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Each year approximately 50 million Americans suffer from allergy, a type of immune hypersensitivity which includes asthma, rhinitis and food allergy. More Americans than ever are suffering from allergies. The occurrence of allergies in our pets mirrors that which occurs in human allergies, and incidence is rising each year.
Animals, just like people, can suffer allergic reactions to a wide variety of environmental substances, or allergens. Research has shown that the immunologic mechanisms underlying allergy in our companion animals (dogs, cats and horses) are essentially the same as in humans.
The word “allergy” originated from two Greek words meaning “altered reactivity.” In today’s lexicon, allergy is used to describe a condition of hypersensitivity to a substance that is otherwise considered harmless to most animals or people. The substances that trigger allergy are called allergens, and include:
• Pollens • Insect bites
• Dust mites • Fibers
• Molds • Foods
• Dander (animal and human)
Exposure to these substances, by physical contact, ingestion or inhalation, causes the body’s immune system to overreact and produce antibodies to attack the invading allergens. The most common manifestations of allergic disease include:
• Dermatologic symptoms (atopic dermatitis)
• Respiratory symptoms (allergic rhinitis, asthma)
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (adverse food reactions, food allergy)
• Ocular symptoms (conjunctivitis)
How do I know if my pet has allergies?
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