Like many of you, I have a variety of allergies that combine to make my skin itch and my sinuses ache pretty much year ‘round. I never had my allergies officially identified until recently. I knew wood smoke, eucalyptus and the scents of many candles and perfumes could set me off, but there were times when the symptoms appeared without any known cause. My assumption was that with all the dogs and cats in my life (and bed), I just might be sensitive to their dander. So, I took oral antihistamines and sprayed the nasal versions in an attempt to mitigate the symptoms. Imagine my surprise and delight when I had a basic allergy skin test and found I had no reaction to either cats or dogs.

I hope they can say the same about me because according to National Geographic, while not as common as allergies to a variety of grasses and fleas, our pets can react to each other and to people. Those allergic reactions can manifest as skin inflammation with itching and hair loss or with sneezing and runny noses.

Foods, too

The only food I reacted to on the test was peanuts, but that reaction was incredibly mild. Our pets can be allergic or sensitive to foods as well, resulting in severe skin reactions, chronic ear infections and vomiting or diarrhea, or both. Dogs with food allergies will often paw at their faces or chew at their feet or bottoms.

If your pet has any of these symptoms, consult a veterinarian. The vet will determine if a cause other than allergies or sensitivities is to blame, and recommend a course of treatment. The vet may suggest allergy, skin or blood tests, or she may place your pet on an elimination diet to try to determine what, if any, food is causing your pet’s distress. With an elimination diet, the only food a pet receives, including treats, flavored/meat-based chews or flavored medicines will contain proteins and carbohydrates that they have never eaten before. Some “novel proteins” used are rabbit, kangaroo, venison and fish for dogs. “Novel carbohydrates” are potatoes, rice and oats.

If substantial improvement or elimination of symptoms has been noted within six to eight weeks of this trial diet, your veterinarian may decide your pet’s diet was indeed the culprit. By adding back elements of the original diet, one at a time, and noting if or when symptoms reoccur, you may be able to determine the trigger.

As with anything affecting your pet’s well-being, consult your veterinarian to identify the best course of action. Chances are this won’t be the first time she has seen these symptoms and she can help you keep your pet’s symptoms under control.

On another note, don’t forget the 5^th annual Athens-Limestone County Animal Shelter Yard Sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 17. Proceeds will help cats and dogs right here in Limestone County.

Pets and the People Who Love Them is brought to you by your friends at Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter. To adopt your best friend (cat or dog,) please visit us at 1701 U.S. 72 (behind Limestone Veterinary Clinic), visit our Facebook page or call us at 256-771-7889.

E-mail your questions to me at PetsAndPeople@charter.net and I’ll check with the experts (veterinarians, animal behaviorists, etc.) and get back to you in a future column.