When your pet is reacting to an allergy it means that a foreign substance has entered their bodies. Flea saliva, pollen, foods and insect bites are the most common reasons why pets have allergic reactions.
When the immune system notices the foreign body it releases antibodies that, in turn, cause mast cells to release histamine into your pets blood. Histamine is the chemical that is produced to fight off any foreign invaders.
Other conditions can be aggravated by allergies. Sinusitis, eczema, ear infection, rashes and asthma are all examples of what can be caused as a result of an allergic reaction. Some of the symptoms that allergies cause in pets are a poor appetite, tiredness and loss of smell.
You can easily tell if your pet is suffering from an allergy by close observation. If they are biting on themselves, itchy, scratchy, have inflammed or red skin, are purging, have diarrhea or have trouble breathing they should be taken to to the vet right away. If you have a cat that is grooming itself more than usual or a dog that keeps licking it's paws until they are raw then they might be experiencing allergies, as well.
Skin allergies are almost always caused by fleas and will heal very quickly once they are taken care of. There are several medications that vets prescribe to deal with fleas. These medications are antihistamines and immuno-suppressants, so there is a high chance of your pet experiencing side effects. The whole idea is to get your pet to feeling better so why give them something that is going to address one problem while creating another?
Herbal remedies can be used to treat the problem at it's source. They don't have any side effects and are 100% safe for your cat or dog. Not only do they work in the short term but are also a good long term solution.
Elecampane has been popular for hundreds of years. It is used to treat two major side effects of allergies - asthma and coughing. Marshmallow is an anti-inflammatory. Cleavers should be used as a cleansing tonic. It helps to cure chronic skin disorders like eczema and allergic dermatitis. Magnesium Phosphate and graphites can be used to support your pets body and open airways so they can breathe easier. They can even stop sneezing!
Your pet cannot tell you how terrible he/she is feeling so just keep your eyes open. If they seem to not be feeling very good then you should try some type of treatment to help them feel better. Their lives are even shorter than ours so help them to live it to it's fullest!
Author Resource:-
Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Cert. Aromatherapist & natural health practitioner. Click now to visit Natural Holistic Health Blog which offers info on more natural home remedies & healing techniques for common health, emotional ailments & conditions at http://www.Natural-Holistic-Health.com/
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