It's that time of the year again when sneezing and itching come out to play. Just like people, animals suffer from seasonal or chronic allergies and yes, they feel just as miserable as we do. The most common areas for skin allergies include the face, feet, ears, forelegs, armpits and the area around the anus. Ear infections, hair loss, excessive scratching, sneezing and hot spots are some of the more common symptoms associated with allergies.
Most veterinarians will treat your pet with some kind of antihistamine like Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) or Benadryl (Diphenhydramine). Most common side effects include sedation (drowsiness) and/or dry mouth. Changes in your pets diet may also help reduce or eliminate allergy issues as some food ingredients can lead to such things as rash/redness, inflammation and other skin problems. Anti-inflammatory medication, certain steroids and antibiotics may also be prescribed dependent on your pets symptoms/allergies. Your veterinarian may suggest Hills Science Diet z/d ULTRA; an allergen free dog and cat food. z/d ULTRA is available in both dry and canned variety, and can be purchased through your local veterinarian or pet supply store.
Bathing your animal in an oatmeal shampoo designed for pets may also help alleviate minor skin allergies/irritations. Oatmeal is moisturizing and known to relieve skin irritations and promote healing. 3-V caps are also a good addition for pets with dry and itchy skin. They contain Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil and vitamins A D, and E, and can be purchased through your local veterinarian or pet supply store.
Please note that it is important to first visit your local veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet, as most doses are determined by weight and species. In addition, it is also important to know what is causing your pets allergies (food, parasites, infection etc.). A trip to your veterinarians office can help determine your pets allergies and prescribe the best treatment option.
While these are just some of the ways to help alleviate our pets allergies, there are always other treatments out there that may not be as conventional. If you are a pet owner that uses one or more of these options or remedies, please share them with Spot's readers. Insight about what has and hasn't worked for your pets in the past is also welcome!
Most veterinarians will treat your pet with some kind of antihistamine like Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) or Benadryl (Diphenhydramine). Most common side effects include sedation (drowsiness) and/or dry mouth. Changes in your pets diet may also help reduce or eliminate allergy issues as some food ingredients can lead to such things as rash/redness, inflammation and other skin problems. Anti-inflammatory medication, certain steroids and antibiotics may also be prescribed dependent on your pets symptoms/allergies. Your veterinarian may suggest Hills Science Diet z/d ULTRA; an allergen free dog and cat food. z/d ULTRA is available in both dry and canned variety, and can be purchased through your local veterinarian or pet supply store.
Bathing your animal in an oatmeal shampoo designed for pets may also help alleviate minor skin allergies/irritations. Oatmeal is moisturizing and known to relieve skin irritations and promote healing. 3-V caps are also a good addition for pets with dry and itchy skin. They contain Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil and vitamins A D, and E, and can be purchased through your local veterinarian or pet supply store.
Please note that it is important to first visit your local veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet, as most doses are determined by weight and species. In addition, it is also important to know what is causing your pets allergies (food, parasites, infection etc.). A trip to your veterinarians office can help determine your pets allergies and prescribe the best treatment option.
While these are just some of the ways to help alleviate our pets allergies, there are always other treatments out there that may not be as conventional. If you are a pet owner that uses one or more of these options or remedies, please share them with Spot's readers. Insight about what has and hasn't worked for your pets in the past is also welcome!