4 Types Of Allergies In Pets & How to Fight Them

Just like humans, pets are susceptible to allergies and reactions. If your canine or feline is sensitive to allergens like dust, pollens, dander, fur, etc, you may observe him scratching vigorously or chewing his own skin. A prolonged reaction may apparently turn into inflammation of skin, hair loss, hot spots and hives. Apart from the skin reactions, allergies may induce sneezing, inflammation of respiratory tract, red teary eyes, etc. These are the after effects of coming in contact with allergens.

To fight with anything, one must know everything, or at least something about it. Similarly, to protect your pets from allergic reactions, you must know the basic types of allergies and its source. The type of allergens can vary from a dust particle in air to the food grain or a bacterium. However, the four types of allergens by which canines and felines can generally develop sensitivity are fleas, food, contact and airborne elements. Let’s have a glimpse of the 4 main categories of allergies!

allergy in pets expert advice

  • Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD): Flea dirt, also referred as dander, is the cause of Flea allergy dermatitis in pets. Severe itching, which eventually leads to hair loss and sores is the prime reaction of this allergy in dogs. Additional to these common reactions, cats can also attain scabs in response to the flea dander sensitivity. To protect your pets from the attack of FAD, use of flea treatments like Frontline Plus or Advantage is essential. Moreover, combing your pet with flea comb may reduce the risk of the development of this sensitivity.
  • Contact Allergies: Substances in the environment, natural or man-made, like carpet fibers, wool, weeds, grass, pollen, flowers, etc. has the tendency to develop contact allergies in pets. Other chemical products like dog shampoos and other treatments are potent enough to induce sensitivity in pets. Inflammation of skin, irritation and severe itching may be observed if your allergic pet comes in contact with any of these substances. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory or anti-histamine shots.
  • Airborne Allergies: Reactions caused by the elements present in air are termed as airborne allergies. Dust mites, pollens, pigweed, dander, molds, etc are some of the most common allergens. This sensitivity is commonly seen during seasonal changes. Dogs usually itches their face, head, neck and movies in case they get in contact with the allergen.  Cats may commonly itch in head, neck, and thighs. The pets may also go through inflammation of the respiratory tract. To keep your pets away from the airborne allergies, you may need to keep them away from the allergic substances present in the environment.
  • Food Allergies: Specific ingredients like milk, soy, corn, wheat, etc. used in the commercial foods may cause allergic reactions in your pets. Preservatives and other additives may also cause sensitivity in pets. Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, itching, inflammation of skin, change in the texture of pet’s coat, hair loss, etc. It is often necessary for the food trial to be done over a minimum of 6-8 weeks for proper diagnosis of food allergies.
To conclude, these four are the most common types of allergies found in pets. It is recommended to get your canine or feline checked up for the probable allergies. Consult your vet if your pet reacts to the allergy to keep your pets at bay.