Itchy Skin? Ear infections? Redness? – All Signs Your Beloved Pet Could Have An Allergy

We all know us humans can suffer from allergies when it comes to our furry friends but what about when our pets are suffering?

Here’s all you need to know to help your pooch or puss combat their allergies, which can cause them so much discomfort.

How do I know if my pet has an allergy?
When we have allergies; it can be easy to spot. We may have sickness, dry itchy skin or generally feel out of sorts but whilst we can speak up to friends, family and our doctors to get a diagnosis, our four legged friends, sadly can’t. This means that as pet owners we need to look out for signs that our furry pals may be suffering.

Just like us; the main types of allergies that affect our pets are food and environmental allergies (the latter including seasonal itches and sniffles). The main sign that your pet could be suffering is itchy skin. So, if your furry friend is scratching more than usual, biting parts of their body or rubbing themselves against anything they possibly can to relieve the itch, chances are they are suffering from an allergy. If left untreated, this can lead to inflamed, red, raw skin, along with fur loss, sores, scabbing and become a life-long problem.

Another symptom to look out for is ear issues. This is especially common in dogs. Ear canals become itchy and inflamed, as a response to allergies, and bacteria can develop and grow. If your ‘paw-ly’ pet has an infection, there may be an odour and discharge. Sound familiar? Check if they are scratching their ears, shaking their head or loosing hair around their ears, then let your vet know about your concerns.

Pets can also be affected, like we are, by running noses, watery eyes, sneezing and coughing too.

The last symptom to look for is redness. This could be anything from puffy red eyes to darker than usual tongues and gums, red chins to red paws. Most pets suffering with an allergy will often have at least one of the above – make sure if you ‘see red’ that you get your pet to the vet.

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‘Pawfect’ tips for being allergy-free

Now you know what to be checking for, how can you ensure your pet’s pesky allergies are kept under control?

• Give your pet regular baths and foot soaks
  Not just TLC treatments, baths and soaks can soothe the skin and also remove allergens that your pet may bring into your home.
• Clean and be chemical-free
  Vacuum and keep floors and their bedding areas clean (using non-toxic cleaners) to prevent allergies from starting and/or spreading.
• Have regular vet check-ups
  There’s a reason vets recommend seeing your pet regularly; to make sure they stay healthy! Don’t forget to take them for a trip to keep them in tip-top condition.

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By Shelly Welti