Emergency Care for Severe Allergic Reactions

Have you ever had an allergic reaction? Some allergies are just a nuisance, causing a stuffy nose, red, watery eyes, scratchy throat or pesky cough that makes everyone around you think you have a cold. But then there are allergies that downright dangerous and life threatening, such as peanut, dairy, and others.

Well, just like humans, pets can have allergic reactions to various toxins or allergens they come in contact with. These include but are not limited to:

• Drugs (vaccines, medications, antibiotics, etc…)
• Environmental chemicals (household cleaners, air fresheners, etc…)
• Bug bites (bee or wasp stings)
• Common natural allergens (dust, pollen, etc…) 

Some allergic reactions may cause mild to moderate discomfort such as:

• Excessive itching
• Sneezing
• Puffy face (swelling of the face and body)
• Hives
• Redness of the skin
• Agitation/Restlessness
• Feeling hot to the touch

These kinds of allergic reactions can be treated with:

• Antihistamines like Benadryl or Diphenhydramine
• Corticosteroids like dexamethisone or prednisone

However, depending on your pets’ tolerance, the allergic reaction can be severe enough to require immediate emergency care to save their life. Unfortunately, most pet parents are not aware of their pets’ allergies until after the first reaction occurs, but when it does, you need to be prepared and know what to do.

Symptoms of a Severe Allergic Reaction are:

• Collapse
• Difficulty breathing due to inflammation or swelling of the airway/throat
• Shock (elevated heart rate, low blood pressure)
• Abnormal heart rhythm

Although severe allergic reactions are rare, it’s important to be prepared in case this kind of emergency occurs. The best course of action to alleviate a severe allergic reaction is using a medication called epinephrine. Pet parents with several allergies will know this medication well, and be familiar with the “epi-pen.”

However, it’s important to know that even though many pet medications have the same names as people medicines, it is never safe to self-medicate your pet using your own medication. Most human medications for pets are modified chemically so as not to hurt your pets internal organs. The dosage might also be different considering a 150 pound person might require significantly more medicine than a 50 pound dog or a 10 pound cat.

Therefore, by trying to give your pet a medicine to alleviate their itching, or even in an attempt to save their life, you might actually cause them more harm than good. Always consult a veterinarian for any medical treatment, even for minor allergies, but especially for a severe allergic reaction.

Since most emergencies occur at night, on weekends, or holidays, pet parents should take the time to make a note of where their nearest 24 hour emergency veterinary clinic is located.

A trip to one of these emergency vet clinics will not only put a damper on a fun weekend, but it will also put a hole in your wallet, as it may cost up to 3 or more times what your regular vet will charge.

Find out if for only $10 a month for dogs, and just $5 a month for cats, the Accident Only pet insurance plan could ensure your pet is covered for this kind of emergency.

As much as we love our Frappuccinos on a hot summer day, don’t you think the cost of one or two Starbucks per month is worth your peace of mind, and the life-saving treatment for your pet?