Warmer weather 'raises pet allergy risk'

By Marianne Straker, Wed 26 May 2010 - Published in Pet Insurance

Dog and cat owners should be aware that the warmer weather brings a greater risk of their furry friends being afflicted by allergies.

M&S Pet Insurance pointed out that cats and dogs can suffer from allergies in the same way their owners can and said the most common complaints relate to animals' skin or problems caused by fleas.

Louise O'Dwyer, operations manager at Vetfone, the firm's advice line, commented: "Allergies in pets can be incredibly frustrating for the owner. The most common allergies we see are those affecting the skin, with the most common symptom being itching."

She added that allergies can affect pets' respiratory tracts, which causes problems such as coughing, sneezing or wheezing.

In addition, Ms O'Dwyer revealed that cats and dogs can suffer from dietary allergies that cause them to be struck with diarrhoea or vomiting if they eat foods such as fish, eggs, whey and artificial sugars.

Last month, Joe Inglis, The One Show's resident vet, warned that lungworm, which is a parasitic disease caused by slugs and snails, is a growing problem in the UK's dogs.

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