Allergy Medicine for Cats
Allergy Medicine for Cats
X Jennifer GittinsJennifer Gittins began freelance writing in 2006. Her articles have appeared on the websites of "Wall Street Journal" and "USA Today." Gittins enjoys covering a variety of topics, including pet care, green living, interior design, architecture and gardening. She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in interior design and an associate's degree in architecture.
By Jennifer Gittins, eHow Contributor
Print this articleAllergies can be a frustrating situation for both cat and owner. If your cat is suffering from allergies, there are a variety of approaches that your veterinarian may recommend. Allergies can be due to food, coming in contact with other animals or plants, or inhaled allergens such as mold or pollen. Keep in mind that there is no guaranteed cure-all for cats but rather several different approaches to ensure you find the best solution for your cat.
Related Searches:
Sinus AllergyAllergy & Asthma Symptoms of Allergies in Cats
Unfortunately, cats do not react to an allergen the same way a human would. For cats, allergies often go undiagnosed because the owner dismisses the symptoms. Common symptoms of allergies in cats include mild to excessive itching, scratching, biting or grooming. Additional symptoms include hair loss around the body, ear infections, infections of the skin--especially when excessive scratching causes an open wound--and even acne.
Antihistamines
Cats that suffer from allergens such as pollen may benefit from an antihistamine. Antihistamines have been shown to benefit up to 70 percent of cats that are suffering from allergies. Many of the antihistamines your doctor may recommend for you also may be recommended for your cat. Common antihistamines include Benadryl, Atarax, Tavist and Chlor-Trimeton. All of these medications have been successfully used in small doses in cats, however, side effects are possible. Common side effects include sedation, diarrhea, lethargy or dry mouth.
It is important to follow dosage instructions exactly when it comes to giving your cat medication intended for use in humans. Otherwise, serious complications and even death can occur.
Steroids
Steroids are available in two forms: oral pills and tablets, or injections. However, steroids have gotten a bad reputation over the years so some pet owners may choose to shy away from this option. Certain steroids can be affective for cats that are suffering from severe itching due to allergies.
Unfortunately, steroids have many short-term and long-term side effects, so the lowest effective dosage should be used and only for as long as necessary. Excessive steroid use or overdose can have severe consequences.
Topical Solutions
A reaction to a contact allergen may benefit from topical therapy. These types of solutions utilize various shampoos, rinses, sprays, creams and other anti-itch topical solutions. Many topical solutions contain hydrocortisone, which offers immediate relief from itching.
If you're looking for a solution for your cat's excessive itching, consider shampoos that contain hydrocortisone. You can also use shampoos that are hypoallergenic or contain oatmeal.
Biotin
Biotin can aid in pets that are suffering from itchy skin, especially if the itchy skin is a direct result of an allergen. This B vitamin supplement can be added to your cat's food on a daily basis. There are no known side effects or associated toxicity, so using biotin is considered to be very safe. However, you should consult your veterinarian before beginning a biotin regimen to determine if this is the best solution for you and your cat. Biotin is also a great choice if you are looking for a more holistic way of treating your cat's allergies.
Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can actually benefit both cats and dogs when it comes to allergies. These acids reduce the effects of the body's response to an allergic reaction. However, in order for fatty acids to have an effect on your cat, he may need to be on a fatty acid supplement every day for several weeks or months, potentially for the rest of his life.
If you're looking to try fatty acids in your cat's diet, be sure that you use an omega-3 fatty acid supplement that comes from fish oil. Avoid other types such as omega-6 fatty acids because they can worsen allergies. It is also recommended that your cat takes these supplements alongside a low-fat diet. As with biotin, omega-3 fatty acids are also a great choice for owners looking for an alternative choice to medication.
Read more: Allergy Medicine for Cats
eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5367647_allergy-medicine-cats.html#ixzz1ndYs6ryK
X Jennifer GittinsJennifer Gittins began freelance writing in 2006. Her articles have appeared on the websites of "Wall Street Journal" and "USA Today." Gittins enjoys covering a variety of topics, including pet care, green living, interior design, architecture and gardening. She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in interior design and an associate's degree in architecture.
By Jennifer Gittins, eHow Contributor
Print this articleAllergies can be a frustrating situation for both cat and owner. If your cat is suffering from allergies, there are a variety of approaches that your veterinarian may recommend. Allergies can be due to food, coming in contact with other animals or plants, or inhaled allergens such as mold or pollen. Keep in mind that there is no guaranteed cure-all for cats but rather several different approaches to ensure you find the best solution for your cat.
Related Searches:
Sinus AllergyAllergy & Asthma Symptoms of Allergies in Cats
Unfortunately, cats do not react to an allergen the same way a human would. For cats, allergies often go undiagnosed because the owner dismisses the symptoms. Common symptoms of allergies in cats include mild to excessive itching, scratching, biting or grooming. Additional symptoms include hair loss around the body, ear infections, infections of the skin--especially when excessive scratching causes an open wound--and even acne.
Antihistamines
Cats that suffer from allergens such as pollen may benefit from an antihistamine. Antihistamines have been shown to benefit up to 70 percent of cats that are suffering from allergies. Many of the antihistamines your doctor may recommend for you also may be recommended for your cat. Common antihistamines include Benadryl, Atarax, Tavist and Chlor-Trimeton. All of these medications have been successfully used in small doses in cats, however, side effects are possible. Common side effects include sedation, diarrhea, lethargy or dry mouth.
It is important to follow dosage instructions exactly when it comes to giving your cat medication intended for use in humans. Otherwise, serious complications and even death can occur.
Steroids
Steroids are available in two forms: oral pills and tablets, or injections. However, steroids have gotten a bad reputation over the years so some pet owners may choose to shy away from this option. Certain steroids can be affective for cats that are suffering from severe itching due to allergies.
Unfortunately, steroids have many short-term and long-term side effects, so the lowest effective dosage should be used and only for as long as necessary. Excessive steroid use or overdose can have severe consequences.
Topical Solutions
A reaction to a contact allergen may benefit from topical therapy. These types of solutions utilize various shampoos, rinses, sprays, creams and other anti-itch topical solutions. Many topical solutions contain hydrocortisone, which offers immediate relief from itching.
If you're looking for a solution for your cat's excessive itching, consider shampoos that contain hydrocortisone. You can also use shampoos that are hypoallergenic or contain oatmeal.
Biotin
Biotin can aid in pets that are suffering from itchy skin, especially if the itchy skin is a direct result of an allergen. This B vitamin supplement can be added to your cat's food on a daily basis. There are no known side effects or associated toxicity, so using biotin is considered to be very safe. However, you should consult your veterinarian before beginning a biotin regimen to determine if this is the best solution for you and your cat. Biotin is also a great choice if you are looking for a more holistic way of treating your cat's allergies.
Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can actually benefit both cats and dogs when it comes to allergies. These acids reduce the effects of the body's response to an allergic reaction. However, in order for fatty acids to have an effect on your cat, he may need to be on a fatty acid supplement every day for several weeks or months, potentially for the rest of his life.
If you're looking to try fatty acids in your cat's diet, be sure that you use an omega-3 fatty acid supplement that comes from fish oil. Avoid other types such as omega-6 fatty acids because they can worsen allergies. It is also recommended that your cat takes these supplements alongside a low-fat diet. As with biotin, omega-3 fatty acids are also a great choice for owners looking for an alternative choice to medication.
Read more: Allergy Medicine for Cats
eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5367647_allergy-medicine-cats.html#ixzz1ndYs6ryK
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