Food allergy in cats and dogs

Food allergies in cats and dogs are very common. This is one of the most common reasons for pet owners of different breeds to contact a veterinarian. The manifestations of this ailment are very unpleasant for both the pet and its owner. Let's try to figure out how to discern the first symptoms of allergies in cats and dogs and find out what exactly it has arisen.

Cat allergy

It is generally accepted that purrs are more susceptible to allergic reactions to various products. However, their symptoms are not as pronounced as in dogs.

Allergy Symptoms in Cats

First of all, PetGlobals draws your attention to the fact that the allergy symptoms in cats are purely individual. What was at the pet of your neighbor or colleague does not necessarily appear in your case and vice versa.

Severe itching (It is especially relevant for areas of the head, ears, neck. Due to severe combing, wounds, suppuration can appear. This is very dangerous, as it entails the penetration of bacteria and the development of infection);

Redness, rash (This symptom is sometimes very difficult to detect. Of course, it is obvious if you have a naked cat breed, or short-haired. The problem occurs when it comes to fluffies with a thick, long coat);

Discharge from the eyes (It is often said that the eyes “flow.” This is very easy to notice, as lumps constantly appear under them, like tears, mucus, and dirt);

Nausea, diarrhea (In principle, a symptom of a pathological condition is any change in stool. If it has become more frequent, less frequent, more fluid, this is an occasion to think and look at the caudate);

Shortness of breath, cough (Ailment often affects the respiratory system);

Swelling;

Behavior change.

It should be noted the fact that this symptomatology in its various combinations may indicate a number of other diseases. That is why you should not diagnose yourself and even more so prescribe treatment. In order to establish exactly what your pet has (allergies, dermatitis or something else), consult a doctor.

At the reception, the doctor will conduct a detailed examination, listen to your observations. If necessary, analyzes will be assigned. And only after the final conclusion of your doctor can you talk about treatment.

Food allergy treatment

Firstly, it will concern the identification of the main allergen. For this, the cat will need to follow a diet for at least 3 weeks. After his condition is relieved, it will be possible to talk about the introduction of new products into the diet. Each new battery is tested for at least 2 weeks. Only through trial and error can you understand what exactly cause a negative reaction in the body of an animal.

Important! Why exactly these terms recommend a diet or trial of a new product? There is such a thing as a “delayed reaction." Many allergens tend to accumulate, acting on the principle of a nuclear bomb. At first, it feels like the food is perfect, and then the allergy symptoms suddenly appear.

In order not to wait so long, but to find out as soon as possible the harmful ingredient of the diet, you can take tests (tests).

Once you have determined what is not suitable for your animal, it is important to choose the right feeding principle. He must exclude the allergen in any form. Read feed formulations carefully!

Some owners even prefer to make their choice in favor of anti-allergenic products.

By the way! As a rule, wet foods, pastes, canned foods are less allergenic than dry ones.

Dog food allergy

Very many breeds are susceptible to these manifestations due to reduced immunity. Such, as a rule, in artificially bred dogs. They suffer from very aggressive symptoms, which, by the way, are not very different from feline ones. Symptoms in dogs also accumulate. If at first you notice only a rare scratching of the four-legged behind the ear, then then overnight he combs his skin to blood.

It is important to consider allergies to food in dogs in time and prevent an aggravation of the condition.

The technique of diagnosis, treatment is similar to a cat. First of all, an allergen is detected, adequate nutrition is selected, if necessary, drug therapy is prescribed.

Speaking about food allergies, one can not help but mention that this symptomatology is also characteristic of the negative perception of not only food, but also everything around. So, for example, a pet can respond to:

Natural nutrition components;

Pollen of plants;

Dust;

Household chemicals;

Insects;

Materials from which toys are made and much more.

In order to correctly identify allergies in dogs, it is important to observe how, what symptoms and in which situations are manifested.

Attention - this is what will help you protect your pet from the negative impact on the body of allergies. Having noticed its first manifestations in time and determined a negative object, product, you can avoid exhausting treatment, endless trips to the veterinary clinic and, of course, a big waste of money and time.