The 5 Allergies Pets Suffer from Most

There are a few types of allergies that can affect pets including inhalant allergies, contact or food allergies. Out of these, there are a few allergies pets suffer from most including pollens, chemicals, fleas or plastic.

Types of Pet Allergies

Allergies in pets occur when the immune system is not sufficiently healthy and encounters the allergens, which will trigger a negative reaction. The types of allergies that can be found in pets are the followings:

  • Inhalant allergies (pets develop inhalant allergies to substances that are airborne and are inhaled)
  • Contact allergies, developed in reaction to fabrics, metals, substances the pets touch or come in contact with
  • Parasite allergies, developed to internal or external parasites (i.e. fleas or hookworms)
  • Food allergies
  • Drug allergies (to antibiotics or steroids)

1. Pollens

Just like humans, some pets display allergic symptoms during spring or fall, which means they are allergic to pollens. The pollens are small grain particles that contain micro gametophytes of seed plants. These gamethophytes hold the gametes or sperm cells that will travel with the help of the wind to the female reproductive system of other plants, resulting in the pollination process.

The allergies caused by pollens, also known as hay fever can be managed with decongestants (i.e. sprays or powders), antihistamines or steroids.

2. Chemicals

Chemicals score high in the table of common pet allergens. There is a wide range of chemicals cats and dogs can be allergic to including:

  • Household chemicals, especially bleach and chloride compounds
  • Fragrances and sprays
  • Flea products
  • Air purifiers

A pet with allergies to chemicals will sneeze, cough and may develop skin rashes after exposure.

Detecting the chemicals that cause allergies is significant and once this is done, the pet should not be in the presence of such chemicals.

3. Flea Allergies

Dogs and cats can be allergic to fleas, more precisely to flea bites. When biting, fleas leave saliva behind, which can cause a major allergic reaction, swelling and itchiness. Topical creams should be used until the fleas are removed from the pet and his environment.

4. Plastic Allergies

Pets can develop allergies to plastic materials (i.e. food bowls, chew toys). The allergies may be manifested through skin rashes, itchiness or acne. The plastic can be successfully removed from the pet’s room, the allergic reactions will no longer occur.

5. Corn Allergies 

Corn is one of the most frequent food allergen in pets. Other common ingredients that pets can be allergic to include:

  • Soy
  • Beef
  • Chicken
  • Sugar
  • Flour
  • Chemicals that are added in the manufacturing process

Due to the fact that allergies are a problem caused by a deficient immune system, it is possible that an allergic pet develops negative reactions to a number of allergens, not just one. The most accurate way to determine the allergens is to perform a few tests (skin or blood sample testing). These tests don’t apply to food allergies, which require trials.

 

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