January 2018
Seasonal allergies aren’t just a problem for humans. Check for these signs in your pet:
- Eye redness and discharge. Allergens enter the eyes and cause conjunctivitis (inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelids) and scleritis (inflammation of the white of the eyes), which appears as eye discharge.
- Ear discharge and ear scratching/head shaking. The ear canal and the ear flap accumulate allergens, become inflamed and causing discomfort. Pets having ear inflammation are more prone to infection with bacteria or yeast, which are often already present in the ear canal and are given a better chance to thrive in that moist, dark and warm environment.
- Nasal discharge and sneezing. Sneezing may be occasional or frequent, and nasal discharge can be thin, mucous-filled or even bloody depending on the severity of irritation.
- Coughing, gagging and swallowing. The same allergens that enter the nasal passages also end up in the mouth and windpipe. Additionally, the nose and mouth connect, so nasal discharge easily trickles down into the throat. Coughing, gagging and increased swallowing are common signs of respiratory allergens.
- Licking, chewing, scratching and the development of hot spots. So many bodily locations can be impacted by allergies, as the skin is the body’s largest organ. Pets often self-manage the situation by licking, chewing and scratching. Affected sites include the feet, axilla (armpit), groin, flanks, sides and skin folds.
If you’re concerned about your pet suffering from allergies, schedule an appointment for a physical examination with your veterinarian.
Source: PETMD
