Signs Your Pet Has Allergies and What You Can Do
Think humans are the only ones who can have allergies? Think again! Your furry friend is just as vulnerable, but it’s not always obvious that allergies are to blame for certain problems. Let’s take a look at this common issue, what the symptoms are, and what you can do to help your best buddy lead a normal, happy life.
What signs should you look for?
- Runny eyes or nose
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Constant scratching
- Paw chewing
- Swelling in the paws
- Constant licking
Keep in mind that some symptoms are associated with other health conditions, so talk to your vet before you jump to any conclusions. Don’t try to treat anything or give your pet medicine (especially human medicine) without an expert’s guidance.
Animals can develop an allergy for many things, including:
- Pollen
- Soap
- Dust
- Shampoo
- Food
- Plastic
- Mold spores
- Rubber
- Cigarette smoke
- Laundry detergent
That said, allergies can be triggered through inhalation, eating, or physical contact. Believe it or not, simply sleeping on their bed can cause a reaction (blame this on the fabric or padding). It can be hard to pinpoint the culprit, especially when it comes to food, but it can be done.
Once you’ve narrowed down the possibilities and you know what you’re dealing with, there are things you can do to make things easier for your pet (and your family).
- Buy food recommended by your vet. Be very careful about what they eat, even on holidays. Check ingredients and try to stick with what you know is safe. Don’t let anyone give them food that you haven’t approved beforehand. If you’re not sure about something, don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
- Clean your home often. Vacuum, dust, do whatever you need to. Wash your pet’s bedding once a week. If you can’t do so, place a clean towel or blanket on their bed and other surfaces where they like to lounge.
- For pets with a pollen or similar allergy, wipe your pet’s paws after every walk – you never know what they might’ve picked up. While on walks, avoid fields or any place that might expose your pet to the allergen.
- Mold can be a problem anywhere, but you can keep it from getting out of control by running a dehumidifier, leaving windows open, and wiping down wet surfaces quickly.