Pet Allergy - Diagnosis and Medication

Pet Allergy - Diagnosis and Medication

Just as a human can develop allergies, domesticated animals can experience adverse health symptoms from exposure to fleas, environmental and food allergens. Allergens can be inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with a pet's skin, causing a variety of digestive, respiratory, or skin symptoms. Fortunately, there are reliable testing methods to accurately diagnose and treat allergies in pets. Possible solutions include veterinary drugs and hypoallergenic diets.

Diagnosis of animal allergies

Allergens and the reactions they cause can vary from animal to animal. Reactions to food allergens are rare, affecting less than 10% of dogs or cats. Environmental allergens include those found indoors, such as dust mites and mold spores, and outdoors, such as pollen spores and grass. Animals can also be exceptionally sensitive to flea bites. Even a small amount of flea saliva can severely irritate the animal.

Pets can exhibit a number of symptoms that may indicate an allergic reaction, including:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing

• Snoring due to a sore throat

• Swollen paws or paw chewing

• Itchy ears or ear infections

• Itchy back or base of tail

Although allergic reactions are common, some of these symptoms can also indicate other health problems. Before a pet is tested for allergies, it should be examined by a licensed veterinarian. After the veterinarian determines that the animal is suffering from allergen exposure, he can conduct an adequate allergy test.

Allergy medications for pets

Human medications such as over-the-counter antihistamines should never be given to a pet unless specifically prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. These medications can have harmful effects on animals when taken alone or mixed with another medication. Extreme sleepiness, seizures, or other symptoms may occur.

Pet medications are prescribed based on the animal's individual symptoms, severity of symptoms, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Regarding food allergies, the animal may be placed on a special diet that either restricts or removes the reactive ingredient. Medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or allergy shots may be prescribed to treat other allergies. For dermic reactions, topical medications such as shampoos or creams may also be prescribed.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for animal allergies. However, there are treatments available, including veterinary medicines, that can successfully manage the symptoms and allow the animal to have a better quality of life. A licensed veterinarian can accurately diagnose and appropriately treat pet allergies.

Inspired by Pat Anderson