-seasonal-allergies.aspx Hypoallergenic SHAMPOO