Allergies And Sensitivities In Pets: Identifying And Managing Triggers

We love our pets. We’ll do our best to always provide them with the best. So, when something comes up with their health, such as allergies or sensitivities, it can be overwhelming to know how to help them. There is a broad range of allergies and levels of reactions that pet parents have to deal with. It’s important to understand them so that you can learn how to treat them.

Watch for fleas

When it comes to your dogs or cats, the main sensitivity they could have is to flea bites. Fleas can be hard to spot or even get rid of if you don’t stay on top of flea and tick washes and medication. Fortunately, there are a lot of options for your animal, such as flea medicine for cats when you want to be sure to keep them safe from the itchiness that accompanies flea bites. There are also medicated washes against fleas for dogs so that you can bathe them AND make sure you’re washing any fleas away.

Skin conditions because of food

Dogs and cats can both be allergic to specific kinds of foods, ranging from grains to chicken, fish, and more, so it’s wise to take time to learn your pet’s tolerance as you try to find the best food for them.

You may need to speak to your vet about their recommendations and how to navigate determining whether or not your animal’s skin issues or upset stomach are due to food. It could be costly to go through different foods and learn what works best for your pet, but it will be even more expensive trying to treat their skin conditions in the long term.

Environmental allergies

If your dog or cat seems perfectly fine with their food, their skin allergies may not be caused by their diet but rather by the environment. For example, in Texas, several pollen allergens affect the humans that live there, but they also impact pets as well. There may be pet-friendly cleaners that you use in your home that also negatively impact your pet, so make sure you’re taking stock of the environment in your home as well when it comes to keeping your dog or cat safe from allergens and skin irritants.

Upset stomachs because of sensitivities

Your pet may not show their sensitivities to foods through their skin but through the way that they seem to digest their food. Both diarrhea and vomiting are signs that your dog may have an intolerance to something in their food.

Severe diarrhea and vomiting may be due to something else but simple upsets may be showing you that it’s time to change your animal’s food. When in doubt, take time to ask your vet about the best options for your pet and their sensitivities. They may be able to point you to fresh foods that are great for your pet and their stomachs!

Watch for ear conditions

While you may not think much of your dog scratching its ear every now and then, think again. They may have a build-up of painful and itchy allergic reactions to something in their food or environment. This condition may even wake you up at night as they wake up to scratch their ears at any hour of the day. If you notice their ears are red and irritated, take them to your vet right away.

You may get some ear medicine that helps to treat it before it can turn into something more serious and challenging to treat: an aural hematoma. You don’t want to have to wrap their ear with an ear wrap to keep them from scratching while the hematoma heals. It’s a long process.

In Conclusion

You want your pet to enjoy all that life has to give them without all the pain and irritation that allergies and sensitivities can bring. From the best food to pet insurance that helps you cover important vet visits, it’s wise to take time out to treat and take care of any sensitivities or allergies your pet may have.