by KYW's Nan Talleno
Springtime can mean allergy season for many people but people aren’t the only ones who suffer.
Our pets, both dogs and cats, can suffer from allergies as well. They can be allergic to anything from food, pollen, dust, mold, exposure to chemicals, fleas, etc. Although they can sometimes display symptoms of sneezing, wheezing, runny eyes and nose, it’s much more common for dogs to develop allergic skin reactions producing various degrees of skin irritations with intense itching, excessive scratching and chewing of the affected area called hot spots.
Severe scratching can also lead to infection. A common source of skin allergies is the flea or mite bite.
Reactions to certain food allergens can also cause scratching as well as vomiting and diarrhea. Cats tend to suffer more from respiratory problems than dogs. There are tests that your vet can do to determine if your pet has allergies.
The most effective way to treat allergies is to, when at all possible, remove the source.
Always keep your pets free from fleas and mites. If food allergies are the problem, this is the time to switch to a more natural and healthier diet for your pet, as this plays an important role in keeping your pet healthy. Check with your vet.
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