Serious Pet Allergic Reactions
Our veterinarian in Uniontown recommends immediate treatment if you notice any type of unusual reaction in your pet or observe strange behaviors, as this could be caused by a serious allergic reaction. These symptoms include:
- An odd or unstable gait.
- Trouble standing or excessive shaking of the body.
- Indications of shock.
- Distressed breathing or constant panting.
- Swelling in the glands, limbs or facial region.
- Abnormal behaviors such as appearing to see things that are not there.
- Foaming at the mouth.
If any of these signs are apparent, bring your pet into Uniontown Veterinary Clinic or to the closes emergency animal hospital as soon as possible.
Your Dogs Feet Smell Like Corn Chips And They Wont Stop Licking Them
While most humans think that the corn chip smell is normal for a dogs feet, its actually a sign of bacteria. If your dog is also licking their feet, its not because theyre cleaningtheir feet are itchy.
If your dogs hair is a light color, you may notice fur staining of the feet, a symptom in which the fur takes on a dark red, coppery color due to the dogs saliva.
The classic corn chip odor of the feet, which many people believe to be completely normal in dogs, is caused by skin infections, either from bacteria or fungi . So how is this symptom related to allergies?
The inflammation associated with skin allergies breaks down the normal skin barrier over time. As a result, opportunistic microbes like yeast and bacteria can go from resting peacefully on the surface to diving deeper, where they set up infections and cause problems.
Addressing these secondary infections will be one of the first steps that your veterinarian will want to take in treating your allergic dog.
Pet Allergies: Symptoms And Prevention
Did you know that in the United States alone, as many as three in ten people have allergic reactions to cats and dogs? Pet allergies can cause a range of symptoms from mild sneezing and a runny nose to more severe reactions like rashes and difficulty breathing.
Understanding what causes dog and cat allergies can better help you understand how to prevent and manage them better. Aside from removing pets completely from your home, there are many strategies one can take to reduce exposure to pet dander and better prevent allergic reactions.
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Environmental Allergies In Pets
Dog allergies can come from anywhere.
Seasonal allergies is a phrase that is regularly thrown around, and its somewhat misleading. If your pet is allergic to something, theyre allergic to it all year round, and if its in their environment, its likely causing discomfort or worse. Environmental allergies are the second-most common cause of allergic skin disease in dogs, behind flea allergy dermatitis, which well discuss later.
Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds is the frontrunner for most common environmental allergen. In the spring, tree pollen might be the main cause of your pets allergy symptoms. Once summer hits, grass pollen becomes the enemy, and that can cause symptoms until the snow covers it all up! As fall falls, ragweed, sagebrush and wormwood release weed pollen. Though its common to say pollen allergy, there are many different types of pollen. And your pet can be allergic to more than one.
While pollen is somewhat seasonal depending on where you live, other environmental allergies can be present all year long. Dust, dust mites, mold spores and dander may cause skin or sinus issues in your pet. But how do you determine where those allergies are actually coming from?
Allergies To Dogs: Causes Symptoms And Treatments
If you or a loved one are among the roughly five million Americans with an allergy to dogs, your relationship with humanitys best friend may be somewhat challenging. But that doesn’t mean you have to rule out a loveable, fluffy friend altogether.
There are plenty of ways to alleviate the symptoms of a dog allergy.
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What Are Pet Allergies
Pet allergies are allergic reactions to certain proteins, called allergens. These allergens are found on animal fur and skin, urine, and in animal saliva. Most animal companions, including cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents and birds produce allergens.
Not everyone experiences pet allergies. Some people are only allergic to certain animals. For those with allergies, their bodies launch an immune system response when they encounter allergens. This allergic reaction occurs because the body mistakes a substance that is harmless to others as a damaging invader.
When your immune system responds to any allergen, it forms specific proteins, called antibodies. Antibodies alert cells to release histamine and other cellular substances, which cause allergy symptoms. People can be allergic to many substances, including pollens and other plant materials, certain foods, dust, mold, insect stings and even medications.
Zesty Paws Oatmeal Anti
Help your dog feel his best, even during allergy season, with Zesty Paws Oatmeal Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo. This canine-formulated shampoo contains a blend of oatmeal, vitamin E, and aloe vera that soothe itchy skin while also moisturizing and protecting your dogs skin and coat. The vanilla bean scent is subtle yet is strong enough to keep your pup smelling great.
A clean, itch-free dog is every pet owners dream! Zesty Paws Oatmeal Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo cleans, deodorizes, and soothes your pup so that he can itch-less and feel better than ever.
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Do Dog Allergies Get Worse Over Time
Dog allergies can get worse with time, the same with cat allergies. As allergies are an immune system response, if your immune system weakens, it does mean allergies can worsen over time. Allowing your dog to lick you and sit on your lap can help to make your allergies worse. Try to reduce what you can, like licking, and bathe your pet regularly to help reduce allergens.
Pet Allergies: What Are The First Symptoms
If your beloved pet is making you stuffy, it may be a sign of allergies.
Sharing your life with your favorite furry friend can be tricky when allergy symptoms arise. The first step towards minimizing allergies and finding relief is learning how to identify pet allergy symptoms, and how to best avoid them. Read on to learn more.
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Pet Allergies: Causes Symptoms Treatment And More
Have you experienced coughing, itching, sneezing, watery eyes, or other symptoms after cuddling or playing with your pet? If so, you might have pet allergiesand youre not alone. As many as three in 10 people have allergies to dogs and cats.
Read more about the causes and symptoms of pet allergies, as well as ways to manage your symptoms.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Special Credit: Allergy Quiz
We know that most people dont really like quizzes, so weve put the answers to this pet allergies quiz right under each question.
Is scratching normal for certain breeds?
Answer: Occasional scratching is natural, but not necessarily normal. And any scratching that is accompanied by red inflamed skin or hair loss is definitely not normal. Some breeds might be predisposed to skin infections or other conditions that lead to scratching. Your veterinary team can help you confirm what is normal for your pet vs. what might need treatment.
Is there a one-size-fits-all treatment for your pets allergies?
Answer: Unfortunately, no and getting allergies under control may prove more difficult for certain pets. If your BFF has allergies, connect with your veterinary team and start a pet-specific treatment plan. Medical treatments include allergy medications, allergy shots, and nasal sprays. In some cases, a referral to a board-certified veterinary dermatologist may be helpful.
Is it true that antibiotics are a quick fix for itchy pets?
Answer: No, not all itchy pets need antibiotics, and your veterinary team will perform diagnostic tests that could save you from administering a medication your pet may not need. In some situations, like fungal infections, antibiotics can actually make things worse. Your local Banfield veterinary team can catch flare-ups early and reduce the severity of chewing, scratching, and other trauma than might require antibiotics.
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Symptoms Of Allergies In Dogs
The symptoms of allergies in dogs may vary depending on the cause. A dog that goes into anaphylactic shock, for instance, will have a drop in blood pressure followed by shock, which is very different from a skin condition.
In general, however, the following symptoms could be a sign of an allergic reaction.
- Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earflaps
- Red, inflamed skin
In This Article You Will Find Information About
Cat allergies and dog allergies are common issues that affect many people. Studies show that about 10 to 20% of the world’s population suffers from pet allergy symptoms, a rate that has been increasing over time. For those with pet allergies, contact with animal dander can trigger a variety of bothersome allergy symptoms and potentially interfere with day-to-day life. So, how can we identify these pet allergy symptoms as early as possible? Learn more about pet allergies below, as well as how to keep symptoms from impacting your quality of life.1,2
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Can I Have A Pet If Im Allergic To Pet Dander
Its typically recommended for anyone who is allergic to either dogs or cats to avoid exposure to triggers in order to minimize symptoms. However, pets are considered by many of us to be an essential part of the family, and it’s challenging to avoid them completely or give them away simply because of allergies. In these cases, it may be possible to put together an allergy treatment plan guided by a qualified healthcare professional.2,3
For instance, one step you can take is keeping your pet mostly in another room, and away from where the allergic individual sleeps. You can also avoid hugging or kissing the animal as much as possible, as well as vacuuming regularly, removing carpets and rugs that may trap pet dander, and only brushing the animal outdoors.3
In some cases of severe pet allergies, it may be necessary to find a new home for the animal. However, this is a highly personal decision and should be made together with your doctor or allergist. Additionally, before bringing a pet home, its important for allergic individuals to consider that no cat or dog breed can be considered entirely hypoallergenic.2,3
Allergic Reactions To Dogs:
- Red, watery, and itchy eyes
- Runny, itchy, congested nose
- Red, watery, and itchy eyes
- Rashes on the chest or face
- Redness on the skin where a cat has had contact
Symptoms of pet allergic reactions can develop in a matter of minutes or as much as a few hours from exposure. Immune reactions can also last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours depending on how long you were around allergens and what contact you had with a pet.
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Testing For Pet Allergies
If you ever experience severe allergic reactions to pets, including difficulty breathing, sleeping, or wheezing, it may be time to visit your doctor.
At an appointment, your doctor may examine your nose to see if there is any swelling or discoloration. If your doctor does suspect a pet allergy, they may refer you to an allergy specialist to determine exactly what type of animal you are allergic to. This could be done using a skin test where a small amount of purified allergen extract is applied to your skin to see if there is a reaction. Or, in some cases, your doctor may perform a blood test to see if there are any specific allergy-causing antibodies present.
Best Medicated Dog Shampoos For Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are the leading cause of itchy, irritated skin in dogs. Some skin allergies only flare up during certain seasons while others are chronic, causing daily itching and discomfort for your furry friend. One of the first things you can do to help give your pup some much needed relief is to bathe him with a medicated dog shampoo.
These products are specially formulated with soothing and nourishing ingredients that ease itching while promoting healing. This guide provides information about the 10 best medicated dog shampoos for skin allergies so that you can wash away your pups itchy, red, swollen skin and get him back to feeling his best.
Well also talk about what causes skin allergies and bathing tips and tricks for dogs with skin sensitivities.
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How Often Should I Use Medicated Dog Shampoo
Every medicated dog shampoo is different. Always follow the instructions provided on the label. Most products recommend bathing your dog at least once a week to wash away dirt and allergens while also keeping itchiness and irritation at bay.
Avoid making the common mistake of over-bathing your dog. Using medicated shampoo too often can cause adverse side effects, such as dry skin. Frequent bathing strips your dogs skin and coat of its natural oils, which severely impacts the bodys ability to ward off infection.
Rocco & Roxie Soothe Dog Shampoo
Itchy ears and irritated paws are no match for Rocco & Roxie Soothe Dog Shampoo. This shampoo is made with a calming blend of olive oil and oat extract along with aloe vera and shea butter to give your dog the ultimate relief from his skin allergies. It gives your dogs skin and coat the TLC it needs to begin healing.
Rocco & Roxie Soothe Dog Shampoo doesnt contain any alcohol, phthalates, mineral oils, artificial colors, or dyes. Instead it uses soothing, natural ingredients that are safe and effective.
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What Is An Allergy
An allergy is a state of over-reactivity or hypersensitivity of the immune system to a particular substance called an allergen. Most allergens are proteins from plants, insects, animals, or foods.
“With allergies, the immune response can actually be harmful to the body.”
Exposure to the allergen, usually on multiple occasions spanning months to years, sensitizes the immune system, and a subsequent exposure to the same or related allergen causes an over-reaction. Normally the immune system protects the dog against infection and disease, but with allergies, the immune response can actually be harmful to the body. Allergies may be thought of as an unnecessary normal immune response to a benign foreign substance.
The immune reactions involved in allergies are quite complex. Most reactions involve allergen protein molecules combining with antibodies in the blood, then attaching to a type of cell called a mast cell. Mast cells are found in many tissues throughout the body. When the antigen and antibody react with mast cells, the mast cells release potent chemicals, such as histamines, that cause local inflammation such as redness, swelling, and itching. This inflammation causes the various signs associated with an allergic reaction.
What Is The Best Medicine For Pet Allergies
Antihistamines are the best medicine for pet allergies as they block the effects of the allergens that affect your immune system. You can buy a variety of over-the-counter medications or speak to your doctor for a stronger antihistamine. Nasal sprays are another option to reduce symptoms, as are decongestants. There are no good options for those with breathing problems from pet allergies.
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How To Prevent Pet Allergies
Limiting contact with dogs and cats is the best way to avoid allergic reactions. Keeping them out of your home and being aware of visiting homes that do have pets is important and could be enough for you to not need antihistamines or other medications.
If you do live in a household with pets, there are a few ways to reduce and manage pet allergens in your home:
- Limit areas of your house your pet can be to keep them away from places you spend the most time, such as your bedroom.
- Keep surfaces clean of pet hair. Frequently clean your pets favorite chair, rugs, and walls.
- Wash and groom your pet once a week to remove dander. This can be done by someone without allergies or a professional groomer.
- Get an air purifier to help filter the air in a room and remove allergens.
- Wash your hands and skin after contact with pets and avoid touching your face to reduce flare ups.
- Speak with an allergy specialist about possible medications you can take to help manage your pet allergies.
Pets With Dander That Are Most Likely To Trigger Allergy Symptoms
One of the most common allergies in the United States is pet dander. These allergens can lead to uncomfortable symptoms and may be dangerous for some individuals, especially those with asthma, but which pets are the most likely to trigger allergy symptoms? Lets learn more about pet dander allergies to find out.
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Types And Causes Of Allergies In Pets
Pet allergies and cat and dog allergy symptoms come in many forms.
If you suspect your dog or cat has an allergy, the first thing to do is determine what kind of allergy you might be dealing with. Your veterinarian will likely do the heavy lifting here, but it helps you as a pet parent to have a working knowledge of the different types of pet allergies, allergic reactions and maybe a little understanding of the immune system.
