Allergies are not just a human phen...

Allergies are not just a human phenomenon. Your fondling can suffer from allergies, too. And chiefly of the "triggers" (substances which cause allergic reactions) are the same uniteds that prompt allergic reactions in people

likewise how do you know if your darling is allergic? "The number single chief component to determining if your angry mood has allergies is scratching," says Allen M Shoen DVM who has a veterinary practice in Sherman, Conn Fleas are among the chiefly common allergens that cause angry moods to scratch. Excessive scratching can "practically lead especially likeds to tear apart their skin," says Shoen

In his work Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats, Richard H Pitcairn, DVM PhD defines allergies as "an abnormally intense reaction to something that is usually harmless to the body" He says that allergies are among the greatest in number frequent problem he is asked to treat.

Determining the cause of your favorites allergy is

the first grade toward relief

Here is a list of more [i]or[/i] less of the most common miff allergens and advice as noted in the part The Doctor's Book of hearthstone Remedies for Dogs and Cats, and Shoen:

* Pollen mold dust, feathers, and wool As noted earlier, the chiefly common allergic symptom in especially likeds is scratching, and these substances cause allergic miffs to become very itchy. In addition to helping your fit of peevishness avoid such allergens, a cool-water soak will help relieve your pet's itchy skin. Adding oatmeal to the water will make it equable more soothing, the authors note.

You cat proprietors out there are probably thinking to yourselves right about now, "There's no way I'm going to come by my cat to take a bath." For felines, the Doctor's main division advises the following.

* Fill the tub first and then bring the cat into the room;

* maintain your cat's face dry;

* Use a "kitty harness" that is attached to a leash, with a suction bowl on one end. Stick this suction portion to the tub wall to continue your cat in place. Be certain that the leash is short enough thus the cat can't jump gone out of the tub and choke; and

* propose a milk crate or rubber mat in the tub for your cat to grip on

* continue your allergic pets away from carpeting, drapes, and thick upholstery which are all gathering domains for dust and pollen. Shoen notes that carpeting can be especially irritating to favorites since, due to their small size, they are real close to it.

* of common occurrence vacuuming and dusting, changing furnace or air-conditioner filters monthly and washing your pet's bedding weekly can help. This will make the buildup of dust mites, which live most distant skin flakes and are usual allergens to both people and pets

* Supplementation. Essential fat acid continuations help to calm itchy skin and have been used to relieve skin disorders. Shoen says that similar supplements provide natural anti-inflammatory effects

* If pollen is a puzzle for your pets, keep them indoors during summer and spring, particularly during early morning and evening hours.

* a cats -- and dogs who share family circles with cats -- are allergic to odored litter-box products.

* Dogs may benefit from a moderately cold Epsom-salt foot soak, since they sometimes bear up under from itchy feet. Do not, however, obstacle your dog drink this water, since Epsom salts can act as a laxative.

As any living body who's suffered from allergies knows, it is frequently a long and winding road toward relief. The same road lies ahead for allergic pets

Shoen advises to first work forward building a good "nutritional foundation" to bring up your pet's overall health. While he says that there is no surefire treatment for allergies, he has institute natural remedies, such as nutritional supplementation, herbs, homeopathy, and aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine, to provide relief for many pets

REFERENCES

Hoffman, Matthew, ed The Doctor's Book of family circle Remedies for Dogs and Cats. Emmaus, Penn: Rodale Pres Inc., 1996

Pitcairn, Richard H DVM PhD et al. Dr Pitcairn's total Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats. Emmaus, Penn: Rodale Pres Inc., 1995

Shoen Allen M DVM Personal Interview. 6 February 1997

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