Posted by & filed under Main news

Scratching the Surface of Your Pet's Allergies

By Amber Evans

While shopping at my local pet store, I met a woman accompanied by a lovely Standard Poodle.  The woman was a wonderful conversationalist and the dog very well-mannered, but what I remember most clearly about the encounter was the text emblazoned across the front of the woman’s tee shirt:

“We got rid of the kids.  The dog was allergic.”

 It was a great ice breaker and a humorous one at that, but the truth is that pet allergies are no laughing matter. Like their human caretakers, dogs and cats can develop allergies to many substances in their environments. Scratching, sneezing and upset stomachs, among other uncomfortable symptoms, confuse and worry many pet parents.  I have worked as a dog trainer, a doggy daycare attendant, and a pet sitter for the past several years and have had many opportunities to research this complex topic.  I hope the information and insight I have gained might be of help to you as well.

 DISCLAIMER:  I am not a veterinarian.  While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, every pet is an individual.  If you suspect your pet has developed an allergy, please seek the advice of your veterinarian regarding diagnosis and treatment options.

  1. Dogs and cats may develop allergies at any stage of life.  Like humans, some pets are born with a sensitivity to certain substances.  Others only develop this sensitivity over time.
  2. Allergic reactions seem to be especially common in Terriers, Setters, Retrievers, and brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs and Boston terriers.
  3. Some of the most common allergens (allergy-causing substances) are: Tree, grass and weed pollen; mold spores; dust mites; fleas; cleaning products; and food ingredients.
  4. Of these, food allergies are perhaps the best known and the trickiest to accurately diagnose.  They are commonly caused by sensitivity to beef, chicken, pork, corn, wheat or soy.

Fortunately, once the offending substance is identified by your veterinarian, there are several steps you can take to minimize your pet’s discomfort.  Switching to a hypo-allergenic food free of any food allergens, careful measures of prevention in the case of flea allergies, and sometimes medications for dust and pollen allergies are among the more common measures your veterinarian may recommend.


Comments are closed .

Our Services Providing individualized care from head to paw, at one of our locations or in the comfort of your own home.
Current Specials
Treat of the Month

Treat of the Month

Indulge your furry friend with our delicious Treat of the Month featuring spinach, banana, and apple. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, this delightful snack not only satisfies their taste buds but also promotes a healthy coat and immune system for your beloved pup!

$5

March Madnss Pawty

Get ready to score big at our March Maddness Pawty! Join the fun with our exclusive Facebook album capturing all the exciting moments, challenge your furry friend with our special hoop jump enrichment activity, and treat them to our nutritious Spinach Blast treat. Plus, don't miss out on our paw-some bracket included for some friendly competition!

March 19th-21st $15

Award-Winning Care You Can Trust Since 2009
We are focused on staff training and ongoing education in order to provide the best experience for you and your pet. Our team is trained through Pet Tech CPR & First Aid, PACCC, The Dog Gurus, and more. We're proud to be Charleston's "top choice" for pet care.
View Our Credentials
Latest News

Fall Into Flavor: Homemade Dog Treats for Your Autumn Pup

Learn More

National Rescue Dog Day 2023 With Dorchester Paws

Learn More

Honoring Our Heroes: A Tribute to K9 Veterans

Learn More

Protect Your Pets: Understanding and Preventing Poisonous Plant and Mushroom Exposure

Learn More

Paws in Step: Celebrating National Dog Walking Day with Dog Tired

Learn More

Stay Up-to-date with Dog Tired Sign up to receive the latest news & happenings!
Pet Sitting (843) 408-1033
Hours Mon - Fri: 7am-6pm Sat - Sun: 7am-10am & 4pm-6pm
Connect With Us