If your pet has an allergic reaction, you may be worried and wonder how to help them. A pet’s allergic reaction can be caused by any substance and their signs can range from mild to life-threatening such as anaphylaxis. Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively can make a positive difference in their treatment outcome. Our Westerville Veterinary Clinic team wants you to know the steps to take should your furry companion have an allergic reaction. 

Step 1. Identify the allergen that caused your pet’s reaction

Whenever possible, the first step is to identify the potential allergen. Consider what your pet recently ingested, inhaled, or came in contact with. An allergic reaction can be triggered by various factors such as:

  • Foods — Some pets may have an allergic response after eating a new food or treat. 
  • Medications — A pet can have a mild to severe reaction to recently administered drugs or vaccines.
  • Insects — Bites or stings from insects, such as bees, wasps, or fleas, can cause an allergic reaction. 
  • Environmental allergens and inhalants — Pollen, mold, dust, and other environmental allergens can trigger a pet’s allergic reaction, as can inhalants from chemicals and essential oil diffusers. 

Step 2. Assess your pet’s reaction and health signs

Assess your pet’s signs. Some allergic reactions may be mild and require a follow-up exam with our Westerville Veterinary Clinic. However, emergency attention is necessary if your pet’s condition worsens or they are having trouble breathing. Pets’ common allergic reaction signs include:

  • Itching and scratching — Allergy signs often manifest as skin conditions, including scratching or biting the skin.
  • Swelling — Swelling can be severe, especially if your pet has facial swelling. Other body areas might include swelling around the ears, lips, eyelids, or paws.
  • Hives — Raised, red bumps on the skin may indicate an allergic response. 
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) issues — During an allergic reaction, your pet may vomit or have diarrhea.
  • Respiratory problems — Many allergic reactions in pets cause them to cough, sneeze, wheeze, or gasp and struggle for air.

Step 3. Contact our veterinary team 

Immediately contact our Westerville Veterinary Clinic team for advice. Provide details about your four-legged friend’s signs and any potential allergens. We can guide you on the next steps and whether an emergency visit is necessary. In most cases of facial swelling or difficulty breathing, emergency care is needed and can be lifesaving if your pet is experiencing anaphylaxis. 

Step 4. Administer prescribed medication to your pet

If our veterinarian has previously prescribed allergy medication for your pet, such as antihistamines, administer the drug according to the label instructions. Do not give your pet any medication without veterinary approval, as some human medications can harm pets.

Step 5. Monitor your pet for complications

Keep a close eye on your pet’s condition, watching for any changes in their behavior or breathing, or in the allergic reaction’s progression. Detailed observation can provide valuable information to our veterinarian, and we may adjust the treatment if necessary.

Step 6. Limit your pet’s allergen exposure

Remove or limit the allergen from your pet’s environment if possible. For example, keep the following allergens away from your pet:

  • Food allergens — If a food ingredient is suspected of causing the reaction, follow our veterinarian’s guidance when feeding your furry friend another diet.
  • Environmental allergens — Use air purifiers around the home and limit your pet’s exposure to outdoor allergens by keeping them mostly indoors. 
  • Insect bites — Minimize your pet’s exposure to high insect activity that usually occurs during dusk and dawn hours, maintain their monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventives, and consider pest control measures.

Step 7. Seek veterinary emergency care when needed

If your pet shows serious distress signs, such as collapsing, severe swelling, or difficulty breathing, contact our Westerville Veterinary Clinic team immediately for emergency veterinary care. These signs can indicate anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment. 

Preventing your pet from having future allergic reactions

To minimize your furry friend’s allergic reaction risk, follow these tips:

  • Consult our veterinarian — Discuss your pet’s potential allergens with our team and learn about preventive measures you can take to help your furry friend. 
  • Schedule wellness exams — Keep up with regular veterinary visits to monitor your pet’s health.
  • Allergy testing — Consider having our team perform allergy testing on your pet if they have recurring allergic reactions.

An allergic reaction in your pet requires prompt attention and appropriate action. You can ensure your furry friend’s health and safety by identifying the allergen, assessing and monitoring signs, consulting our team, and administering prescribed medication. Always be prepared to seek emergency care if necessary, and contact our Westerville Veterinary Clinic team to prevent future allergic reactions. Your quick response can make all the difference in keeping your pet healthy and happy.