Could my pet have allergies?

Excerpted from an article in this month's issue of Chicagoland Tails.
http://www.tailsinc.com/index.php?domain=chicagolandtails.com


Chicagoland Tails is a free pet-related magazine found inside the front door of many local pet food stores and dog groomers.





When Sassy is the one sneezing
by Renee Krejci

Just because your four-legged companion doesn't curl up on the couch with a box of tissues doesn't mean he doesn't have allergies too. Approximately 20 percent of dogs and 15 percent of cats in the U.S. suffer from allergies. Unfortunately, pet allergies often go undetected because guardians don't know the signs. There are four types of allergies for both dogs and cats: contact, flea, food, and inhalant. Dogs can also have bacterial allergies. A common way to spot if your pet is suffering from allergies is if he or she is itching and licking a lot, often until the skin is broken or red. Some other symptoms are coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and mucus discharge. If you suspect your pet has allergies, take him to the vet. Your veterinarian may be able to perform an allergy test or recommend a veterinary dermatologist, who can determine the cause of your pet's itching and prescribe medication to control it.