Types of Allergies
There are three main types of allergies that pets can develop that include food allergies, environmental allergies, and flea allergies.
Food allergies: These occur when a pet's immune system reacts to a particular protein in its diet. Some culprits might be beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, and soy.
Environmental allergies: Environmental allergies are caused by a pet's immune system reacting to substances in its surroundings. Culprits might include pollen, dust mites, mold, and grass.
Flea allergies: Flea allergies may be caused by a pet's immune system reacting to a flea's saliva. Even just one bite can trigger an allergic reaction.
Causes
Allergies in pets are typically caused by a hyperactive immune system. When an animal's immune system overreacts to a particular substance, it might cause a reaction.
Symptoms
The symptoms of allergies in pets might vary depending on the type. Common ones include:
- Skin irritation and itching
- Redness or inflammation of the skin
- Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Treatment
The treatment for pet allergies might depend on the type and severity. In many cases, managing the symptoms through medication and lifestyle changes may help improve a critter's quality of life. Veterinarians might prescribe medications like antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunotherapy. Lifestyle changes that might help are a hypoallergenic diet or avoiding certain environmental triggers.
Prevention
Preventing allergies in pets may be challenging, but there are some steps you can take to help reduce your animal's risk. Regular grooming and flea control might help prevent fleas from infesting your pet's coat while avoiding certain foods or switching to a hypoallergenic diet might stop food allergies. For environmental allergies, reducing exposure to triggers, such as pollen or mold, might be helpful.
Reach Out to Us for Pet Wellness Services from a Veterinarian on Our Veterinary Team
We at Raleigh Community Animal Hospital are here to serve you and your pet's needs in Raleigh, NC. From food allergies to pet dermatology, our team cares about your pet wellness requirements. Call (919) 948-1929 to set up an appointment today.