Sneezing and Wheezing: All You Need to Know About Allergies and Your Pet

Sneezing and wheezing, scratching and itching. Allergies are not just for people. Our pets can also feel the pain of pesky allergens. From pollen to common food allergies, it may be tricky navigating through all the different symptoms your pet may be exhibiting. And how do you know if your pet isn’t just itchy or sneezing from a rouge dust bunny?

Here is a list of common allergies suffered by pets and symptoms.

1. Pollen

Seasonal allergies can affect your four-legged friends too! Tree pollen, grass, and other weed related pollens are a huge portion of the allergies suffered by pets. Many of the symptoms that are present in humans like itchy watery eyes, rashes, sneezing, and running noses are also seen in cats and dogs.

2. Food

Food allergies can wreak havoc on your pets G.I. tract. Diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting are some of the most obvious signs of a food allergy, but there are some that pet parents may think are attributed to other allergies. Scratching non-stop and watery eyes can also be a sign of food allergies.

3. Mold

Mold comes in many different types and colors. Watching out for mold spores in the home is a must for your and your pet’s health. Mold usually makes us humans sneeze, have a hard time breathing, and can cause a lot of respiratory problems. Mold Advisor cities that dogs have much of the same symptoms of mold allergies, as well as, ear infection.

4. Fleas

Fleas are gross and annoying in every way imaginable. But pets who are allergic to flea bites have even harder time. Flea allergies take itching and rashes to the next level. So, watch out if your pet seems to be non-stop scratching after a flea encounter. Itching at this level can lead your pet to harming themselves and causing open wounds from their nails.

5. Products to kill fleas

This allergy unfortunately can go along with flea allergies. Pets with sensitive skin can be overwhelmed with some of the products that are present in flea killing shampoos and topical solutions. Watch out for hair loss, scratching, biting, and rashes. Your vet may prescribe something different or go for another approach entirely.

6. Household cleaning products

Let’s face it, most of the chemicals in household cleaning products aren’t the best for pets or humans to be around. If your pet is exhibiting any of the classic signs of allergies, talk to your vet. There is also a huge market that caters to organic and chemical free house cleaners!

7. Shampoos

Some shampoos can also trigger an allergic reaction in your pet. Watch out for rashes and itching after bath time! Dogs and cats can also have dry skin. It may not be an allergy, but just a case of dry skin that can be treated with medicated shampoos or shampoos with hydrating, pet-friendly lotion.

8. Their toys

This can be heartbreaking. You buy your dog or kitty a new toy and they start exhibiting symptoms of an allergy. Plastics and rubber can cause allergic reactions just like they do in humans. Be careful when shopping for new toys if your pet has that kind of allergy.

Now what do you do?

Always be sure to contact your vet if you think your pet has an allergy of any kind. Usually, allergies are an annoyance, just like they are for humans, however, some allergies can be life threatening. Your vet will test your pet to see if they have allergies and then prescribe a treatment regimen. If it is a food allergy, they will most likely help you navigate through the hundreds of available food products out there to find the right one.