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Itching is the most common symptom of allergies in dogs and cats. Allergic dermatitis is inflammation of the skin that occurs after you have been exposed to something allergic to what is known as an allergen. The number one sign of allergies in pets is itching. Cats lick, bite, chew and scratch themselves until the point of self-mutilation. The result is red, raw areas of skin with oozing wounds and hair loss.

Allergies are caused by allergens a "" which is a substance that causes a hypersensitivity reaction, which is usually itching. Nearly 20 percent of all cats suffer from one or more allergies. Fleas, airborne particles, and food are the three main causes. Plants with leaves of fat, such as rubber plants, and certain medications such as tetracycline and neomycin, can cause skin rashes. Several types of kitty litter also cause allergic reactions.

TYPES OF ALLERGIES

* Flea allergies are responsible for up to 90 percent of itching in cats. Cats groom themselves constantly, often quickly removes all evidence of fleas. Consider first any cat fleas itching, regardless of whether or not the fleas can be found.

* Respiratory allergies are the second most common type of allergy in cats. Atopy, allergic inhalant dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis are terms used synonymously with respiratory allergies. Airborne particles, responsible not include mold, pollen and grasses. Internal causes, snuff smoke, carpet cleaning products and perfumes are common. A Unlike people with respiratory allergies to sneeze and get a runny nose, the main sign of these allergies in cats is itching. Occasionally cats develop wheezing and breathing problems. Signs of atopy often start with a seasonal pattern that also coincides with the "hay fever" season for people, but eventually become a respiratory allergy condition year round. Most cases are inherited and can be controlled but not cured.

* Food allergies are the third most common cause of itchy cats. Eighty percent of cats with food allergy have been eating the "unfavorable" food for more than two years before a reaction occurs. Beef, dairy and fish products cause 90 percent of the problems. Itching is the main sign of a food allergy, with the exception of intolerance a "milk", resulting in diarrhea. Up to one third of cats with food allergies have concurrent flea allergies and / or inhalant allergies.

Symptoms

* Itching

* Licking

* Biting

* Performance of "excessive grooming

* Small scabs on the head, neck and ears or around the body

* Hair loss, with or without crusts

* Skin crusts and plates in the head, neck and back

WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO

Determine underlying cause of itching and treated accordingly.

1. Getting rid of fleas in flea allergy.

2. Certified veterinary experts blood in the skin and give the skin test that can confirm certain hard to diagnose respiratory allergies.

3. Free food allergy trials are often effective for food allergies.

Itching usually resolves when the underlying problem is cured. Unfortunately, many allergies can not be cured, but most can be controlled.

Itching may be controlled or relieved with a variety of products.

1. Antihistamines can be effective to relieve itching
a. Benadryl
b. Tavist
c. Atarax
d. Chlortrimaton

2. Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids high doses has antihistamine effect and often helps relieve itching. 250 mg powder for 2 to 3 times daily in food.

3. Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation
a. Fish oil
b. Flaxseed
c. Evening primrose oil
d. 1 / 8 teaspoon of salmon oil added to foods.

4. Shampoos base Oatmeal – Oatmeal can help relieve itching and irritation of the skin for 72 hours.

5. Witch Hazel is soothing and comes as a spray or lotion, the spray works best in cats.

6. Aloe Vera Gel is available in health food stores. Contains enzymes that reduce skin irritation.

7. Corticosteroids like prednisone may be the only effective medication to relieve itching in some cases. Alternative therapies in general, reduce effective dose of corticosteroids needed on a long term basis. In cats, unlike dogs and people, steroids are very well tolerated and side effects are minimum.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS

HOMEOPATHIC

Graphite 6x – a form of carbon. A tablet on the tongue every 4 hours until signs are gone for up to 5 days. Discontinue if no improvement within 24 hours. Refrain from eating food 10 minutes before and after treatment.

HERBS

Topics Herbs to reduce itching and irritation of the skin include:

Calendula – an herb that can be used topically.

* Comfrey – This herb can be used in a topically as a mouthwash to reduce itching. Comfrey contains "allantoin, which promotes healing.

* Chamomile – this herb reduces irritation of the skin and has antioxidant properties. Can be used topically.

Copyright 2007 Dr. Carol Osborne

Dr. Carol Osborne is the inventor of PAAWS, the pet anti-aging wellness system seen on TV. VitaLife is Dr. Carol’s newest line of pet vitamin supplements and is the best supplement available for arthritis and anti-aging in dogs and cats. PAAWS and VitaLife are revolutionary breakthroughs, with all natural nutrients that virtually peel away the years, seeming to reverse the aging process normally experienced by pets.

Get FREE pet advice from Dr. Carol at http://CarolonPets.com/

Visit Dr. Carol’s blog at http://CarolonPets.com/blog/

Buy PAAWS and VitaLife dog and cat vitamin supplements and other pet health products at http://DrCarol.com/

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