ANIMALS can show allergic reactions just like people do when their immune systems begin to recognize certain substances as dangerous. These substances which they react to are known as allergens. Allergens, which in most cases are very common in most environments and harmless to most animals, usually cause extreme reactions to some animals. These reactions occur when the pets are exposed to the substances by inhalation, ingestion or contact.General symptoms seen include:' Itchy , red , moist or scabbed skin' Persistent cough due to inflammation of the airway and excessive mucus production.' Increased scratching' Itchy runny eye'Itchy back or base of the tail'Itchy ears and ear infection' Sneezing' Vomiting' Diarrhoea' Snoring caused by inflamed throat' Paw chewing/swollen paws' Constant licking' Hair lossIt is noteworthy that any dog can develop allergies, although it is more common in some breeds such as Terriers, Setters, Retrievers, Pugs, Bull Dogs and Boston Terriers. This list is however, not exhaustive.Common allergies include:Trees, grass and weed pollensMold sporesDust and house dust mitesDanderFeathersCigarette smokeFood ingredientsPrescription drugsFleas, flea control products (a bite of a single flea can trigger intense itchiness for 2 to 3 weeks)PerfumesCleaning productsFabricsInsecticidal shampoosRubber and plastic materialsFOOD ALLERGYThe big masquerade is actually food allergy. When a dog has allergic reactions to food, it usually takes lots of investigative efforts to narrow down which food item could be causing the reaction. Results are best achieved through elimination process. The usual signs seen with food allergy include itchy skin, breathing difficulties, gastrointestinal problems like diarrhoea and vomiting. Food allergies may show up at any age.Another kind of allergic reaction that is so rampant and commonly undiagnosed is sensitivity to plants and grass pollens. This has become a big problem especially in our environment where up till now; there has not been any study to determine what plants our pets can react to. Believe me, this is very true. What we have is the information we have gleaned from studies done abroad. Right now, a lot of pets that are domiciled in homes where horticulture is practiced actually present with problems that cannot be immediately remedied. Sometimes, a simple solution as removing the pet from the environment has been overlooked with fatal consequences.Where do we then go from here' I think owners should be the first line detectors to know exactly what their pets react to. Is it that food' Does he behave out of character and get itchy when you take him to a particular spot in the house or the environment' Is he affected by your generator smoke' Does he react when you wear a particular kind of perfume' Simple observations like these can be useful when diagnosing allergy in pets.TREATMENT FOR ALLERGIES.Usually, prevention is the best treatment for allergies. Other ways include:' Weekly bathing which helps to relieve itching, remove environmental allergens and pollens from the pet's skin.' Cleaning the pet's bedding once a week and vacuuming at least twice weekly. This includes rugs, curtains and other materials that gather dust.' Carrying out a flea control program for the pet and the environment.' If food allergy is suspected, pets may be placed on an exclusive prescription or hydrolyzed protein diet, with the assistance of the veterinarian.ALLERGY MEDICATIONSAllergy has no treatment, but there are certain recommended medications which are subscribed to control allergic reactions:' Allergy injections which will help the pet to develop resistance to airborne allergens among others by a process of hyposensitization.' Antihistamines have been found to be useful in a small fraction of dogs with allergies.' Fatty acid supplements to relieve itchy skin.' Shampoos and sprays containing oatmeal, aloe and other natural products to help skin infections.' Immune modulating drugs.' Flea prevention products that can be applied monthly to the pet's skin.' And certain anti-inflammatory drugs which can be used with caution and guidance of your vet.With Dr. Motunde Oke.
Click here to read full news..
