Helpful Things Pet Owners Should Know
Animal Allergies
While we often think of “pet allergies” as being allergic to animals, we sometimes find that the roles are reversed, and our pets suffer from allergies of their own. When your pet has an allergy or several allergies, it can be tough to detect the problem and find a helpful solution—however, it can be done. If you are worried that your pet might be suffering from allergies or you want to know what to look for in the future, read on for a few tips for dealing with animal allergies to keep your pets happy and healthy.
1) Search for Signs
If you suspect that your animal has allergies, you should keep a sharp eye out for distinct signs. Skin allergies often include constant scratching, blistering skin, open sores, hair loss and apparent irritation. Another depiction can be discharged coming out of the ears. Constant sneezing, runny noses often depict allergies that involve nose irritants and discharge around the eyes.
2) Pinpoint the Symptoms
Once an owner has found the signs, they must then work to pinpoint the symptoms. Allergies can be caused by indoor causes, such as dust, or outdoor causes, such as pollen, bugs or plant life, and internal causes, such as food that is being ingested or chemicals being breathed in. Owners should try and keep an eye on their pet to determine what is causing their irritation so they can move forward with fixing the problem. Pay attention to any specific triggers that seem to make the allergies worse to pinpoint the possible causes.
3) Talk to the Vet
No one should just jump straight in with over-the-counter flea baths and medication. Not all medicines bought at a store are suitable for pets, and may not even be what is needed. The best thing you can do is gather as much information as you can and then talk to a trusted veterinarian. The vet will then be able to help pinpoint the problem, ask questions an owner might not think about, and prescribe professional medication that will be good for the animal.
4) Maintain Daily Medical Treatment
If a veterinarian does prescribe medicine, it is essential to maintain it. Pet medication could include medicated flea baths, pill ingestion, skin creams, ear ointment or diet changes. To help conquer the problem, medication should be kept up with and applied on schedule. Owners should also document whether the medication seems to be making a positive difference so they can have an accurate report at the next follow-up appointment with the vet. That way, adjustments can be made if necessary.
5) Create a Healthy Environment
Whether it be outdoor allergens or indoor allergens, creating a healthy environment can make a huge difference for a family pet. Try and keep dust and mold away from the house, especially in a pet’s most visited areas. Also, keep an eye out for harmful plants, chemicals or bugs in the house or yard that could cause any harm.
If you suffer from allergies, you likely know that it can often be insufferable. Just as a human would not want to live through that, pets should not have to either. With a little observation, a few changes around the home, and the help of your veterinarian, you can help your pet feel comfortable in their skin once again, and conquer the discomfort of animal allergies.
Animal Allergies: 5 Helpful Things Pet Owners Should Know
GUEST AUTHOR BIO: This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves to write for women’s interests and the home niches. She lives in Arizona with her husband, three beautiful daughters and a spunky Jack Russell Terrier who makes life interesting.
OTHER ARTICLES BY DIXIE:
- 4 Things First Time Dog Owners Need
- How to Choose the Best Food for Your Pet
- Tips on Breed Choices When Getting a New Puppy
- Pregnant Cat? 5 Ways to Make Her Feel More Comfortable
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QUESTION FOR YOU:
Does your pet suffer from allergies?
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I don’t have a pet. I did have a cat that got outside one time and developed what I thought were allergy symptoms. He had fleas. I was never able to get them under control.
Fleas can be a bugger to get under control once they’ve gotten out of hand. I’ve been there done that. Fortunately where we live now, I haven’t seen a flea in years. It’s the strangest thing. We do have ticks though. Yucky things. Thanks for leaving a comment, Lisa. Until next time….
This was a more excellent post– We have 3 wonderful babies and our female pit bull has had the worse time with her skin, she is so sensitive.Her skin is so rough. Her doggie doctor tried all sorts of things, so we could find and even balance of life for her. No cold weather is one– Now thats hard to do. Not to be bathed to often. corizone that was made into a lotion for her legs and feet, mittens on her feet after we rub her down. But you know its all worth all the little bit extras. Even some changes in her diet.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post, Dianna. It sounds like you have your hands full over there. I can tell you love your dogs. It’s a shame your little female pit bull has to suffer through so much, but is sounds like you’re doing all you can to help be be most comfortable. Thank you for that. Take care!
Thanks for sharing these tips. So far, I haven’t had any allergy issues with my pets. It’s important to keep a close eye on them just in case, though!
Happy to hear that there have been no allergy issues with your pets! Thanks for stopping by!
Our dog has scratched at and chewed at her feet for several years. We’ve tried benedryl, prednisone and the occasional antibiotic and it always comes back. Any recommendations?
Try a different diet, Tandy. Sometimes that all it takes. She may be allergic to one of the ingredients. You might try her on a wheat-free, gluten-free brand. They’re more expensive, generally, but if it eases her scratching, it’s well worth it. Good luck! Let us know if anything changes!
Thank you for this, I have two small dogs and they are definitely family. I recently discovered I am allergic. I still love on them and getting better.
Aww, I hope you find a way around your allergies to your dogs. Darn it. They really are family. I can’t imagine my life with animals in it. Thanks for checking out my blog, Nicole. I appreciate it. 🙂
Thanks Dixie & Jeanne. Our animal friends can’t really speak to us in english so we really do have to keep on the look out for any of these symptoms. Any way Rico Dog wants me to get off the computer and give him some more home made chicken stew.
Ooh, lucky Rico Dog! lol You’re quite welcome, Rory. I’m glad you appreciate Dixie’s article. She covers a lot of valuable information. Take care! Come back soon! 🙂
I’m not a pet owner, but I can appreciate the valuable tips gleaned in this one post. Like… wow!
Thank you for your kind remarks, Dorit. I appreciate you! 🙂
I am between pets right now, and my favored pet (parakeets), I don’t think (and I emphasize the “I don’t think”) have had allergies. But I’ve shared this on Facebook and Twitter – many of my friends are cat/dog (or both) owners.
Aww, thank you so much for sharing my post with your friends. That’s very kind of your. Thanks for stopping by, Alana!
My English Bulldog has terrible allergies, bless his heart. When I rescued him he was very itchy & flakey, but grain-free dog food (Fromm’s) has improved his skin a lot. Thanks for posting this guest article.
I’m glad you were able to find some relief for your English Bulldog through diet, Karen. Diet often is the culprit, it seems. It is for my dog, Jake, too. He suffers terrible from allergies. Thanks for taking the time to read my post. 🙂
Very informative post! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks, Joan! Glad you found it informative. 🙂
I’m glad you discovered the mould before it gets too out of hand and that you can manage it in time. It can be very difficult to get rid of. The good news is … you’ll have a nice, freshly painted room! Nice! Take care, Francene.
Thanks for this. My dog has allergies on her back!
Thanks for visiting my blog, Michelle!
There was a lot of good information here. We have to treat our fur babies like we do our human babies and treat those miserable allergies.
Thank you for your comment, Lisa. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I appreciate you stopping by my blog, and do home you’ll come again. 🙂
My girl Nike has terrible allergies, and it’s an ongoing battle keeping her symptom-free. Great information here – thanks for sharing!
Thank you for checking out the article, Christina. My dog, Jake, has terrible allergies too. It’s an ongoing battle trying to figure out what to do for him sometimes. All the best to you and Nike! Glad you stopped by.