There are many things throughout your home that can be the culprit of what causes your dog to have allergies - this article will touch and what those things are and what do to in case of an emergency veterinary situation.
We all love our fur-babies to pieces, and one of the best ways to express that love is by making sure they stay safe and comfortable in the home and elsewhere. To do so, it's important to be made aware of what exactly we are bringing into our homes that could potentially cause allergies or even more severe conditions that would need to be treated by an emergency vet.
A lot of people are unaware of most things that can pose a potential health risk in their homes, apart from the obvious cleaning products. We are going to shed some light on the most common household items and small creatures that could be giving your pup the sniffles and itches. The better care we take to avoid these things, the less likely a pet emergency will occur.
Allergens in your Household
Most people are well-aware of the possible allergic reactions we might experience from exposure to hair and dander from our little furry friends, but we don't often expect those reactions to be reversed. Of course, your dog may not be affected by you shedding your own hair in the shower or the dandruff on your pillow.
However, it's to be expected that certain things might slip right under your nose - for example as mold spores, feathers from blankets or cushions, as even everyday items like essential-oils or air deodorizers can lead to discomfort in your puppy's airways and even lead to skin irritation.
If allergens go unnoticed for too long, it can cause long-term affects that might require emergency vet services - so it's best to prevent cost and causes of emergency services by staying proactive.
Mold Spores
Mold spores are one of the leading causes of allergens for indoor puppies, and many times will frequently cause skin irritation. You might wonder how mold spores even get inside your home. Mold spore infestation can range anywhere on the spectrum from the devastation of mold in the walls to a small bit of mold that can develop in the pantry or fruit jar from your groceries.
Regularly checking for signs of mold spore development in your home is vital for not just your health, but for your dog's wellbeing as well. Be sure to spot clean if you do find signs of mold spores, and utilize dehumidifiers and change air-conditioning filters to prevent mold growth in the future. Staying on top of these few things can prevent having to take your dog in to see the emergency vet because of severe respiratory issues due to mold.
Feathers
Even if you don't own a pet bird in the home, you might still have feathers about that can cause your dog's allergies to flare up. Some people might be surprised to understand that comforters and cushions, especially ornamental sofa pillows are made with feathers. Your dog can very likely have an adverse reaction to feathers, so do your very best to purchase decor and bedding without feathers, if possible.
Cigarette Smoke
Unfortunately, cigarette smoke is a big factor that lots of dogs are exposed to on a regular basis, and it's even worse when pets are exposed inside enclosed areas. Second-hand smoke affects dogs in precisely the exact same way that it affects people. Not only can the odor get trapped in their fur, but the remaining toxins left on the hands of somebody who smokes cigarettes can cause allergic reactions to dogs from the people they've come into contact with. They inhale smoke in the air which can lead to asthmatic respiratory problems - this is a big time emergency vet issue that can land your pet in the ER.
Dust Mites
These tiny microscopic bugs are an unavoidable part of any household, so there isn't much that you can do to remove them entirely. They live on furniture and rugs and might be a little too much for some puppies to tolerate, especially those with sensitive skin. Dust mites are known to create a skin disorder in sensitive dogs known as atopic dermatitis. Your very best option is to regularly clean your furniture and your dog's bed at least one time each week and vacuum regularly based on how much your dog sheds.
If you think your pet might be suffering from allergies or some other kind of respiratory condition, please reach out to us and have your pet looked at before it develops into an emergency veterinary situation.
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