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Can Dogs be Allergic to Cats? Signs & Treatment
Dogs and cats have historically never been the best of friends when it comes to getting along with each other.
The majority of dogs and cats keep a distance from each other. However, there are a few exceptions in some households, especially when the dogs and cats have grown up together from a very young age.
Dog Allergic to Cat
But can dogs be allergic to cats and develop allergic reactions?
It may surprise you to know that in the rarest of cases, this is actually true! How is it possible you might be thinking.
It is extremely unlikely, but there is a slight chance that you may end up in a situation where your dog is allergic to cats and develops itches, red eyes and keeps sneezing as soon as a cat is near him or her.
Dog Allergy Testing
There have been just a few documented cases wherein cats cause allergic reactions and problems for canines. However, it can actually happen.
How can you know for sure?
Ask your veterinarian to get your dog to go through allergy tests and you will know one way or the other.
Note that your veterinarian will not run any allergy tests on your dog until and unless it is essential for him to identify any existing problems.
That is where your role as a dog owner is paramount. Nudge your vet to consider the possibility of your dog being allergic to cats.
Dog Allergic Reaction
Before you go to your vet, collect as many data points as you can to help him make a diagnosis.
Look carefully at the types of cat and dog that you have and try to reach a decision as to where there is an actual problem.
For example, in case your dog is extremely sensitive to any environmental factors like perfume, smoke, grass or mold, then there is a real possibility that they might have inhaled or atopic allergies.
What are dogs allergic to?
First of all, we would take a look at some of the most common causes for dog allergies:
- Food Allergy
- Contact Allergy
- Flea Allergy
- Bacterial Allergy
- Atopy or Inhalant Allergy
On the other hand, a dog which has an allergic reaction to an environmental allergen might also have an adverse reaction to other types of allergens.
The allergic symptoms in such cases might become far worse in the event of multiple allergens being present together at the same time.
In the event of your dog being such a sensitive canine, you may want to check with your vet whether getting a cat inside your house has the possibility of exacerbating allergic reactions in your dog.
How can you identify if your dog has an allergic reaction to cats?
To determine whether your dog is having an allergic reaction to a cat, observe whether any of the following symptoms develop in the presence of a cat:
Cat Allergy Symptoms
– Incessant Scratching
– Red, itchy, scabbed, or moist skin
– Ear infections and itching ears
– Swollen paws caused due to constant chewing of paws
– Incessant licking
What to do if your dog has an allergic reaction?
There is also the possibility that your dog may develop yeast infections of the skin in the close presence of a feline friend.
If you observe any of the above, then there is a high likelihood that you need to visit your vet along with your dog and ask for a full-fledged allergy test.
In case your dog is identified to have a cat allergy, then you have to take certain steps immediately:
– Wash your cat at least weekly. Doing so helps manage cat dander, which exacerbates allergic reactions in dogs.
– Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner daily. Doing so will allow you to clean dander and cat hair from carpets, floors, draperies, furniture, and similar surfaces.
– Purchase a good quality air purifier.
– Ask your vet about treatment options
Can Dogs be Allergic to Cats? Signs & Treatment
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