
Routine Veterinary Care: Common Types of Allergies Among Pets
Similar to human beings, pets are also a usual recipient of a diverse array of allergens, causing extreme reactions. There are thousands of versions of pet allergies presently emergent worldwide. For this reason, owners are having a difficult time determining and identifying the exact form of irritant encountered by their furry companions. So, we have made a breakdown of allergic reactions rampant amongst cats and dogs.
Dog and Cat Allergies
Canines and felines have always been the variety of exceptionally neat and clean pets. For dogs, these creatures can be either adopted or purchased so people can take them home. Commonly, when dogs reside within an individual’s house, they are washed and groomed a minimum of once a week. While for cats, it is their character and habit to lick themselves, considering that this specific action signifies the scheme of taking a bath. Simply put, cats are excellent self-groomers.
Regardless of this, dogs and cats are prone to experience extreme and intense allergic reactions, progressively damaging their overall health and wellness. Whenever these pets abruptly come across an allergen, their immune system can drastically overreact, resulting in generating a substance called histamine. This compound can produce inflammation, triggering significant redness and irritation, eventually disrupting their healthy skin that serves as a protective barrier.
Dog and cat allergies can be classified into several types. Below is a list of the most common irritants amongst them. Click this link to gain more knowledge about the different types of allergies among pets.
Environmental Allergies
Frequently, dogs and cats are fond of rambling outside the house. Whenever they secure an opportunity to leave the house, they are apt to play or lick every item that catches their attention. Considering this, they are prone to getting hold of allergens from their surroundings. The rundown of potential irritants depends on the variety of infected material they come in contact with. However, usually, the reports involve pollen from plants, danders, dust, molds, mildews, and mites.
Flea Allergies
Allergic reactions from fleas are a prevalent incident in dogs and cats. Indeed, there is a professional term for this kind of irritant called Flea Allergy Dermatitis or FAD. In reality, canines and felines are not allergic to flea species but instead to their saliva. When they unexpectedly get harmed with flea saliva, their standard response is compulsive chewing, licking, and scratching their skin. This can lead to the intrusion of microorganisms, causing severe infection.
Food Allergies
Typically, food allergies are not widespread among dogs and cats; basically, this type of irritant can primarily develop to 10% of their total population. Even so, as low as the degree of this allergic variety from transpiring, it can still come about. According to veterinary studies, pets are vulnerable to have allergic reactions by ingesting specific proteins discovered in beef, chicken, dairy, eggs, fish, and wheat. However, this does not apply to every pet, so it is essential to visit a veterinarian in facilities like Ypsilanti Animal Clinic for a thorough assessment of the varieties of consumables your pet is allergic to.
Signs and Symptoms of Pet Allergies
Comparable to other prevalent pet conditions, allergies also have a detailed list of signs and symptoms. However, the development of particular indications can depend on various aspects, including your pet’s overall health and the form of allergen they unexpectedly ran into.
- Red and itchy skin leads to massive blisters, bumps, hives, and rashes.
- Hot spots on any part of the pet’s body are brought on by consistent scratching and licking the impaired area.
- Anaphylactic reactions include difficulty breathing, facial swelling, sudden fainting, and death.
- Inflammation on any part of the body due to the invasion of microorganisms eventually results in significant damage to the skin, fur, and hair.
- Digestive tract infections induce severe vomiting, nausea, sneezing, and watery diarrhea.
Suppose you spot one of these allergic indications, thereby you have decided to schedule for a professional appointment. All you have to do is go online, search for official veterinary websites like michigananimalhospital.com to reserve a slot.