By Nikki Phipps
Have you noticed your pet scratching a lot, maybe too much? Occasional scratching is okay; in fact, it’s quite normal, but if your pet seems to be scratching or biting itself relentlessly, then your pet may be in need of some relief. An itch can be triggered by a variety of things, ranging from disease and stress to lice and fleas. However, were you aware that one of the leading causes of itching and scratching in pets could actually be attributed to allergies? That’s right, not only do we suffer from allergies, but just about every mammal can become afflicted with them as well, especially dogs and cats. Unlike people, however, animals do not usually suffer from stuffy or runny noses and watery eyes. Their main symptom is simply itchy skin, which as times goes by, can turn raw and red from all the constant scratching, licking, and chewing.
If you’re like most people, your pet is not only a loyal companion but also an important part of the family. Therefore, if your pet is experiencing excessive itching on a regular basis, you may want to consider taking the animal to your local veterinarian for some relief. In fact, when it comes to treating pet allergies, a veterinary dermatologist may be required to diagnose the problem if the veterinarian alone cannot. Don’t worry; you can easily get a referral for your pet if you have no idea where to find a suitable veterinary dermatologist. Although there is no cure for allergies, there are drug products available that can help relieve the symptoms of itchiness and inflammation in your pet. There are also treatments that can be given to clear up any infections caused by all the constant scratching.
The key to making your pet comfortable, however, is to find out the possible cause of the allergy. Probably considered the most common type of allergy in both dogs and cats is the flea. Of course, if fleas are the culprit, you can easily treat the problem with appropriate flea control products, such as Frontline. There are also allergies that are often caused by inhaling airborne particles in the environment, such as mold spores, dust, tobacco smoke, and pollens. Some of these allergies can also be triggered by seasonal changes, such as with tree, grass, and flower pollens in the spring. Mosquitoes, flies, and other insects can also contribute to or trigger allergies, especially in the warmer months of summer. Then there are contact allergens that result from physically touching a substance like grass, wool, and plastic or ingesting them as with certain types of food. The most common food allergies triggered in cats comes from fish, milk, beef, and eggs; while in dogs beef, soy, chicken, milk, corn, wheat, and eggs may be the culprit.
Don’t allow your pet to suffer. If you notice that your pet is scratching excessively, help find the animal relief by visiting your veterinarian. While it could be nothing more than stress, you might be surprised to learn that your pet is actually suffering from allergies requiring treatment.