Things that Trigger Pet Allergies

Allergies are tough. What’s even tougher is the process of figuring out what you might be allergic to. So, it’s a daunting task figuring out the things your furry baby is allergic to. Pet allergies are similar to what we humans go through- allergens cause our pets to sneeze, wheeze, get watery-eyed, and even itchy. Since most of us are at home and so are our pets, it is important to keep a regular check on them, figure out if they are allergic to anything that is inside our humble abode. Sure enough, we did our research and found out that there are quite a number of common things found in our homes that animals can be allergic to, so stick with us till the end!

Types of Pet Allergies

Allergies, defined as the body’s response to foreign proteins, are one of the most common health problems for people and pets alike. The immune system overreacts to a foreign or unknown object which ultimately causes your pet to produce large amounts of white blood cells and histamines into the bloodstream.

Flea allergies

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) is one of the most common skin diseases in pets. Your pets develop allergic reactions to chemicals in the saliva of fleas. The best way to combat is to practice excessive flea control and reduce your pet’s outdoor time during the flu season.

Food Allergies

Your pet’s immune system tends to produce excessive antibodies against a substance or ingredient of a food, which causes a reaction in their body. The most common causes of food allergies are proteins from dairy products, beef, lamb, venison, or wheat. However, it depends on your pet and especially the breed! The only way to determine food allergies in your pet is through taking a food trial test with your trusted vet. The best way to combat it is to fix a balanced diet for your furry baby and stick to it.

Atopy

Transdermal or inhalant allergies are caused by topical allergens—like pollens, dust, and mould—to which the pet’s immune system overreacts. This is very similar to having dust allergies or asthma in humans. The allergens are absorbed through the skin or inhaled and an allergic response occurs, often resulting in sporadic, generalized itching. These allergies are hard to figure out and the best way to combat them is to give your pets a weekly bath or seek medical care from your vet.

Common Symptoms of Pet Allergies

• Rashes and itchy skin
• Broken/sore skin
• Patchy fur loss
• Scabs
• Frequent licking or biting in one area
• Itchy/runny eyes
• Swelling
• Red and watery eyes

Allergic materials in your home

It is important to clean your house regularly if you reside with pets. If you are looking for ideas on where to start, read How to Keep your House Clean with Pets? Here are the following common things your pet might be allergic to and the best way to do damage control:

Dust Mites and Common Fleas

Ugh, the worst! Dust mites are found in the areas of your home that tend to accumulate more dust than usual, for example, your windows, storage areas, shaft, and so on. Common flies or fleas are usually found around the rainy and fall season but your average kitchen flies are there all year round! The best way to get rid of dust mites is to practice dusting and mopping regularly and keep wiping house corners with natural cleaners. You can check our All-Purpose Cleaner for the same!

Indoor Plants

Can animals be allergic to plants? Of course! According to PetMD here are many indoor and outdoor plants that might trigger an airborne or contact allergic reaction in your pet. A lot of flowering house plants can trigger allergies in both dogs and cats. Even moulds that grow on walls or moist grounds can make your pets super sick. One way to avoid your dog from getting allergies from your plants is by keeping your plants in a room that’s properly lit and well-ventilated, and also by not overwatering them. 

Bedding material

Your dog might likely be allergic to its bed. FonJon Petcare says that certain beds are created using materials that cause allergies, and despite common knowledge, manmade material or fibers aren’t always the root of these issues. Natural materials such as feather-based fabrics or wool can be equally responsible for bringing about allergies in your canine pets. A lot of dogs are also allergic to woollen fabric, which is super common in blankets and carpets. The best material if you’re looking for dog-friendly mattresses and bedding is 100% cotton.

Essential Oils and Oil-based Smoke

Essential Oils and Oil-based SmokeYour common massage therapeutic oils might be super harmful for your doggo. Dogs and cats are known for having a heightened sense of smell, which makes them particularly sensitive to essential oils. Direct inhalation of certain essential oils from a diffuser can cause airway irritation, especially if the animal has a pre-existing airway issue, such as feline asthma or bronchitis. The same kind of respiratory allergies can be seen when your pet inhales smoke from cooking; especially black smoke that comes from the overheating of oils. So invest in a good kitchen exhaust and keep it clean.

Here are some essential oils that are poisonous for your pets:

• Peppermint
• Wintergreen
• Birch

Household Cleaners

That’s right. Your regular household cleaners might be the sureshot source of your pet’s allergies. Pets are floor lovers and they tend to eat, sleep and play on the floor. The chemical ingredients found in your floor cleaners might cause skin allergies in your beloved pets. These chemicals can cause contact dermatitis if they come in contact with your pet’s skin, so you may want to consider switching to all-natural, fragrance-free, and dye-free cleaning products. Keep in mind that residues from detergents, fabric softeners, and soaps can make your pet’s blankets and bedding more irritating. Unscented detergents are going to be the safest, especially if your pet has allergies and sensitive skin. Check out our blog Pet-Safe Cleaning Products: The Low Down to understand which cleaning ingredients you need to keep at bay.

If this article enlightened you towards using natural and pet-safe cleaners, it’s time you check out our Household cleaning Range: