About Pet Allergies

John Samson asked:


Constant scratching, tail-chasing, coughing and wheezing, eye and nose discharges - if these symptoms can be observed on your pet dog, chances are very likely that he/she is suffering from allergies.

Yes, dogs, just like their masters can suffer from allergies. Roughly about 20 percent of the dogs living in our homes suffer from some allergy type. Major classifications of canine allergies are atopic dermatitis, flea allergy, food allergy and inhalant allergy.

Atopic dermatitis is skin allergy disease caused by hypersensitivity developed by your dog’s immune system to several and very common substances like molds and dust mites.

If your dog scratches and licks himself very often (particularly licking and chewing the paws, abdomen and legs), and his/her ears are hot to the touch, he/she may be suffering from atopic dermatitis.

Check to see if your dog’s saliva causes stains. A red to brown stain is another indicator that your dog is atopic. In persistent cases, the skin on the abdomen changes color from pink, to a bright red then to black. Flea allergy is the most common form of canine allergy. However, it is not the flea but the flea’s saliva that your dog may be allergic to.

To find out if your dog has flea allergies, a skin allergy test is preformed. If it he/she is tested positive, a strict control regimen can reduce symptoms. Consult you’re your vet as to what type of treatment is best for your pet. There is a wide array of choices ranging from pills to sprays to shampoos

Just like their masters, dogs are susceptible to allergens inhaled from the air. Pollen from trees, grass, and flowers, dust mites and molds are just some of the common culprits. However, unlike their masters who exhibit inhalant allergies through sneezing and coughing, dogs show their reactions through scratching and biting as well as chewing of feet and licking constantly. A less common reaction is recurrent infections in your dog’s ears.

You can help alleviate the allergy by vacuuming frequently and dusting the areas your dog spends much time in (like his sleeping area). Dogs also exhibit allergies to the food they eat. And this is perhaps the most tedious to diagnose because food allergies can mimic any of the other allergies mentioned in this article. First thing to do is to remove all possible allergy causing ingredients from your pet’s diet. You can do this by using a homemade meal of a protein and starch source your dog has not had before. Add gradually (one at a time for about a week), more ingredients into it. If symptoms return after adding a particular ingredient, then the possible allergen could be identified.

However, allergic reactions may not appear for about a week after consuming the allergen so be sure to confirm your findings with your vet. Once it has been verified, avoid the ingredient in the dog foods you’ll subsequently feed your pet with.

Other symptoms of food allergies are vomiting, diarrhea, wheezing and sometimes, even changes in behavior.

You can help your pet and alleviate his allergy woes by bathing and conditioning your dog regularly. Contrary to what most people will tell you, you can never bathe your dog too often. Water helps to relieve your dog’s skin and keeps it healthy. It also rinses off allergens from their body. Different kinds of shampoos are available to treat allergies, depending, of course, on your pet’s particular condition.



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Larry Volwiler asked:


Many people don’t realize that their dogs, just like human beings, can suffer from allergies. In fact, about twenty percent of the dogs in the United States alone suffer from one allergy or another, with flea allergy dermatitis being the most common form of allergies in dogs. Other types include atopic dermatitis, food allergies, and inhalant allergies.

Signs and symptoms of dog allergies may vary but are often marked by persistent itching and discoloration of the skin (most common in skin allergies), coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and mucus discharge (most common in inhalant allergies), and nausea, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea (common to food allergies and other ailments.)

Over-the-counter preparations and treatments for common dog allergies exist and may be purchased at any good pet supply store, but care should be taken when choosing such treatments. Consultation with a vet is the best first course of action for several reasons. First of all, what you think is an allergic reaction may actually be signs of a more serious ailment and a vet should be the one to determine whether that is the case. Secondly, if the allergy is severe enough, over-the-counter treatments may not be sufficient to treat the symptoms and a prescription strength treatment may be required. There is also the chance that the dog does not have an allergy at all. The last thing you want to do is medicate your pet unnecessarily.

If you do think your dog has some type of allergy, consult your vet. The doctor will be able to perform tests to determine whether an allergic condition exists, how severe it is, and what the proper treatment will be. If the dog has an allergy to certain foods, it will be imperative to restrict the animal’s diet to eliminate those items that cause a reaction. The vet’s testing methods can help to determine whether this type of allergy exists as well. If the dog has flea allergy dermatitis (an allergic reaction to the saliva of fleas, rather than to the insects themselves), an extreme flea control regimen will be recommended.

Just like humans, dogs that suffer from various allergies can live comfortably with them if they are detected and treated properly. It is important to keep in mind that this is not a time to play doctor by attempting to diagnose and treat a possible allergic condition yourself. Only your veterinarian is qualified to determine whether your dog is suffering from allergies and what course of action to take.



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Rajaei A asked:


I do not know the age of my ferrets. I have 2 females, but feel they are 2 or 3 years old. I teach grades 1-6 and inherited the animals from the Kindergarten teacher. I have had some concerned parents about the ferrets and their child’s allergies to pet dander. I have also had some question the safety. I have done some research and feel they are safe. They are very loving and other than some occasional scratching they are not highly distracting. The kids love them but I do not want to keep them if it causes allergic reactions in some of my students. Thank you

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MandeinOrangez asked:


I woke up a couple of mornings ago and noticed that my left eye was kind of swollen. I thought it might be pink eye, but the whites of my eyes are not pink at all. We just recently got a cat but I have never been allergic to pets. I feel achy and my nose is a little stuffy. I was wondering if I should just try some eye decongestants or if I should go to the doctor?

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twinsmommieplus1 asked:


My 6 month baby boy has had nasal congestion for over a month. Been to the doc on three separte times. They say that it just signus dripage and not a thing that they can do. He eats fine, happy , no sneezing , no fever. They said that it might be allergies and nothing they can do until he is a year old. I just can see letting be like this for another 6 months. We do have a dog and 3 cats. This is the first time since he been home with the congestion .Has anyone else experiance this with their child???

Thanks so much
Dawn

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Kelly Marshall asked:


We all know about people who are allergic to dogs, but what happens when it turns out that your dog is the one who is allergic? The truth of the matter is that dogs can have allergies just the way that people do and that if your dog has one, it can make them miserable. When your dog is allergic to something, one way he might show it is with hives, which are often known as urticaria. He might also evidence it in a swollen face, which is called angioederm. These signs all point towards your dog having an allergic reaction, though the cause might vary from chemicals, to food to something as innocuous as sunlight!

How can you tell if your dog has an allergy? Hives are one important sign, but because your dog might be rather shaggy, it can be hard to tell for sure. Take some time and examine your dog closely. Hives will manifest as small bump on the skin, and they will often have hair growing over them, making them harder still to see. You might also see that dogs with hives tend to scratch themselves more often than usual. Some dogs are going to have hives that are so itchy that they will scratch until the bleed.

Slightly easier is going to be anigioedema, the swollen face. When you suspect that your dog has an allergy, look for swelling that is occurring around the muzzle and around the eyes. The swelling can be so severe that your dog might have trouble actually opening his eyes. A swollen face will typically result in itching, so if your dog is constantly pawing his face, it is a good sign that something is wrong. In very severe cases, the swelling can occur in the throat, making it hard for your dog to eat or even breathe; this is more common with food allergies.

When you have a dog that has allergies, you should take him to the vet and see what might be done. Remember that hives and swelling can occur within about fifteen minutes of the exposure to the allergen and that if you notice that your dog breaks out right after you feed him, you might have the culprit right there. On the other hand, many dogs end up having an allergy to certain medications or treatments. Remember that a reaction to medication should be reported to a veterinarian right away. When you take him to the vet, though, you will be able to find out precisely what the allergen might be and what you can do about it.

For immediate relief, the vet will likely prescribe antihistamines, though if the issue is very severe, steroids are going to be recommended instead. If your dog is having problems getting his breath, the vet might immediately administer epinephrine.

When you are learning about how to keep your dog healthy and happy, you will find that you need to consider the possibilities of allergies. The more you know about your dog’s health, the better, so stay on top of things, and observe your dog carefully if he is acting in a strange fashion.



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Ragweed Allergy asked:


On the average, a person could experience several allergic reactions to one or more things. This happens when we breathe in something that is usually harmless and our immune system (the body’s barrier against viruses and bacteria) classifies it as harmful and attacks. These are the allergens that we need to avoid exposure to. The hard part is, it is difficult to avoid allergens if we don’t know specifically what we are allergic to. Much harder still, allergens are everywhere. They can be in the form of plant pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds, dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, mold, chemicals, and so forth. It makes it thrice as hard to avoid because pollen and mold may become airborne and can travel easily for miles.

Those affected with allergic rhinitis, also called nasal allergy, pollinosis, or hay fever is commonly caused by plant pollens. Some weeds depend on the wind for cross-pollination than insects to produce seasonal allergies. This makes allergies hard to avoid. Allergies symptoms are a result of the release of histamine, a very important protein in the body which mediates inflammation and is involved in many reactions. Here are the common symptoms that you may experience: itchy, puffy, and watery eyes, stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, decreased sense of smell, headache, and wheezing. This makes it very bothersome as aside from these, one can experience shortness of breath because the airways become constricted as the body’s response to the allergens. Should the immune system over activate and not be treated, it may result to complications and life-threatening situations. Relief of symptoms is a must!

Allergies treatment is a big factor to those who have allergies. For one, it would be less bothersome for them if they have relief from their symptoms. Having itchy eyes and a runny nose is not exactly a recipe for a happy day. Having it for three consecutive days is already a burden, what more if it extends to more than that? The symptoms also get worse during different seasons. It is important to know what to do and prevent it from occurring before the season changes.

To be diagnosed accurately, check with your physician and let him help you determine which particles you are allergic to. For all the over-the-counter-medications, which includes the anti-histamine medications, that is available in the market to provide symptomatic relief, still the best way to treat the allergic rhinitis is to avoid exposure to allergens. It is also the most cost-effective way in managing allergies. It is best to remove pets from the house to avoid animal dander, staying indoors when there are high pollen counts, control dust mites by using plastic-lined covers for mattress and pillows, and remove any that could absorb minute particles of dust such as stuff toys, carpets and drapes. Allergies treatment may include over-the-counter medications for symptomatic relief and shot for uncontrollable symptoms or unavoidable allergens (or those present all throughout the year).

Do not be afraid to have your allergies checked. You have nothing to lose but a lot to gain. It is important that you know what you are allergic to so you could have better prevention. Enjoy life without the burden of allergies symptoms!



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John Hilaire asked:


Statistics show that anywhere from 60-70% of American households include at least one dog or cat. The numbers also indicate that up to 10% of the population suffers from an allergy to some type of animal. The most common culprit to animal allergies is cats, but the next pet in line is a dog.

Because dog allergies are a common problem, the good news is that there is plenty of information available on how to treat and manage an allergic reaction to your pet. Particularly if your reaction is not severe, and if you do not have other complications such as asthma, you can successfully manage your allergic condition and enjoy many symptom-free days.

Identifying a Dog Allergy

If you suspect that you or a family member is allergic to the family pet, the best way to know for sure is to remove that person from the environment with the animal for a week or two. Removing the animal from the situation may not be an effective means of diagnosis, since pet dander can remain in the environment that the animal lives in for up to six months after the pet is removed.

If this process is too difficult to do, you can also ask your doctor to perform an allergy test in his office to see if you do indeed have a dog allergy. This is usually done through a medical history and a blood test.

Treatment Options

Dog allergies usually come from allergens that are contained within the dander or saliva of the animal. These allergens tend to have the ability to cling to many surfaces, as well as the capacity for a long life. This quality makes it difficult to completely rid a home of the allergens responsible for dog allergies, even if the animal is removed from the environment. It generally will take up to six months for the home to become allergen free once the pet is removed.

The other problem in treating dog allergies is that many pet owners are quite attached to their dog and do not want to be faced with the decision to give it to another home. If your allergy symptoms are mild, you may still be able to keep your pet by following a few guidelines within your home environment.

First, keep your pet out of the bedroom. Since this is where you spend a large percentage of your time, reducing the allergens in this area can greatly reduce your symptoms from your dog allergies. Getting rid of carpet that can harbor the allergens is a good idea.

Instead, opt for bare floors that can be mopped regularly, and throw rugs that can be washed in hot water. An air cleaner with a HEPA filter can also be an effective way to keep allergens at bay in certain areas of your house, as long as it is run at least four hours every day.

Dog allergies may be a common problem for many people, but they don’t have to get in the way of your daily life. With some lifestyle choices and treatment options, you can enjoy your life and your pet with fewer symptoms every day.



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Kirsten Whittaker asked:


These days, so many people are trying to live allergies and pets…Dealing with the constant congestion, itching and wheezing, the splitting headaches and other discomforts of allergies, and loving the furry source of all this misery is a tough spot to be in. But it’s exactly where an estimated ten million American pet owners find themselves right now.

Beyond the wonderful companionship and unconditional love, dogs and cats have some remarkable physical effects on the body.

Caring and cuddling these little (and sometimes not so little) critters can reduce anxiety and actually lower our blood pressure. What an enjoyable, simple and totally natural way to do something good for your health.

Allergy symptoms that are caused by pets bring on the discomforts we’re all familiar with - those itchy, watery eyes, blotchy hives, constant sneezing, awful congestion - sometimes even asthma.

Experts believe that you can develop a dog allergy some months or even years after making the pet a part of your life. If this happens to you, your best bet is to get tested to be sure your symptoms are a result of man’s best friend - and not other allergens like pollen, dust or mold - that can also be culprits.

In rare instances people outgrow allergies, including those to pets.

One of the best ways to comfortably co-exist with your beloved furry friend is to identify your allergy and undergo a series of shots to desensitize your system. Over the counter or prescription medications are also available to treat the symptoms, though the best remedy is to remove the pet from the home.

If you’re a pet lover with identified allergies, you may have heard of hypoallergenic breeds, like those being considered by President-elect Barak Obama’s family. The problem is, according to experts, there really is no such thing as hypoallergenic breeds.

Research has shown that allergies aren’t caused by the hair, allergens are produced by the animal’s saliva, dander and urine - so even a hairless dog, or one of the breeds often identified as hypoallergenic such as bichon frises, poodles and Malteses willproduce allergens that are brought into the environment.

There really isn’t any research that points to whether certain breeds are more allergy-friendly than others, though the main dog allergen that people often react to isn’t present in all dogs. The most important factors related to pet allergies are the size of the animal and the volume of hair it has. Of course an outdoor animal can bring pollens, mold spores and other allergens into the home that may also trigger an allergy attack.

Before you commit to a new pet, consider a trial period so you can see how the person who has the allergies manages.

If you just fall in love with a four legged friend, yet someone at home has pet allergies, here are some tips you can try to keep everyone happy. You can…

- Keep the bedrooms pet free zones, no exceptions.

- Wash bedding weekly, including the pet’s bed.

- Have as little carpeting in the main living area as you can.

- Vacuum any carpeting daily.

- Use a HEPA air filter in the bedroom to trap and remove allergens from the air.

- Wash the dog once or twice each week.

- Wash your own hands after interacting with the animal.

By following these few steps you can help yourself cope with the awful symptoms allergies to pets cause and still live with the pet you love.



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sciencechick asked:


Someone just posted a question about the MSN pet allergy page ( http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100228651&gt1=31036 ), which got its information from the Mayo CLinic Website (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pet-allergy/DS00859/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies ) .

They suggest weekly bathing, and putting animals outside “if they are able to tolerate it”. The MSN page also suggests goldendoodles. Is that good advice?

I used the feedback section to let them know that over bathing is bad because it dries out the skin, and that dogs/cats should not just be dumped outside. If you agree, please send use their feedback functions so that they know that I am not just one crazy person. (MSN is in the very bottom right corner, Mayo Clinic is in the first line of stuff on the bottom of the page)

Have you see anymore information like that? What can you do to correct it? I know its tough and there is a lot of junk out there, but that made me mad so I figured that there is a slight chance that if a couple people contact them they may consider changing it.
Oops, the Mayo Clinic page said to keep the animal outside “if your pet can live comfortably outside”. Not too much of a difference but I thouhgt I should correct it.

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