Taking care of a pet is a huge responsibility. They have the potential to become your best friends but are definitely much more reliant on you compared to your other buddies. That is exactly why you must pay close attention to their needs and make their stay in your home as comfortable as possible.
This starts by identifying things that trigger allergies for your pet. Since their bodies don’t work quite like ours there are quite a few factors that can contribute to prolonged illness and an overall worsening quality of life.
Let’s discuss a few signs that may point towards an allergy and tips that can help you create an allergy-friendly environment for your little furry friends!
Signs of Allergic Reactions in Sensitive Pets
A good rule of thumb is to look for practically anything that is alarming and didn’t exist before. The first logical step would be to identify whether your pet is particularly prone to certain types of allergic reactions. Here are a few sensitive breeds and warning signs you can rely on;
- Labrador Retriever
Labradors are known to be allergic to certain kinds of chicken, beef, and dairy as well as pollen in the air, mold, and dust mites.
Warning Signs: If you find your pet excessively licking their paws, shaking their head (sign of an ear infection) or presenting red and itchy skin (rashes) it’s a good idea to take them to the vet.
- Siamese Cat
Siamese are extremely allergic to eggs, dairy, and grain. They are also known for reacting pretty quickly to dust and smoke.
Warning Signs: An allergic reaction will commonly present itself in the form of coughing or wheezing, redness around the mouth or ears, or signs of gastro upset after certain foods.
- French Bulldog
Bulldogs are loving and loyal lifetime friends but it can often be difficult to keep up with the list of things they’re allergic to. We advise keeping a journal dedicated to your pet and note down things that trigger allergies.
Bulldogs usually cannot tolerate wheat, soy, and dairy. They also are prone to environmental allergic dermatitis and contact allergies to plastic and detergent.
Warning Signs: Look for inflamed face folds, breathing irritation from allergens, red, itchy paws and belly, or anything that looks like a rash.
- Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are extremely allergic to fleas (much more than the common dog breed) as well as chicken and beef (certain types). They also do not react well to perfumes or shampoos and extreme scents in the environment.
Warning Signs: Look for waxy ear buildup, an itchy muzzle or eyes, and constant sneezing.
- Sphynx Cat
The Sphynx cat is another sensitive breed and it can get hard to keep up with a list of items they’re allergic to including fabrics and cleaning agents, extreme temperatures, and certain kinds of foods.
Warning Signs: Allergic reactions reveal themselves in the form of greasy or red skin patches and constant scratching of the belly and legs. You may also notice frequent yeast-like skin infections.
Tips to Create an Allergy Friendly Environment
Although it all depends on the type of breed you own, there are definitely a few general tips that can help you avoid a pet allergy;
- Living Environment
Take extra care and precaution against dust. Keep the house clean by vacuuming twice a week preferably with HEPA filters. Use pet-safe floor cleaners and wipe the surfaces regularly, especially near pet beds.
Invest in HEPA air purifiers as those can reduce airborne allergens like fur, dander, and pollen. You can also invest in hypoallergenic bedding, and window filters to reduce outdoor pollen entry.
- Nutrition
Use a limited ingredient or vet-approved diet. This can help you easily pinpoint food allergies and reduce reactions. Avoid suddenly switching the brand of food you purchase or its consistency and frequency.
If you are hoping to introduce new food, do it gradually. Mix small amounts over five to seven days and watch closely for itching, vomiting, loose, stool, or red ears.
Avoid table leftovers for your pets as dairy, spices, wheat, and preservatives are the worst allergy triggers.
- Grooming
Bathe your pet at least once every three to four weeks with hypoallergenic, fragrance free shampoo. Wipe their paws after walks to clean the pollen off them and clean their ears weekly to prevent yeast and irritation.
Avoid using strong perfumes, candles, and cleaners around your pets and stay away from smoke especially for sensitive cats.
- Outdoor Safety
Make sure you remove toxic plants that trigger allergies for your pet. For instance lilies are particularly harmful to cats. Daisies, marigolds, or other pollen heavy flowers should be avoided and swapped up with low-pollen indoor plants instead.
Speaking of the outdoors, even one flea bite can trigger a bad reaction in sensitive pets so make sure you use vet-approved preventatives especially during warm seasons.
Final Thoughts
By understanding which breeds are more prone to allergies as well as creating a supportive living environment we can ensure our sensitive cats and dogs remain comfortable. Start by investing in small changes in their daily care and pretty soon you are going to notice a huge difference in their overall well-being!
