The same substances that cause similar reactions in humans frequently bring on inhalant allergies. Pollen, mold, dust, tobacco smoke, fragrances, even something as common place as kitty litter. In felines, symptoms include coughing or "hacking", watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, and sniffling. These symptoms are often misdiagnosed as a respiratory tract or eye infection. Diagnosis of inhalant allergies is also accomplished with a skin patch test. A blood test, though less reliable, can be used if a dermatologist is not available, or if the skin is too irritated to test. Treatment will include bronchi dilators, steroids, and an antibiotic if an infection is present. Dogs, on the other hand, usually react with skin problems, characterized by scratching, chewing at their skin, and repeated licking of their paws. Treatment of inhalant allergies includes removal of the irritants, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunotherapy.

Ingested allergens are most commonly found in the food your pet eats. Surprisingly, it is not the color or preservatives that cause the majority of reactions; instead it is the meat, grain, or dairy products that are used in the food. This category also includes a reaction to medication given by mouth, and those brought on by your pet nibbling on plants. Food allergies take anywhere from seven days to ten years to manifest; it is not an instantaneous reaction. For this reason, a food allergy is one of the last things an owner suspects. If your pet has been eating the same brand and type of food for five years, it's not going to be the first thing you consider if the animal suddenly becomes ill. A reaction to medication or plant ingestion will manifest much more rapidly. Symptoms in both felines and canines include itching and a rash, and in some cases diarrhea and vomiting. A cat may also have an excessively oily coat. Fortunately, treatment for this type of allergy is the most simple. If your pet has a reaction to a plant, remove the plant from the pet's vicinity. If it is an allergy to a medication, antihistamines are usually given until the medication is finished. A food allergy is treated by implementing a bland, hypoallergenic diet. It's possible to buy hypoallergenic food at many pet supply stores. These foods usually consist of rice and boiled chicken or lamb. Giving your pet distilled water to drink is also a good idea, because the minerals and chemicals in tap water can cause a reaction. Symptoms should abate within a week.

The last category of allergens is the sub dermal allergen. These are relatively uncommon, and usually caused by the injection of a medication under the skin. The reaction will subside as the medication is absorbed into the system. A severe reaction can be treated with antihistamines.

As you can see, allergies in pets closely parallel those in humans. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment are much the same. Rashes and itching are the most common symptom of any of the four types of allergies, and the skin test is the most accurate way to pinpoint the cause of the allergy. Corticosteroids and antihistamines are not a cure for allergies; they only relieve the symptoms. Antihistamines are generally considered safe to use, while corticosteroids can have severe side effects. Short-term side effects include panting and excessive thirst, while long term use can cause muscle loss, diabetes and Cushing's disease. Corticosteroids should be used only as a last resort.

By taking the same precautions that you would use for an allergic human, you can prevent or minimize allergic reactions in your pets. First and foremost, isolate the cause of the reaction, remove it from the pet's vicinity, and talk to your vet about appropriate treatment. Your pet will thank you.

Pharmacy Innovations may be able to help you treat your pet's allergies by specially compounding medications in forms such as transdermal gels, ointments, powders, and injectable preparations as an alternative to oral medication for your animal.If you pet is allergic to an ingredient in a medication, we may be able to work with your vet to compound a effective medication that your pet can take safely. Oral medications may be compounded into tasty treats for your animals in flavors that they will love (beef, chicken, and fish are just a few of hundreds!) Click This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it   to contact us for more information.