Pets have allergies and a wide variety of triggers. This is why you may need to exercise caution when spoiling them with new treats. According to data, 0.2% and 0.1% of dogs and cats have food allergies. While this may be in the minority, some concerns make this subject worth discussing. Whether or not your pets have existing allergies, you never know when they could be triggered. It is, therefore, worthwhile to have some knowledge about pet allergies.
Constant exposure to smoke
Smoke, whether from cooking or on barbecue day, can be particularly dangerous to cats and dogs. Vets say it can be a worrying respiratory irritant that can quickly escalate into oxygen loss. If a smoker is in the house, these pets can be directly exposed to this second-hand irritant. In cats, continuous exposure to smoke can cause lymphoma, a cancer of the white blood cells. Dogs may also gag, have watery eyes, sneeze incessantly, and even have asthma. Atopic dermatitis is also something to look for, characterized by itchy skin beneath all the fur. Sometimes, you may notice patches of bald skin on your furry companion’s body. These signs indicate that your pet is in distress and requires immediate vet attention.
Food choices
As indicated in the introduction, only a minority of pets have food allergies. So, how does this happen? Their bodies may react to specific foods because of a misinterpretation between the immune system and a specific protein. It is the same mechanism in humans. You never know what food ingredient triggers an allergy in your pet. Signs of food allergies in pets may include an upset stomach, vomiting, tongue swelling, or diarrhea. The right food can make all the difference to your pet whether they have an allergy or not. If you don’t get the right food for them, you’re going to find their growth is much harder to track. You don’t want your dog eating just anything, so researching Nextrition is going to be helpful here. Research is your best friend when it comes to your pet.
Fortunately, you can easily find a wealth of information about safe pet foods. For example, Freshpet dog food reviews give authentic information on things your canine companion can safely eat without triggering allergies. There is much to learn about pets and their peculiar reactions to food. More importantly, it is better to be armed with relevant information to help your pets.
The stuffing in your pet’s bed and other matters
All the coziness in your pet’s bedding may do more harm than good. Aside from the soft and comforting nature of these beds, have you considered what might be between the fabric? Cedar shavings, feathers, polyester fiberfill, and foam are stuffing materials in your animal friend’s bed. Sometimes, though, this comfy stuffing becomes allergens. When you notice your pet scratching excessively, continually rubbing their face, or experiencing hair loss, the pet bed might be the culprit.
This is why hypoallergenic pet beds are your best bet. Another downside of the stuffing is the increased risk of harboring dust mites. To avoid these inconveniences, it is recommended to wash your pet’s bed frequently. A fragrance-free mild detergent is best for this purpose. If your pet continues to have allergies after taking all the necessary precautions, you may have to visit the vet.
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