What Causes Pet Allergies?

What Causes Pet Allergies?

Pet wellness is something pet owners take quite seriously. Getting your pet’s vaccinations, flea, heartworm, and tick protection, and a yearly veterinary exam is all part of responsible pet ownership. Despite all the good things you do, your furry friend can still suffer from pet allergies. Making sure you are aware of your pet’s allergies and knowing the causes can make the allergies easier to live with. At The Village Vet in Baltimore, we are here to share our years of experience with pet allergies.

Much like their human counterparts, pet allergies can be caused by many things. It may take a while to figure out what the problem is, but monitoring the symptoms will help narrow it down. Allergies are caused when the immune system reacts to something it considers foreign. Not all allergies are caused by one thing, all immune systems are different and react to different things in different ways.

Food

Some pets have a very bad reaction to certain foods. It can be a particular brand, or it may be a particular ingredient that is in several brands. Food allergies cause quite a few different reactions. Your pet may vomit the food or may have gastrointestinal issues such as gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Our veterinarians can suggest some types of food that are easier for pets with allergies to digest. Other symptoms include licking their feet, skin irritation, and chronic ear inflammation.

Fleas

Fleas can cause pets to have allergic dermatitis. The bites are extremely itchy due to the flea saliva. Pets will scratch themselves raw and may develop hot spots. The best way to treat flea allergies is to not let your pet get flea bites. This can be easier said than done, but we are here to help.

Environmental Allergens

This can be something your pet is exposed to at home or outside. Dust, plants, pollen all have the potential to trigger allergies.

Severe Reactions

Your pet can have an anaphylactic reaction to certain allergens like a bee sting or a pet vaccine. These need to be treated by a veterinarian immediately.

Contact Our Veterinarians in Baltimore

If you suspect your pet is suffering from pet allergies, a visit to The Village Vet in Baltimore may be in order. Call us today at 410-367-8111 to speak with a member of our team and schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians. Allergies are no fun for people or animals, we can help your furry friend find relief from allergies.