Care for a Pet with Allergies and Sensitivities

How to Care for a Pet With Allergies and Sensitivities

Pets are wonderful companions, but they can also have health issues that require special attention. If your pet has allergies or sensitivities, you may notice them scratching, sneezing, or having digestive problems. These are signs that their immune system is reacting to something in their environment, food, or even their own body. I have a cat who has a sensitive bladder. It took going to a couple different Vet's to figure out what was wrong with her. I ended up putting her on Science Diet for bladder sensitivity. That did the trick and she stopped having bladder issues.

But don’t worry, there are ways to help your pet feel better and prevent future flare-ups. Here are some tips on how to care for a pet with allergies and sensitivities.

What are pet allergies and sensitivities?

Allergies and sensitivities are when your pet’s immune system overreacts to something that is harmless to most animals. This can be anything from dust mites to pollen to chicken. When your pet comes into contact with an allergen, their body produces antibodies that cause inflammation and irritation. This can lead to various symptoms, such as:

Itchy skin and ears

Redness and swelling

Hives and rashes

Sneezing and coughing

Runny nose and eyes

Wheezing and difficulty breathing

Vomiting and diarrhea

Some pets may have more severe reactions than others, depending on their genes and the amount of exposure. Some may also develop sensitivities over time, meaning they become more sensitive to certain things after being exposed to them repeatedly.

How to diagnose pet allergies and sensitivities?

If you think your pet has allergies or sensitivities, you should take them to your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. Your vet may perform some tests to find out what your pet is allergic or sensitive to. These tests may include:

Skin tests: Your vet will inject small amounts of different allergens under your pet’s skin and see how they react.

Blood tests: Your vet will take a blood sample from your pet and check it for antibodies to different allergens.

Elimination diet: Your vet will put your pet on a special diet that only has one protein and one carbohydrate source for several weeks. Then, they will gradually add back different ingredients to see which ones cause symptoms.

These tests can help your vet create a treatment plan that suits your pet’s needs.

How to treat pet allergies and sensitivities?

The best way to treat pet allergies and sensitivities is to avoid or reduce the exposure to the allergens as much as possible. This may involve:

Keeping your pet indoors when the pollen count is high or the air quality is poor.

For cats I found that using a thick litter that isn't very powdery helps their sinuses.

Cleaning your home regularly with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter.

Washing your pet’s bedding and toys often in hot water.

Using gentle and unscented shampoos and grooming products for your pet.

Checking your pet for fleas and ticks regularly and using preventive products as advised by your vet.

Feeding your pet a high-quality diet that is suitable for their age, breed, and health condition.

Avoiding foods that contain ingredients that your pet is allergic or sensitive to. For example, my cat has a sensitive bladder, so I switched her to a special food that helps with her urinary health.

Sometimes, avoiding the allergens may not be enough or possible. In that case, your vet may also prescribe some medications or supplements to help control your pet’s symptoms. These may include:

Antihistamines: These drugs block the effects of histamine, a chemical that causes inflammation and itching in allergic reactions. Corticosteroids: These drugs reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system response in severe cases of allergies. Immunotherapy: This treatment involves giving your pet small doses of the allergens over time to help them build tolerance and reduce their sensitivity. By following these tips, you can help your pet live a happy and healthy life with allergies and sensitivities. Remember to always consult your vet before making any changes to your pet’s diet or medication. And don’t forget to give your pet lots of love and cuddles! They deserve it! 😊



Sources:

1. mayoclinic.org 2. aafa.org 3. my.clevelandclinic.org 4. akc.org 5. vcahospitals.com