Allergies affect many humans, and you may be unaware that your pet can have allergic reactions, as well. Pet allergies are more common than you think, and diagnosing them can be difficult. The most effective way to deal with your dog or cat’s allergies is to keep them away from allergy triggers. Knowing common symptoms and the different types of irritants will help make any necessary lifestyle changes more manageable for everyone.

Pet Allergy FAQ

What symptoms will my pet display?

Itching in one area or all over is a regular allergy symptom for dogs and cats. Similar to humans, coughing and sneezing are signs of a reaction with dogs, but cats tend to exhibit these symptoms if they already have asthma. Animals with food allergies can have extreme indicators, like vomiting, diarrhea, and constant itchiness.

Are there different types of allergies?

Skin allergies are the most common for pets. Caused by allergic reactions to fleas, food, and environmental irritants, food allergies are often confused with food sensitivity. Unlike the slow response of food intolerance, an allergy causes an immediate autoimmune response. Bee stings and vaccine reactions trigger acute allergies, and they’re the most alarming since they can trigger an anaphylactic response that can be fatal if it isn’t treated.

What causes allergies?

Like humans, animals are irritated by common allergens, like dust mites, mold spores, and pollen. Flea saliva and insect bites from bees and mosquitoes can also cause reactions in susceptible animals. Additionally, a hypersensitivity triggers food allergies to a wide variety of ingredients in their diet.

How can I treat their allergies?

Determining a specific allergy in your pet can be difficult. Blood and skin tests can help identify offending ailments. A mix of drugs, hypoallergenic shampoo, and allergy shots help environmental allergies. Food allergies don’t tend to respond positively to drugs, so removing the offending food from their diet is your best option.

If you suspect your furry friend has an allergy, call the helpful veterinarians at The Pet Clinic in Honolulu, HI. These animal caretakers welcome pets from across Oahu, and they’re trained in a variety of procedures, including puppy and kitten vaccinations as well as dermatology treatments. View a full list of their services online, or call (808) 946-5096 to schedule an appointment.