Allergies in Pets
Animals may develop environmental allergies just as their owner's do. Environmental allergies may include foods, plant particulate, household chemicals, industrial chemicals such as those in carpeting, airborne allergans such as those in cigaretter smoke. Environmental allergies can manfest themselves as respiratory ( sneezing, wheezing ) or physical ( ear infections, skin lesions, scratching, rashes, etc). As the reactions continue eventually a tolerance threshold is reached. Below this threshold no clinical signs of disease are seen. Above this threshold, the allergy manifestions begin.

An animal’s sensitivity to allergies depends on where the individual threshold is set. The threshold is completely individual with some animals reacting to the slightest exposure to allergens and others remaining normal until the exposure is truly overwhelming.

Allergens can have also have a cumulative effect. For example a dog may be alright with a certain level of plant pollen or with a certain level of cigarette smoke in the air. Together exposure to both of these allergens may exceed a dog’s tolerated threshold and clinical symptoms may occur.

Individual Treatment is Essential
Allergies are complicated and the basic rule accepted by those who deal with both human and animal allergic conditions is that there are no absolute generalizations to be made. Each individual animal must have their disease treated by controlling exposure to allergens and taking medications to try to eliminate clinical manifestations. Chlorpheniramine is an effective aid in preventing and treating allergies in animals. An antihistamine, it is used to control the itching caused by allergies and is recommended by Pet Supplies 4 Less.

If your pet's allergies don't respond to traditional treatment, your veterinarian may refer you to an animal allergist specialist for further testing and treatment.