Your pets live in the same environment you do, are subject to the same allergens, and are perhaps just as sensitive as you might be. One part of coping with pet allergies is recognizing them, and another part is treating them appropriately. Let's assume you've identified that your pet has an allergy or two. Controlling pet allergies might be as simple as changing diet, or eliminating a problem substance. It might be more problematic, however, such as limiting exposure to the substance. Controlling pet allergies might also involve medications or applied products such as shampoo or skin treatments.

Identifying and Treating Pet Allergies

There are three basic types of allergies: contact, food, and inhaled. Contact allergies generally mean a skin problem. Food allergies can manifest themselves any number of ways, perhaps with diarrhea or vomiting, perhaps with eczema. Inhaled allergies can also manifest themselves several ways, but are usually indicated by sinus or breathing problems or eye irritation.

Contact inhaled allergies usually entail a "foreign substance." With exclusively indoor pets, this means removing the problematic substance from the environment. With pets that go outdoors, all you can do to treat your pet allergies is to bathe your pet and/or use skin lotions to sooth the irritation.

Lotions for pet allergies should be hypoallergenic products. Because these do not have soap and usually don't have fragrance, they are less likely to be an irritant themselves. Colloidal oatmeal is close to miraculous for soothing itching. Aloe vera is also known for its anti-inflammatory virtues, as well as for healing. Clearly all you can do about a food allergy is remove that food from your pet's diet.