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   June 8, 2001


Pet Pointers

A weekly pet tip or other bit of information
from Capt. Felicia D. Langel,
USMA Veterinarian 938-3817

Allergy season

If your allergies have been bothering you lately, chances are that your pet’s allergies are acting up as well. Pets, like people, can suffer from allergies. Runny noses, sneezing, coughing and watery eyes are commonly seen in animals with allergies. Itchy skin and ears are also typical manifestations of allergies in animals. Less common, but possible, is an allergy resulting in diarrhea and vomiting. Plants, pollen, mold, cigarette smoke, certain foods, plastic, concrete and many chemicals can cause allergic reactions.

Basically, just about anything in the environment can be considered an allergen and result in a reaction. Obviously, not all animals develop allergies, but those that do are usually allergic to more than one thing.

Treatment for allergies can be difficult. Antihistamines and cortisone are used first. If there is no response, then allergy shots may be considered. In most cases, pets and owners endure the ongoing allergic reaction while they patiently wait for the end of allergy season.