As a pet owner, you want to ensure that your furry friend stays healthy and happy. However, pet allergies can make this task challenging, especially if you don’t know what you’re dealing with. Allergies are a common problem in pets and can manifest in different ways. This article will explore some common allergies in pets and provide management tips. If you’re located in the Aurora and Newmarket area, we’ll also include some local resources for you to access.
Symptoms of Allergies In Pets
When a pet is allergic to something, their immune system overreacts and produces an inflammatory response. This can lead to various symptoms, including itching, redness, swelling, and discomfort. Before attempting to diagnose a potential allergy in your pets, you must know what symptoms to look for.
Pet allergy symptoms may include excessive scratching, licking, or biting at their skin, hair loss, inflamed or infected ears, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Some pets may also develop gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea if they have a food allergy.
If your pet has seasonal allergies, you may only notice specific symptoms like biting or excessive scratching during the spring or summer. Some allergies may also flare up in the winter months.
Below, we will explore different types of allergies in pets so you can be on the lookout for any changes and better determine which allergy you think they might have.
1. Food allergies
Pets can develop food allergies when their immune system overreacts to a particular protein source. Common allergens include beef, chicken, dairy, and wheat. Symptoms of food allergies include itchy skin, digestive problems, and ear infections.
To determine if your pet has a food allergy, you may need to switch to a hypoallergenic diet and monitor their symptoms. Local pet stores in York, like Global Pet Foods, carry a range of hypoallergenic diets you can try.
When you need to change your pet’s diet, do it gradually. If you change their food too quickly, you will upset their stomach and cause diarrhea.
2. Environmental allergies
Like humans, pets can also develop allergies to environmental triggers like pollen, dust mites, and mould. Symptoms of environmental allergies include sneezing, runny nose, itchy skin, and ear infections.
To manage environmental allergies, you can use air filters in your home, bathe your pet regularly, and avoid areas with high pollen counts. If your pet’s symptoms persist, you can also ask your vet about allergy shots. Several veterinary clinics in York, Ontario, such as North Yonge Veterinary Hospital, offer this service.
3. Flea allergies
Flea allergies are one of the most common allergies in pets. When a flea bites a pet with a flea allergy, it can cause intense itching and inflammation. Even a single flea bite can trigger a reaction. To manage flea allergies, you must ensure that your pet is on a flea-preventative medication, such as Frontline or Advantage. You can also ask your vet about flea allergy treatments, such as antihistamines or steroids. York, Ontario, pet stores like Pet Smart also carry a range of flea medications that you can try.
4. Contact allergies
Pets can also develop allergies to substances that come into contact with their skin, such as shampoos, fabrics, or cleaning products. Symptoms of contact allergies include red, itchy, and inflamed skin. To manage contact allergies, you’ll need to identify and avoid the allergen. You can also use a medicated shampoo or topical cream to soothe your pet’s skin. You can ask your vet for recommendations if you need clarification on what products to use.
5. Drug allergies
Finally, pets can also develop allergies to medications. Symptoms of drug allergies include vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes. If your pet is prescribed medication, monitoring them for any adverse reactions is important. If you suspect your pet is allergic to medication, you should contact your vet immediately. Veterinary clinics like 404 Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital have emergency services that you can access if your pet needs urgent care.
In conclusion, allergies in pets can be challenging for pet owners, but with the right management strategies, you can help your pet feel more comfortable. If you suspect your pet is suffering from allergies, scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian is important. Your vet can perform tests to determine the specific allergen that is causing your pet’s symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options, such as medication or dietary changes, to help manage their allergies and improve their quality of life.
York Professional Pet Sitting and Dog Walking is always here for you and your pets’ needs. Contact us today about how we can help with your pet care needs. We can also be reached by phone at 289-221-4573.
Morag is the owner and founder of York Regions most trusted premier in-home pet care and dog walking companies. In 2000 she saw a need for an alternative to kennels, catteries for family pets in the area and has always believed that pets are much happier and less stressed staying in their own familiar environment. Morag and her team are all certified in Pet 1st Aid and CPR, she also offers continuous training to her team members through online and hands on pet care and pet behaviour and care courses. Morag has earned her certificate in Professional Pet Sitting, Professional Dog Walking and Canine Attendant training. She has lived in the Newmarket/Aurora area since 1991 is a wife, a mother of 2 adult children and a grandmother of 2 delightful little balls of energy. She has also been owned by fish, birds, mice, rats, cats, dogs, gerbils and guinea pigs and is an advocate for all living creatures. In her spare time she likes to be involved in her community and events travelling, reading and cooking.
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