Much like people, pets can suffer from allergies, too. Things like dust and pollen that trigger hay fever also cause symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and coughing in our furry friends.
But when you can’t determine the cause of your dog’s or cat’s itchy skin and watery eyes, what do you do? You need to think about some of the items in and around your home that could be triggering their symptoms. To make this process easier, let’s explore six unusual things that can cause allergies in pets.
1. Grass
Dogs and cats enjoy frolicking in the grass, and you might even catch some pets eating the green blades when they don’t feel good. But despite their ancestors, some pets have terrible reactions to grass.
A grass allergy is caused by extremely tiny pollen spores that are released into the air, where they’re inhaled or settle on your pet’s skin. In spring and summer, when the pollen is released, it will enter your home and stick to your clothes and shoes. This makes it incredibly challenging to control your pet’s exposure to the pollen.
The symptoms of a grass allergy in pets include red feet, sneezing, itchy skin with red patches, and licking or biting the skin. Diagnosing this condition requires the assistance of a veterinarian, as the symptoms overlap with those of flea allergies and dermatitis in dogs.
2. Stuffing in Pet Beds
Certain bedding materials are one of the most common allergies in dogs and cats. The main culprits are wool and feathers, but many canine and feline companions are affected by dust and dander. As soon as the contaminants settle on their skin, they can suffer inflammation and itching.
There is the option of purchasing hypoallergenic beds, but the easiest way to avoid allergies is to keep bedding clean. Regular soft cotton material is best because it is gentle on animals’ skin and easy to maintain. Cotton is also cooler in summer and well-tolerated by pets with sensitivities. Try to avoid synthetic fibers that are not breathable. If your animals continue to show signs of “hay fever,” you should have them vet checked. During the appointment, ask your veterinarian questions about managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and using medications to alleviate itchiness.
3. Rawhide
Rawhide is made from an animal’s dried and stretched hide, and it’s one of the most popular dog treats you’ll find worldwide. While it’s considered a treat and boredom buster, some dogs cannot tolerate rawhide. They can develop severe symptoms including hair loss, irritated skin, inflammation, and ear infections. After handling rawhide, pets will show signs of discomfort by licking at their paws, scratching profusely, and even vomiting.
Rawhide allergies may be caused by the chemicals used to process the hide, such as bleach. Instead of giving your dog rawhide, consider other alternatives, such as ice cubes or bully sticks. Intestinal blockages caused by rawhide can lead to life-threatening conditions such as bloat in dogs.
4. Perfume
Many chemicals are unnatural, and for pets already prone to allergies and sensitivities ranging from ear problems to dermatitis, inhaling fragrances can trigger uncomfortable symptoms.
If you use perfume, room mist, or air freshener around your cat or dog, look out for a sensitive reaction. Pets that are affected by aerosols will experience eye and nasal irritation, causing them to sneeze. They’ll develop watery and red eyes and may be prone to eye and ear infections. You might even notice that your dog constantly has a dry nose.
Their symptoms generally progress after they’re exposed to the irritant, so you may catch them licking and chewing their skin as they become itchy. Of course, as soon as you’re aware of this unusual pet allergy, stop using these deodorants around affected pets. It’s also a good idea to keep rooms well-ventilated to help them breathe easily.
5. Other animals
Can cats and dogs pass diseases to each other? Not usually. But can pets be allergic to other pets? The answer is yes! You might find that after your dog has been playing with your cat, they start sneezing and coughing. It’s because he or she probably has a cat allergy, which means they develop symptoms when they come into contact with pet hair. It’s mainly the dander and dirt found on other animals that lead to their annoying and uncomfortable symptoms.
The simplest way to deal with this unique allergy is to keep your pets clean. Wash their bedding at least once a week, including towels, blankets, and toys. The next step is to vacuum the rooms they frequent to remove shedding hair while minimizing their exposure to dander and dirt.
6. Food Seasoning
If you’re interested in herbal remedies for pets or natural pet food, you may have come across herbs such as basil, chamomile, and ginger. While these alternatives are safe for cats and dogs, they may cause allergic reactions in animals with sensitivities. These reactions don’t always involve coughing and sneezing. When it comes to food and seasoning, some animals develop severe digestive upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Others can break out in itchy bumps that flake and crust over a few days.
Unusual pet allergies don’t mean that there’s anything wrong with your dog or cat. It just means that they’re a little more sensitive to their surroundings and need some help adjusting. If you notice that they’re always scratching, first check for fleas, and if they’re parasite-free, consider things around the house that may trigger a reaction. This way, you can take steps to keep them comfortable, and if their symptoms become chronic, you can always have them examined by the local vet. Ultimately, getting to the source of the problem will provide the greatest relief.
