It's important to get updated information on cat allergy shots. Side effects are growing more common because they're being used very widely to treat pets suffering from allergies. Cats become allergic to various substances present in the air and also develop adverse reactions when they come in contact with surface allergens that penetrate their skin. Although the vet will prescribe a few oral medications to treat cat allergies, pets may require allergy shots if they don't respond favorably to oral medicines. As a pet owner you should be well aware of the common types of allergens that cause skin reactions and hives in cats.
Types of Allergens Include:
- Cigarette smoke
- Dust
- Mold
- Ingredients in food
- Disinfectants
- Flea saliva
Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies in Cats
Most pet owners have to work with the vet to determine the cause of the allergic reaction. While some pets are allergic to medications, others develop an allergy to certain foods that have been fed to them for a long period of time. If the allergy is seasonal in nature, the symptoms of the allergy will subside on their own, after the season changes. However, even after using trial and error methods to eliminate possible allergens from the cat's environment or food, pet owners may fail to determine the true cause of the allergy. Moreover, if the symptoms of allergy are exhibited throughout the year, the cat will require more than just antihistamine medication and hypoallergenic shampoos. Cats that suffer from chronic allergies are often prescribed steroids to stop allergic reactions. However, steroids cannot be prescribed over a long period of time as they're known to have several side effects like increased thirst and urination, hyperactivity, liver problems and adrenal disorders.
Allergy Shots for Cats
The next treatment option is to desensitize the cat with antigen injections. These injections are generally prescribed when the pet suffers from inhalant or airborne allergens. The aim of this treatment is to make the cat's immune system respond less aggressively to known allergens. The injections contain a small amount of known allergens that are meant to trigger a mild immune response.
Side Effects of Allergy Shots for Cats
Each pet responds differently to medication. Some cats may experience pain and redness at the injection site while others might appear normal. Although this treatment does help nearly 75 percent of cats suffering from allergies, it is an expensive option and pet owners have to offer time and money to get positive results. If your pet is being desensitized with injections, it's important to not administer any other corticosteroid drugs, as it could lead to confusing test results when the pet's blood is tested for antigens. Cats that have received allergy shots need to be monitored carefully. If the pet's condition worsens or if the cat starts to pant, develop hives and breathe heavily after the first dose is administered, you need to seek medical help.
It might not be possible to completely cure allergies in some cats. However, with timely medication and elimination of known allergens from the cat's environment, this condition can be kept well under control.