May is National Allergy & Asthma Awareness Month

Humans are often affected by allergies, especially this time of year. They can even be allergic to cats and dogs. It seems to surprise them, though, that their own pets can have allergy and asthma problems of their own! Keep reading to learn how you can keep the kitty or pooch you love happy and sneeze-free.

The National Asthma and Allergy Foundation has good reason to declare May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. This is peak season for both people and pets to develop symptoms for both conditions. Although the awareness campaign is aimed at humans, pet owners should be able to recognize signs of asthma or allergies as well. 
 
Asthma in Companion Animals:
Typically, asthma affects cats far more often than dogs. Unfortunately, the number of animal asthma cases is growing due to their increased exposure to environmental pollutants. Common asthma triggers include

• Dust
• Grass and tree pollen
• Car exhaust fumes and other air types of air pollution
• Mold and mildew
• Smoke from tobacco products and fireplaces
• Household sprays and chemical solutions, such as hair spray, deodorant, flea spray, and fragrances
• Dust from cat litter

The primary symptom of asthma is coughing, which cat owners can often mistake as an attempt to cough up a hairball. Coughing and wheezing typically only occur with a flare-up and the pet is fine between these episodes. With severe asthma, these pets can display symptoms every day. This may include breathing with an open mouth and constant panting, which can be more serious of a condition.
 
Allergies in Companion Animals:
The following four factors account for most allergies in dogs and cats:

• Contact Allergies: These allergies develop after a pet comes into contact with an allergen, such as the pollen that can stick to paw pads when our pets are outside.
• Flea Allergy Dermatitis: Pets who are allergic to flea saliva can develop a severe skin irritation along with other common allergic symptoms.
• Food Allergies: Your pet may be allergic to one or more ingredients in their food. Typical culprits include beef, chicken, soy, and wheat.
• Inhalant Allergies: This includes anything your pet breathes in, including indoor or outdoor environmental factors such as cigarette smoke or pollen.

People with allergies tend to sneeze and have watery eyes. Dogs and cats on the other hand, may have increased/excessive grooming. They will scratch and lick excessively to try to alleviate their discomfort. Unfortunately, this can potentially make things worse because these actions can cause further skin irritation as well as possible infection. 
 
Treating Asthma or Allergies in Your Pet:
If you notice any unusual coughing, wheezing, or extreme itchiness, your pet may have asthma or allergies. It's important to visit Oronoque Animal Hospital right away for a thorough check-up. We will ask several questions about their behavior as well as your living environment to pinpoint a cause of the symptoms. With prescription medication and some changes in the environment, pets with asthma or allergies can live a long and healthy life.