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pet allergies

Pet Allergy Signs
Dogs

10 Signs of Seasonal Allergies in Pets

Spring is the season for allergy flare-ups for many humans, but what about pets?
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Spring is the season for allergy flare-ups for many humans, but what about pets? My pal Samson suffers from some droopy, goopy eyes and itchy, red paws that clued his owner into his dilemma. If you're not sure whether a pooch has an issue like this, check out 10 signs of skin or allergy problems:

  • Constant paw licking
  • Rubbing body against objects/floor
  • Excessive scratching or chewing fur
  • Hair loss
  • Change in odor
  • Redness of fur and skin rashes
  • Flaky or greasy coat
  • Drippy eyes
  • Runny nose
  • Increased sneezing and wheezing

While it's true that a variety of illnesses can cause these symptoms, if you see several of them at the same time, now is a good time to take your pet to the vet to get checked for a clean bill of health!

Source: Flickr User Mike Hipp

Living With Pet Allergies
healthy living

Would You Live With a Pet You Were Allergic To?

I grew up with cats my whole life, so when I went away to college, I really missed their furry purriness.
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I grew up with cats my whole life, so when I went away to college, I really missed their furry purriness. As soon as I moved into my own apartment, I took in a pair of kitties that needed a home. Soon after, I developed a stuffy nose, and within a matter of weeks, my sinuses were completely blocked. I started wheezing and having asthma attacks, and when I went to the doctor, they confirmed what I already assumed — I was allergic. Asthma and allergy medication didn't seem to help, and my symptoms got so bad my doctor recommended sinus surgery to clear out my nasal passages. Unfortunately, I had to give up my beloved kitties.

About 30 percent of people have allergies to cats and dogs, and cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies. Although allergists say the best remedy is to remove the pet from the home, most people won't give up their pets. Instead, they choose to live with both their furry companion and the sneezing and wheezing that goes along with them. Tell me . . .

Speak Up: If You Found Out You Were Allergic to Your Pet . . .
Allergies

Speak Up: If You Found Out You Were Allergic to Your Pet . . .

You feel miserable. You're sneezing, blowing your nose constantly, and your eyes feel so itchy that you can hardly open them.
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You feel miserable. You're sneezing, blowing your nose constantly, and your eyes feel so itchy that you can hardly open them. You're congested, wheezing, and having a hard time breathing. You think you're developing seasonal allergies to the flowers beginning to bloom, but when you go to your doctor, you find out you're actually allergic to the kitty you've had for five years. It's horrible news, but at least you know what's making you feel so crummy.

So, what would you do if you found out you were suddenly allergic to your pet?

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