Part 3 on pet allergies will cover inhalant allergies, also called atopy and is very common. The same allergens that cause allergies in humans can cause inhaled allergies in cats and dogs. However, while a human will sneeze, cough, and have watery eyes, a cat or dog will usually have itching skin, much the same as a food allergy or flea bite allergy.
Cause and symptoms: common allergens are grass, weed and tree pollen, fabrics, dander, dust mites, and mold. Seasonal itching for an inhalant allergy usually begins at age 1 to 3 years, whereas a flea bite allergy usually begins at age 3 to 5. The inhalant allergy may start out seasonally, but then as the pet ages it can affect him all year long. In dogs, atopy causes itching around the eyes and mouth, armpits, belly, legs, around the anus, and can also cause ear infections. In cats, it causes itching around the face, neck, back, and thighs with tiny seed-like scabs and possible hair loss.
Treatment: Steroids such as Prednisone are often prescribed to block the allergic reaction. Some allergens are believed to absorb through the skin, so hypoallergenic shampoo can help relieve itching, along with fatty acid supplements. Keeping grass or weeds mowed so that they don't pollinate will help somewhat. If your cat or dog requires more than 2 shots annually, or is taking steroid pills every other day for more than 4 months out of the year, consider alternative treatment. Side affects of prolonged use of Prednisone are:
*excessive appetite, thirst and panting
*immune suppression
*inflammation of the pancreas
*urinary incontinence
*weight gain
Alternative treatments are: antihistamines, Omega 3 fatty acid supplements, and herbal topicals such as calendula, comfrey, and chamomile. Using an air cleaner inside the home may also give relief. I would also suggest feeding only a food that has no chemicals and preservatives as it can improve your pet's general health and immune system's ability to deal with the allergens.
Cause and symptoms: common allergens are grass, weed and tree pollen, fabrics, dander, dust mites, and mold. Seasonal itching for an inhalant allergy usually begins at age 1 to 3 years, whereas a flea bite allergy usually begins at age 3 to 5. The inhalant allergy may start out seasonally, but then as the pet ages it can affect him all year long. In dogs, atopy causes itching around the eyes and mouth, armpits, belly, legs, around the anus, and can also cause ear infections. In cats, it causes itching around the face, neck, back, and thighs with tiny seed-like scabs and possible hair loss.
Treatment: Steroids such as Prednisone are often prescribed to block the allergic reaction. Some allergens are believed to absorb through the skin, so hypoallergenic shampoo can help relieve itching, along with fatty acid supplements. Keeping grass or weeds mowed so that they don't pollinate will help somewhat. If your cat or dog requires more than 2 shots annually, or is taking steroid pills every other day for more than 4 months out of the year, consider alternative treatment. Side affects of prolonged use of Prednisone are:
*excessive appetite, thirst and panting
*immune suppression
*inflammation of the pancreas
*urinary incontinence
*weight gain
Alternative treatments are: antihistamines, Omega 3 fatty acid supplements, and herbal topicals such as calendula, comfrey, and chamomile. Using an air cleaner inside the home may also give relief. I would also suggest feeding only a food that has no chemicals and preservatives as it can improve your pet's general health and immune system's ability to deal with the allergens.
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