Most Common Allergies in Pets and Their Triggers

Just like humans, pets can also have allergic reactions to different things. The symptoms can also be similar - itchiness, spots on their skin, upset stomach and others. The key to preventing allergic reactions is of course, knowing what is causing them. This can sometimes be difficult to determine, so let’s take a look at the most common allergies that pets have.

Atopy

The most common type of allergy in cats and dogs is atopy. It’s usually seasonal and specific to certain allergens. For example, in the fall, ragweed can be a culprit. Spring might bring about tree pollen allergies, while dust mites are often to blame in the winter. time, pets spend a lot of time indoors.

Common Signs of Atopy

• Chewing at the feet
• Licking around the groin area
• Face rubbing
• Inflamed ears
• Ear infections
• Hot spots

In more severe cases, asthma-like wheezing and respiratory problems may also be encountered, especially in cats.

Flea Allergies

Flea allergies are the second most common type of allergy after Atopy.  What’s surprising is that your dog or cat doesn’t even need to have fleas for an allergic reaction! That’s because the allergy is caused by a concoction of antigenic material that is present in the saliva of fleas. So if your pet gets a bite or two, they might have an allergic reaction. To get rid of these pest, you need to look for fleas and flea dirt, and the most effective treatment is trying as hard as possible to keep your pet flea-free.

Common signs of flea allergies

• Severe itching
• Scabs on the skin
• Hair loss

Contact Dermatitis

Contact Dermatitis is less known, but is equally common in dogs and cats. This is an allergy to carpets, cleaners and even plastic. Unlike Atopy, contact dermatitis is not seasonal. Instead, every time your pet comes in contact with the allergen, they’ll get an allergic reaction.  Thankfully, with this type of allergy, once the trigger has been identified, it can usually be avoided, thus reducing allergy symptoms.

Common signs of contact dermatitis

• Itchy bumps
• Blisters in areas with little fur
• Hair loss
• Intense scratching

Food Allergies

Food allergies are the least common, present in about 10-15% of all allergies in cats and dogs. While their symptoms are quite different from other types of allergies like Atopy or dermatitis, they are often confused with food intolerance or an upset belly. If you notice that your pet is showing symptoms of food allergies, especially when you’ve just changed their diet, it’s a good idea to start isolating certain foods to check which is the allergen.

Common signs of food allergies

• Itching around the face, trunk or anal area
• Yeast-related ear infections
• Skin infections
• Soft stool and irregular bowel movements

How to Prevent Allergies in Dogs and Cats

The best measure to prevent allergies in your pet is to avoid contact with allergens altogether. But sometimes this can be difficult if your dog is allergic to something natural or if you haven’t yet pinpointed what is causing all that itchiness and discomfort. One of the most effective products that you can use to help allergies is EcoBalance Anti-Allergy Supplement for Dogs & Cats. It is made from nature’s best calming ingredients that help combat debilitating allergy symptoms. Just add the easy-to-use dry formula to your pet’s daily diet to prevent allergic reactions. "EcoBalance is made from nature’s best calming ingredients that help combat debilitating allergy symptoms." Learn more about EcoBalance Anti-Allergy As with human beings, allergies in dogs and cats are extremely uncomfortable. If not addressed, they can also lead to other health conditions that could put the well-being of your pet in danger. While there are so many other types of allergies that affect different species and different types of pets, these are the most common allergies to look out for.