Types and Symptoms of Pet Allergies
Pet owners need to understand their dogs and cats suffer similar allergies to those which affect humans. At City Pets Vets®, we offer treatments aimed at reducing or removing your pets' allergy symptoms.
Pets Can Be Allergic to Certain Foods
In 1954, Lassie was the most famous dog ever to grace TV. At that time, people fed dogs as much table scraps as healthy dog food, without understanding how pets digest proteins differently than people do. Dogs and cats can be allergic to certain spices, and can have health issues arise when fed improper foods, such as regular beef or chicken with artificial sweeteners included as part of the recipe. Pets need to always be fed appropriate food for their breed and age, and only given treats they are able to enjoy the taste of that don't cause tummy pains later.
Environmental Allergies
Lassie was also a big, strong, outdoor dog who lived on a farm, yet she sneezed in the spring when pollen was in the air, just like everybody else does. Throughout the year, mold or dust mites can also antagonize a pet's nose and skin. Fleas, mosquitoes, ticks, and other parasites can likewise bother a dog with more than disease, but also by causing allergic reactions. Certain hidden allergies can be something you likely wouldn't think of, but the laundry detergent you wash your clothes with or a specific brand of body lotion you use as moisturizer can also make a pet wheeze.
Symptoms of Allergic Reactions
Symptoms of pet allergies are similar to people allergies: runny nose, sneezing, coughing, or itching. Because most pets are covered in hair, skin rashes may not be immediately noticeable, but are probably more uncomfortable than a rash on a human. Imagine having an itchy rash you can't scratch because you're wearing a coat, that's how a dog or cat feels when they break out.
Allergy Treatments
The best treatment option is to remove the allergen causing your pet's discomfort from your pet's daily routine. If that's not an option, medications are available to lessen the severity of allergy symptoms.
Finding a Great Veterinarian in New York City
Here at City Pets Vets®, we are an available veterinarian in New York City who is especially well suited for treating allergies. Give us a call at (212) 581-7387 to schedule a telemedicine consultation with one of our veterinarians.