An allergy is a negative reaction caused by various allergens such as foods, parasites, dust, pollen or chemicals. Some of the most common allergies in pets are skin allergies. These allergies typically cause intense itching, which will cause your pet to continuously scratch and bite itself.
How Allergies Skin Affects Your Pet
In mild forms of skin allergies, your pet’s skin will be extremely itchy, making your dog or cat very miserable. However, if your pet’s condition is severe, it may experience various problems including open sores, infections, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea and difficulty breathing. In the worst cases, collapse, anaphylactic shock and even death can occur.
Common Symptoms of Allergies Skin
The symptoms your pet may exhibit if it has a skin allergy depend on what is causing the problem. However, all of the symptoms listed below are typical of skin allergies in pets. If you notice your dog or cat exhibiting any of these warning signs, you should take it to a veterinarian for an examination. *Intense Itching *Constant Scratching and/or Biting *Open Sores from Scratching and Biting *Generalized Weakness *Hives *Vomiting and/or Diarrhea *Difficulty Breathing *Collapse *Anaphylactic Shock *Swollen Eyelids *Inflamed Skin and/or Rashes *Hair Loss *Dry, Scaly Skin *Thick, Dark-Colored Skin.
Treatments for Allergies Skin
Your veterinarian will need to examine your pet and determine what is causing its allergies before treatment can be administered. This is because treatment will vary depending upon the allergen. In some cases, all that may be necessary includes special diets and/or medicated shampoos or rinses. Cortisone, corticosteroids or Benadryl can help control hives and itching. If infections are present, your veterinarian may prescribe topical and/or oral antibiotics. Finally, if fleas are causing your pet’s allergy, there are several flea treatment options you can choose among to treat your pet, home and yard.
Breeds Affected
Skin allergies can affect both dogs and cats no matter what breed, age or sex they may be. However, there are some animals that are more vulnerable to the condition than others, and they are listed here: Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, Bulldogs, Beagles, Shar-Pei, Animals with a Family History of Skin Allergies, Animals with a Heavy Infestation of External Parasites, Animals Exposed to Harmful Chemicals, and Animals Exposed to Shampoos or Soaps Meant for Humans.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
