Many people are unaware that their beloved pets may suffer from allergies. Animals with allergies are not uncommon and the allergens can be the same as those that affect humans. Allergens can range from pollen, dust, molds, food, and smoke. If one can identify the problem, then one can care for and reduce their pet's discomfort. However, do not try to diagnose your pet by yourself, seek veterinary advice.
Some common allergic indicators to watch out for are excessive scratching of the face or other body parts, abnormal skin appearance, missing fur due to scratching or biting, redness and/or inflammation of the feet or joints. Some indications of possible food allergies are frequent and soft stools.
Just because your precious pet has allergies does not mean that you need to panic. You also do not need take a second job to help pay for your pets care. The simplest ways to care for your allergic pet is as follows:
1. Use stainless steel, ceramic, or glass food and water dishes. Make sure that they are always clean. 2. Wash the pet bedding often with gentle, hypoallergenic soap. 3. For pets with skin allergies, it is beneficial to bathe them to help reduce some of the discomfort. Look for: o Hypoallergenic shampoos o Shampoos and conditioners that contain oatmeal o Shampoos that contain hydrocortisone, lidocaine, or aloe (Itch Stop Shampoo and Crème Rinse is one such shampoo) o Gentle, antimicrobial shampoos that contains chlorhexidine for pets with bacterial infections (Septic-Soothe Shampoo is one such shampoo) o medicated shampoos for other skin conditions like seborrhea oleosa 4. Using a medicated mist or medicated pad can help the pet's discomfort between baths. 5. Brush your pet's coat lightly and often to ensure the production of natural oils that will aid in the recovery of your pet or minimize the discomfort. Brushing also ensures that there are no tangles or matting of the fur to cause pain and discomfort. 6. If you are fortunate enough to know what allergen is plaguing your precious pet, you can minimize their exposure to that allergen. If you do not know what the allergen is, try to minimize their exposure to the most common allergens. Not an easy task, but it can be done. o Vacuum often, especially in the areas that the pet most frequents. o Keep home cool. o Use air filters and change or wash them regularly. o Do not allow pet outside when mowing. o Keep your pet off the grass, using dirt paths or sidewalks. o Do not smoke around your pet. o Use flea control collars or treatments to prevent flea bites. Do this on your pet, in your home, and in your yard. o Do not let your pet into areas of your home that are potential risky areas for mold. Such places would include basements, cellars, and believe or not the bathroom. o Minimize the number of plants you have inside of your home. 7. Use special supplements that contain Omega III fatty acids. You can even combine the supplement with an allergy pill (vet recommended) for the best helpfulness.
By providing proper nutrition and ensuring that your pet and its surroundings are exceptionally clean, you are taking steps to ensure that your pet lives a life that is as allergen-free as possible. Being allergen-free will make your pet much more comfortable and happy.