Pets Can Have Allergies Too



Posted: Friday, March 17, 2006

by lorien1973
Online Discount Mart Home & Garden Decor

We may not always realize it but pets can suffer from allergies just like their human caretakers. Our pets can be susceptible to a host of allergens such as food, dust, pollen and many other substances that plague people.

Symptoms may vary depending on the allergen but itchy skin, inflammation, watery eyes and even hair loss can indicate an allergy. Pets may exhibit behavior such as excessive licking, scratching and biting. They may even pull out clumps of hair. Pet owners may mistake such behavior as a flea problem, which they may respond to by using such products on the pet that may only aggravate the existing condition.

Some pets may be more sensitive to certain allergens than others and many, like their owners, suffer from seasonal allergies. If you suspect your pet has an allergic condition it is best to take the animal to the veterinarian. Allergy tests may determine what is causing the reaction. Diagnostic procedures can be helpful but pinning down the exact allergen responsible for your pet’s problem can often prove difficult. The best course of action is to avoid the allergen or remove it from the vicinity so that the pet will not come in contact with it but this can only be done when the allergen is known. Even if the allergen is identified it may be difficult to eliminate or avoid completely.

Skin conditions such as dermatitis can be common in both dogs and cats. In any case, if a skin condition results in swelling, sores or any type of discharge contact your veterinarian at once. Although the condition could be caused by an allergen it may be the result of other conditions or parasites as well. It is necessary to have a diagnosis made by a qualified practitioner so that proper treatment can be given.

Keep in mind that your pet could be allergic to any of the dozens of items in your household from the fibers in the carpet to the cleaning products you use. People may often mistakenly rule out a potential allergen simply because another pet in the household is not affected. But animals are different just as people are and as mentioned previously some are more sensitive than others. Just because one pet is not affected by a certain substance does not mean another will be as fortunate. This is no different than a case of two siblings in which one suffers terribly from hay fever while the other is not affected at all.

Even though there is no cure for the many allergies that plague our pets and us at least we can take heart that there is help to relieve the symptoms that cause so many to be miserable. Medications can offer some relief and for those of you who suffer from allergies, you know how miserable an allergy can make us feel. Don’t let your pet suffer from allergies needlessly. See your veterinarian and get your pet some allergy relief.
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