Crook Cat? Dodgy Dog? Is Your Pet Allergic?
We all know that humans can be allergic and intolerant to all manner of things in life. From food additives and chemicals to things that occur naturally in our everyday environment, having a reaction to anything is annoying, and can make you feel very unwell.
Did you know that animals can also have adverse reactions and intolerances to the same kind of things that humans do? Amazingly, there are three main kinds of allergy and intolerance found in animals; food, flea bites and environmental allergies such as grass pollen and mould spores. As seen in humans, when an animal’s immune system begins to recognise certain substances as being dangerous, they can have a reaction that ranges from mild to life threatening.
As a pet lover, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure that your pet has a long and for the most part, allergy-free life. First, you should make yourself aware of the foods that they should NEVER eat, as they will cause an adverse reaction. For dogs, these are; chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, avocado, macadamia nuts, citrus like lemons and limes, coffee, tea, alcohol, and things with artificial sweeteners. For cats, add cheese, milk, raw eggs, and fat trimmings. As tempting as it is to give in to those begging eyes, these treats can seriously harm your beloved pet.
Some pets have a reaction to things in the natural environment, like grass, and become very red, irritated and itchy from just lying about living their lives! In the first instance, you should take your pet to your trusted vet to get an allergy test, which may consist of an intradermal skin test. This involves sedating your pet, then shaving a small area to expose the skin. Then, a series of allergens (only small amounts) are injected into the site, to see which ones your pet has a reaction to.
Another way to test your pet for allergies can be done from the comfort of your own home, with no need to take your furry friend to the vet! The scientists at EasyDNA Philippines have created the Pet Intolerance Test, which tests for sensitivities to food, things in the environment, and artificial allergens. Amazingly, the Pet Intolerance Test analyses 300 different food and non-food trigger items, to give you peace of mind about your pet’s health and wellbeing.
You will receive a collection kit and full instructions on how to correctly collect samples from your pet. You will need to provide a fur sample from your pet, which should ideally include the hair root. Simply package up the sample according to the instructions and send it back to us. Your sample will be analysed and the results will arrive within 7-10 days. Your comprehensive report will allow you to understand the specific intolerances that your pet has, and will provide a guide on how to avoid or eliminate these intolerances from your pet’s life. The report is also a good tool to take to your vet if you need further assistance.
So don’t let your delightful dog or your cuddly cat suffer needlessly, you can truly be ‘pet’s best friend’ with the Pet Intolerance Test, and maybe a non-allergenic treat to sweeten the deal!