Find out the cause of allergies first to relieve your furry pet's crisis
Many pet owners are anxious when their pets suddenly start scratching, experience redness and swelling of the skin, and even red and swollen eyes. These symptoms could be warning signs of pet allergies . To help your pet, you must first understand the cause of the allergy so you can prescribe the right treatment and resolve the crisis.
Pet allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to certain substances. Allergens can come from environmental sources such as dust, pollen, and cleaning agents, or they can be found in food. While food allergies are often discussed, research indicates that food allergies actually account for a very low proportion of pet skin diseases: approximately 1-2% in dogs and 0.2% in cats.
Identifying the allergen is the key to treatment. Common diagnostic methods include:
- : The suspected allergen is injected into the skin to observe whether there is an allergic reaction.
- : These tests detect antibodies to specific substances in the blood. However, these tests are for informational purposes only.
- : The most accurate method for diagnosing food allergies. It involves gradually eliminating possible allergic ingredients through dietary restriction and observing changes in symptoms over approximately 12 weeks.
These methods require professional veterinary judgment and should not be used on your own.
According to a 2018 study by the American Veterinary Medical Association, 85% of pet food allergies are due to animal protein , with other ingredients accounting for approximately 15%. Because pets have shorter intestines, incomplete protein digestion can lead to the immune system misinterpreting it as harmful, causing allergic reactions and symptoms such as skin redness, swelling, and itching.
Many pet owners believe that grain-free dry food reduces the risk of allergies . However, the truth is that allergies primarily stem from the type of protein, not the grain itself. Grain-free dry food still contains protein, and if your pet is allergic to it, symptoms will still occur. In other words, grain-free dry food is not a panacea; choosing a protein source that suits your pet's constitution is key.
- Choose dry food with a single protein source to easily eliminate allergens.
- Consider hydrolyzed protein dry food , which breaks down protein molecules into smaller molecules, reducing the risk of misjudgment by the immune system.
- Pay attention to ingredient labels and avoid ingredients with known allergies.
- Consult your veterinarian for an individualized diet plan.
- Strictly avoid allergen ingredients.
- Regularly observe changes in your pet’s skin and behavior, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Replace dry food after a fixed period of time (such as 6 months to 1 year) to avoid increasing the burden on the gastrointestinal tract.
- The whole family should cooperate to avoid giving too many snacks or other foods containing allergens.
By understanding the symptoms of dog skin allergies and cat allergy dietary management , and adopting the right pet allergy treatments , you can effectively protect your pet's health. Don't let allergies become a problem for your pet. Start with their diet and give them the most attentive care!