WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Jan. 03, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fort Garry Veterinary Hospital located in Winnipeg treats pet allergies. Animals develop allergies when their immune systems begin to recognize a normal, everyday substance as a foreign invader. As a result, they develop allergic symptoms when exposed to these common environmental substances. Allergic symptoms may manifest when the animal comes in contact with, inhales, or consumes the allergen. Common allergens include outdoor pollens, perfumes, mold spores, dander, feathers, cleaning products, shampoos, smoke, and prescription drugs. Animals may also become allergic to substances in their foods and it can be difficult to ascertain which food is making the animal ill.
According to Dr. Pushpinder Mander of Fort Garry Veterinary Hospital, pet allergies can occur year round. "While allergies are often associated with humans and the change of seasons, pets are particularly susceptible to developing allergies in the winter months," he stated. "During these months, our pets spend more time indoors and their exposure to indoor allergens such as mold spores, perfumes, smoke, and cleaning products can increase. Paired with the fact that the cold, dry air outside is already irritating the skin, we tend to see a sharp increase in pet allergy symptoms during the winter months. We also see a general increase in respiratory illnesses. Believe it or not, cats and dogs can develop cold-like symptoms as well as humans."
Allergic symptoms in pets are similar to those displayed by humans. When exposed to an allergen, the immune response causes inflammation. An animal's throat or skin may appear red or scabbed. The animal's eyes, ears, and/or nose may appear to be runny or itchy. Flea allergies commonly cause extreme itching at the base of the animal's tail. Allergies may cause changes in the animal's eating or elimination habits. Constant licking and chewing at the paws, tail, or other parts of the body are common signs of allergy.
"Pets cannot tell us directly when something is bothering them," says Dr. Mander. "Instead, we have to rely on our observations of their behavior. Do we see them scratching or biting a particular area of their body consistently? Do we notice that they avoid their food or get sick frequently after eating it? Do they sneeze frequently? Is their skin scabbed and are they losing hair? All of these changes in pet behavior point to the presence of allergies and treatment from a qualified veterinarian can provide relief."
To inquire about the treatment of pet allergies, contact Fort Garry Animal Hospital at 204-452-9010. The animal hospital is located at 1444 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2C3. The hospital opens Monday through Friday at 8:00 AM and at 9:00 AM on Saturdays. The clinic closes at 6:30 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, at 9:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and at 4:00 PM on Saturdays.