Antihistamine non-hormonal drugs for cats. Food Allergy in Cats: Symptoms and Treatment

With the advent of lacrimation, sneezing, runny nose, cough, an allergic reaction can be suspected. In this case, the symptoms appear on the rise. It seems like a cold, but if a pet lives in the house, then it is likely that the cause is an allergic reaction from the immune system to harmful substances. Cat hair releases the strongest allergens, or rather not the hair itself, but histamine, a protein that accumulates in the skin. Mainly allergy sufferers and asthmatics cannot resist. Then the question arises: what to choose an effective medicine for allergies to cats?

Provocateurs are proteins found in urine, feces, dead particles of the dermis of pets. Weakened immunity is unstable, unable to withstand the onslaught of allergens. The body becomes overly sensitive to such effects, triggering the mechanisms of a protective reaction to stimuli. A person has unpleasant symptoms. You need to drink medicated allergy pills from cats to make you feel better. Although self-medication is excluded. Only a doctor can choose an effective medication based on the results of the diagnosis.

The goal of drug treatment is to achieve stable remission, correct immunity with immunospecific drugs, and eliminate irritants. The basis of therapy is antihistamines. Also:

• anesthetics;
• bronchodilators;
• antispasmodics;
• enzyme agents;
• adrenomimetics;
• corticosteroids (Dexamethasone) to relieve inflammation, itching, rashes, runny nose;
• immunostimulants (Derinat, Viferon, Likopid, Timalin);
• enterosorbents (activated carbon, Polyphepan, Polysorb);
• eye drops (Zirtek, Lekrolin) with the development of conjunctivitis;
• antispasmodics to relax the smooth muscle of the respiratory tract.

Today, elimination therapy is practiced, the meaning of which is to eliminate irritants that can enter the human body from the outside. In particular, preventive measures to get rid of cat allergies play an important role.

Antihistamines for cat allergies

There are 3 generations of antihistamines. The safest drugs for allergies from cats are 3 generations, but are prescribed with caution, as they can lead to side effects: Quincke's edema, palpitations, excessive fatigue, drowsiness.

Most often, therapy is carried out with first-generation antihistamines (Pipolfen, Fenistil, Diazolin, Suprastin), with a duration of up to 2 weeks, 2 generations - Erius, Ebastin, Claritin, found in pharmacies in a wide range.

Preparations for pets

The list of antihistamines for treating allergies is extensive. The action is aimed at blocking sensitive histamine receptors. When treating pets, additional H1 blockers and 3rd generation drugs are prescribed. 1st generation drugs are prescribed in high dosages, but can cause drowsiness, apathy, and lethargy in pets. Good drugs often used in veterinary medicine: Kestin, Fenistil, Loratadin, Fexofenadine, Zirtek, Cetirizine, Kot Bayun as soothing drops.

The most popular allergy remedies:

• Suprastin with the appointment of conjunctivitis, rhinitis, skin rashes, food allergies;
• Tavegil for dyspepsia, dry mouth;
• Diphenhydramine for allergies, insect bites;
• Diazolin (a potent histamine) for pruritus with excellent tolerance in cats, but may cause signs of distemper in toddlers;
• Fenistil from itching, irritation on the body;
• Kestin for skin rashes, mucous discharge from the nasal cavity with action already 1 hour after application;
• Fexofenadine is well tolerated by animals, although it is contraindicated in pups.

Medicines of the 3rd generation are not able to affect the functioning of the heart. Applicable in the complex treatment of allergies.

Preparations of 1-2 generations should not be given to cats at the time of bearing kittens. It is also undesirable to take it with food, otherwise the effect will be noticeably reduced. Diphenhydramine is a sleeping pill and is also not recommended for frequent use.

List of affordable medicines

The cheapest analogues of antihistamines for allergies include:

• Choropyramine (tablets), contraindications: gastric ulcer, paroxysmal asthma, children under 1 month old, the elderly;
• Hydrocortisone (ointment) with the possibility of prescribing to children from 2 years of age with wounds, ulcers from skin rashes;
• Sinaflan (ointment), contraindications: children under 2 years;
• Cetirizine (tablets), contraindications: pregnancy, lactation, liver and kidney disease, elderly people over 60 years old, children under 6 years old.

On a note! Side effects must be considered when choosing medications to treat cat allergies. So many drugs of the 1st generation cause drowsiness and are unsafe when driving a car, operating complex mechanisms. Medicines of the 2nd generation can adversely affect the liver, gastrointestinal tract, and heart.

The choice of drugs for allergy sufferers and asthmatics is best agreed with the attending specialist.

What is the best cat allergy remedy?

The most effective drugs are antihistamines:

Attention! Even the best cat allergy remedy has side effects, contraindications. Before use, allergy sufferers need to read the instructions, the dosage should be agreed with the doctor.

Medications for exacerbations

It is important to direct therapy to achieve a stable remission, eliminate the spread of allergens in the room, carry out wet cleaning, and keep clean.

With an exacerbation, you can take a 3rd generation antihistamine drug, as less harmless, unlike other drugs. Additionally, it is worth adhering to a hypoallergenic diet, eliminating close contacts with pets, although at the time of the treatment course.

Is there a vaccine for cat allergies?

Up to 10% of the world's population is allergic to cats. Unfortunately, there is no effective vaccine in Russia yet, vaccination is not carried out, but Canadian scientists nevertheless carried out some developments. In their opinion, a safe vaccine has been found. The subject of study was a protein that causes an allergic reaction when it comes into contact with the animal's fur. After conducting allergy tests, the researchers were able to obtain a synthetic analog of the activating protein by mixing peptides. So the vaccine was obtained by selecting peptides that help get rid of allergies to cats.

Many people have already received peptide therapy with the vaccine injected under the skin up to 4 times a year. Today it is used by many companies in the fight against allergies to pollen, mites, house dust.

Unfortunately, such vaccinations are not yet practiced in Russia, but an allergist can prescribe a special serum that helps to minimize the manifestations of allergies and achieve a stable remission. To detect allergies in children are carried out:

• scarification tests by taking scrapings (washouts) from the skin;
• provocative text with instillation into the nose (eyes) of a special liquid that causes a slight response;
• allergy tests to identify a possible increase in immunoglobulin in the blood.

REFERENCE! Diagnosing a cat allergy is easy. It is enough to hold the cat on your lap, stroke it. A negative reaction to a cat will not keep you waiting long, allergens are still present on it in abundance.

Immunospecific treatment

Specific (immunological) therapy is now popular for allergic reactions to pets. It consists in the introduction of a purified antigen under the skin with a course duration to completely cure, up to 6 months.

The essence of the technique is to correct the immune system, which is especially important for children with weakness (imperfection) of the immune system. Additionally, you should not neglect simple preventive measures: use cleaners, air conditioners, indoor air humidifiers, carry out wet cleaning more often, and prevent any contact with furry animals.

Elimination therapy and its benefits

Exclusionary (elimination) therapy involves the identification and elimination of irritants from the environment that hover around a person. This means that prevention and compliance with animal contact precautions is paramount.

If it is not possible to get rid of cats, then it is important to protect their stay near a person, bathe them more often, avoid staying in a sleeping room, and replace carpets with a large pile with less allergens.

Interesting! Children are less prone to allergies if they live near a cat from birth. According to scientists, the presence of 1 pet reduces the risk of developing allergies by 20%, 2 pets - by 7%.

Folk remedies

Traditional healers know many good time-tested recipes. However, dosages should not be abused:

• honeycomb (upper part), 1 tsp eat in its pure form, washed down with water or added to food;
• chop birch buds (20 g), pour boiling water (500 l), insist, bring to a boil, take 0.5 cups, after filtering;
• celery, squeeze juice (20 ml), take 3 times a day as an infusion or steam 2 tbsp. boiling water;
• motherwort (15 g) finely chopped, pour boiling water over the country (0.5 l), insist, gargle or rinse your nose. Can be added to water and bathe pets.

Conclusion

It is important to understand that it is hardly possible to completely get rid of allergies. Symptomatic pills for cat allergies can minimize unpleasant manifestations, avoid relapses, although there is no guarantee that after some time the allergy will not reappear.

The cat must be kept clean: change the fillers in the cat litter box, use gentle detergents. It is equally important to normalize the diet of the pet. It is worth thinking about the hypoallergenicity of the cat and today breeders offer good breeds.

Avoid recurrence of allergies - constantly strengthen the immune system. In a healthy body - a strong spirit. It is unlikely that allergens will be able to withstand a strong, strengthened immune system.

However, before you start treating a pet, you should confirm or, on the contrary, refute this diagnosis, as well as establish the cause of its appearance, since there are quite a few irritants that provoke an allergic reaction.

As a rule, allergy medicines for cats contain completely different active substances, depending on the type of pathological reaction of the pet's body. That is, in one case, only steroid injections will help to cope with the existing problem, while milder forms of allergies can be effectively treated with the usual antihistamine drug Suprastin. For cats, the dosage should be completely different than for humans, and this nuance must be taken into account when using drugs used to treat humans. And although the package insert usually gives the correspondence of grams or milliliters of the drug to one kilogram of the patient's weight, it is better not to experiment and consult a qualified specialist on this issue.

Usually, treatment, and even more so the dosage of the drugs used, is prescribed only after diagnosis, which includes special intradermal testing (a test can also be performed on a blood test). To determine the irritating factor, without the elimination of which it is impossible to carry out a full-fledged treatment, it is recommended to gradually remove potential irritants from the pet's environment, carefully monitoring its reaction for several weeks. Usually, such an experiment takes up to 3-4 weeks, because even if you immediately remove the component that provoked an allergic reaction in a cat, there will be no immediate improvement and the recession will occur gradually. If this is not done, then further treatment will be meaningless, so negative symptoms will return.

In addition, when deciding what to give a cat for allergies, its owner must remember that the most effective is precisely an integrated approach to the existing problem, which, in addition to avoiding irritants and taking antihistamines, includes taking strengthening agents and local therapy.

Local therapy means compliance with certain hygiene procedures, in particular, washing the animal with special shampoos, using ointments and products that include hydrocortisone (in agreement with the veterinarian). These measures, of course, are not able to completely defeat the disease, and their regular use is reduced only to the temporary elimination of such negative symptoms in the lesions as itching and pain. As for general strengthening, Omega-3 fatty acids are most often used for these purposes, since they help to restore the animal after a protracted allergy with extensive damage to the skin and abundant hair loss. At the same time, in no case is it recommended to use any other groups of these fats, since they can have a completely opposite effect, only increasing allergic manifestations.

When choosing what to give a cat for allergies, many owners often stop at antihistamines, which can have a positive effect on the course of the disease in 70 percent of cases. At the same time, it is not possible to recommend any one specific drug, because one animal is suitable for something that is completely ineffective for another and vice versa. In addition, the dosage of allergy pills for cats is of great importance, which depends not only on the weight of the animal, but also on the degree of its damage. As for the active substances (in this case, antihistamines), such drugs in most cases contain diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, clemastine fumarate or chlorpheniramine.

Steroids are usually used in the most extreme cases, when there is a strong inflammatory process or almost never-ending itching, which brings unbearable suffering to the pet, and all because such drugs very often give severe side effects.

Usually steroid preparations are suitable for oral, subcutaneous and intramuscular use, although injections are most often used, which can give the most effective result. As for potential complications, cats are much less susceptible to them than dogs, and this point should be taken into account when prescribing treatment.

Almost everyone has a pet. But, unfortunately, not all people can keep a pet at home. And the reason for this is allergies.

Pathology is characterized by severe runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, fever and cough.

Often, an allergic reaction does not appear immediately. Its development is gradual.

In this case, it is important not to miss the moment of development of the pathology, confusing the allergic rhinitis with a cold or other illness.

People who are faced with this ailment are interested in two main questions: “How to treat an allergy to cats?” and “How to make sure not to give away the cat?”.

Many people are frustrated by the fact that now they can not contact their furry friend.

Allergy is a fairly common disease, which is characterized by an increased intensity of the immune response to a substance that is not normally harmful. Allergy to cats is a fairly common type of illness. It can develop in both adults and children.

Modern allergology considers hypersensitivity to cat hair as one of the most significant factors in the occurrence of asthma. More than 30% of people suffer from hypersensitivity to allergens that are released by pets. It is believed that a cat, compared to a dog, is more allergenic.

But, even despite the statistics, few people will agree to give up a furry friend. In this case, it is necessary to identify the cause that provoked the development of the disease. In addition, it is necessary to find out how to treat an allergy to cats and whether it is possible to completely eliminate the symptoms without refusing to communicate with the animal.

Many people think that the cause of the disease lies precisely in the cat's hair. At the same time, some specifically give birth to short-haired cats, in the hope that the disease will definitely not arise. In fact, pet hair is far from the only cause of unpleasant symptoms.

Most often, the appearance of allergies is provoked by proteins contained in saliva, urine, feces and dead particles of the pet's dermis. One of the factors influencing the appearance of the disease is a decrease in the protective properties of the body. With a weakened immune system, the body becomes more sensitive to the effects of various allergens. On penetration into the body of any irritant, the body launches a protective reaction. When the immune system is weak, allergy symptoms appear.

If the cat often walks on the street, upon returning home, he brings fluff, dust and other irritants on his fur, inhalation of which causes rhinitis, cough and other manifestations of the disease.

Thus, the symptoms of the disease in children and adults are caused not by the animal's fur itself, but by those substances that accumulate on it.

The occurrence of pathology can be triggered by:

• genetic predisposition;
• hypersensitivity of peripheral tissues to allergy mediators;
• chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract;
• pathologies of the liver;
• long-term use of ACE;
• features of the immune response;
• helminthic invasion.

The disease is usually characterized by the following symptoms:

Allergy to cats should be treated immediately - when the first symptoms appear. However, only a qualified specialist can prescribe the intake of this or that medication and only after a thorough examination.

Often, in order to clarify the diagnosis, the following is prescribed:

• blood sampling for general and biochemical analysis;
• general urine analysis;
• scarification tests;
• immunograms.

For the treatment of the disease, the use of immunospecific and exclusive therapy is prescribed. A good therapeutic effect can be achieved in the treatment of allergies at home and alternative medicine.

Treatment of the disease at home involves:

• limiting contact with animals;
• exclusion of a cat in the bedroom;
• place equipment for a furry friend;
• observance of order, frequent wet cleaning;
• replacing carpets with a large pile with others that have a lower property of attracting allergens;
• installation of an air conditioner and air purifiers in the house;
• keeping the cat clean (that family member who does not suffer from pathology should take care of the pet);
• bathing the cat with special shampoos.

It is equally important to follow a hypoallergenic diet. This is one of the conditions for the successful treatment of any type of allergy, food, medication or cats.

There are a large number of time-tested recipes for remedies from medicinal plants and other natural ingredients that help eliminate the unpleasant manifestations of the disease and speedy recovery. However, it is preferable to use them with the permission of the attending physician. In addition, non-traditional treatment of cat allergies should be appropriate. Do not abuse the formulations and exceed the dosages indicated in the recipes.

1. Therapy of pathology by zabrus. Zabrus is part of the honeycomb (cap). For the treatment of the disease, it is recommended to eat a teaspoon of the remedy every day. It can be eaten in its pure form, washed down with water, or added to food.
2. Therapy of the disease with birch buds. It is necessary to brew 20 grams of crushed dried birch buds in 500 ml of boiling water. Next, the product must be put on the stove and brought to a boil. It is advised to drink ½ cup of filtered drink three times a day.
3. Celery in the fight against allergies. For the treatment of pathology, you need the juice of the plant. To make it, you need to take the fresh rhizome of the plant and squeeze the juice out of it. It is recommended to use 20 ml of the drug three times a day. You can make a healing infusion from celery. To do this, you need to steam a couple of tablespoons of finely chopped rhizome of the plant with boiled water - a glass. The composition should be infused for the spirit of hours. You need to drink a drink ½ cup twice a day.
4. The use of motherwort infusion. This tool is recommended to use for rinsing the throat and washing the nose. To make a medicine, you need to brew 15 grams of finely chopped plant grass in half a liter of freshly boiled water. It is recommended to set the composition for two hours. You can bathe your pet with this product.

Cat allergy pills: types and methods of using drugs

Treatment of the disease should be comprehensive, including medication and diet. In the modern pharmacological market, antihistamines are presented in a large assortment. People are used to looking for inexpensive medicines, so they often ask for advice on forums on the Internet.

It must be understood that only a doctor can treat the disease. Relying on reviews for a particular medication is at least unreasonable. The most effective cat allergy pills are Cetrin, Zirtek, Telfast. These remedies help to eliminate itching, rhinitis, coughing and sneezing.

Drug therapy involves the use of medicines for allergies to cats, which help to control well-being and, with the right treatment regimen, achieve a stable remission. Recently, the correction of immunity with the help of immunospecific therapy has been very effective. Using this method, it is possible to influence the defective parts of the immune system, which are responsible for the reaction to the ingestion of an irritating substance. Cat allergy medications use a purified irritant that is injected subcutaneously for six months. After the elimination of the root causes, a long remission occurs.

Also, for the treatment of the disease, exclusionary or elimination treatment is used. This method involves removing the irritant from the human environment. The way is to take preventive measures.

In the fight against pathology, both allergy pills for cats, and eye and nasal drops, ointments are used.

Often, for the treatment of an ailment, the application is prescribed:

• systemic corticosteroids;
• antihistamines;
• systemic adrenomimetics;
• anesthetics;
• bronchodilators;
• antispasmodics;
• enzyme preparations.

Often prescribed taking such pills for allergies to cats:

• Dimedrol;
• Fenistila;
• Pipolfen.

These are first generation medicines. They are not intended for long-term use.

Often prescribed pills for allergies to cats of the second generation: Claritin, Erius, Ebastin.

New generation antiallergic medicines include Zirtek, Cetrin, Telfast, Claritin, Erius. Any drug on the list must be taken correctly. Inappropriate use of medications is fraught with paid consequences.

Fund prices are different. Thanks to the large assortment, choosing a medicine for cat allergies is not difficult to afford. The average cost of antihistamine tablets is 300-700 rubles.

In addition, for the treatment of the disease, the use of:

• eye drops: Opatanol, Lekrolin, Vibrocil, Zirtek;
• enterosorbents: Polysorb, Polyphepan, Activated carbon;
• immunostimulants: Timalin, Likopid, Viferon, Derinat;
• corticosteroids: Dexamethasone.

Properly selected medicine helps to eliminate a terrible runny nose, coughing fits, shortness of breath, swelling, nasal congestion.

Prevention of allergies is the key to good health. It can be primary (which consists in preventing the body's sensitivity to the pet's hair and substances that accumulate on it) and secondary (which consists in preventing the recurrence of the disease).

• strengthen immunity;
• refuse contact with a furry friend;
• carry out wet cleaning;
• install air humidifiers, purifiers and air conditioning in the apartment.

Cats, like many mammals, can suffer from allergies and require medication to manage symptoms. Antihistamines for cats and humans may be the same. So, animals are recommended Claritin and Tavegil. When choosing a medicine, it is important to clearly understand what symptoms it should overcome. It is desirable for the owner to be aware of the type of drug (what generation it belongs to) and its potential side effects.

Types of antihistamines

The drugs got their name due to the main function - preventing the action of histamine. The substance is released when the mast cell membrane (mast cells) is destroyed, caused by the allergen entering the body. Medications prevent histamine from harming the body by preventing it from binding to receptors (particularly H1). The effectiveness of preventing this association depends on the novelty of the antihistamine:

1. 1. First generation. The least effective means. The low level of receptor compliance requires the use of large doses and provides a short-lived effect. Funds are accepted at least 2-3 times a day. The drugs have serious side effects such as drowsiness and possible palpitations. From the extensive list of these drugs, cats are prescribed Donormil, Diphenhydramine, Tavegil, Diazolin, Dimenhydrinate, Bikarfen, Pipolfen or Teralen.
2. 2. Second generation. A more precise "fit" eliminates unwanted effects on the nervous system and off-target receptors, but the risk of negative effects on the cardiovascular system remains. Can be taken once a day. From this category, you can give the cat Tenset, Astemizol, Terfenadine, Soventol, Fenistil or Kestin.
3. 3. Third generation. The most selective drugs that do not affect the nervous system. Animals from allergies are prescribed Fexofenadine and Cetirizine.

Each category includes other medications, but they may not be suitable for the cat. So, people with an allergic reaction are prescribed H2-receptor blockers, which will not help animals. The owner can choose a remedy of any generation, but always with the advice of a veterinarian.

When to use

Allergy in cats is manifested by itching, redness of the skin with hair loss in the affected areas, blisters, nasal discharge, ear infections, diarrhea and vomiting. All symptoms are nonspecific and may be a sign of another disease. Wool falls out with insufficient intake of fatty acids or disruption of the internal organs. Blisters may be the result of contact with a chemical.

The diagnosis must be made by a veterinarian. He also prescribes an antihistamine and additional drugs, such as steroids to fight inflammation. If it is impossible to consult a doctor, the owner can try to help the pet on their own. But he must be sure that his pet is suffering from allergies.

How to give medicine

Dosage and route of administration depend on the type of drug. Basically, antihistamines are given to cats in the form of tablets. When using diphenhydramine, the dosage is 1-4 mg per kilogram of animal weight. The drug is given every 8-12 hours. It should not be mixed with food or drink (other than water). Tavegil and Clemastin for adults, regardless of body size, are given half a tablet every 12 hours. Some medications can be mixed with your pet's favorite food for convenience. But basically, doctors recommend the use of tablets without mixing them with food.

This phenomenon manifests itself in the form of the following symptoms:

• redness of the epidermis;
• frequent itching in the neck and head area;
• profuse hair loss;
• disorders of the gastrointestinal system (including diarrhea and vomiting);
• copious discharge from the nose of the animal;
• the appearance of papules and blisters on the skin.

Allergens from the environment

Most often, this type of allergy begins to manifest itself at a young age in cats. An attentive pet owner will notice the first problems even before the age of 1 year and make an exception for contact with the allergen. An allergic reaction to pathogens from the external environment can occur on any substance - dust, personal hygiene products, household chemicals.

Allergy to food or feed

The difficulty in identifying this allergen lies in the fact that its intolerance occurs gradually. That is why it is difficult to detect and eliminate from the diet. Since meat is the main percentage in the menu of cats, an allergic reaction most often manifests itself on it. We recommend that when a pet reaches the age of 1 year, carefully monitor its state of health - intolerance to a particular allergen usually develops over this time period. All cats are individual, so allergies can appear a couple of minutes or even days after eating food.

Allergy medications for cats

For allergies, a cat can be given special antihistamines. It is important to remember that they do not give a 100% guarantee of treatment for allergies. Efficiency when used for cats is approximately 6-75%. You can enhance the effect of drugs by including omega-3 fatty acids in the diet while taking medication. These acids are found in large quantities in foods such as fish oil, flax seeds, cod, salmon, etc.

There are 2 types of allergy pills for cats:

• H-1 groups - often recommended by veterinarians for the treatment of allergies (Benadryl, Atarax, Tavist).
• H-2 groups are dangerous and ineffective for cats (Claritin, Seldan, Gismanal).

In some cases, veterinarians advise giving the cat immunosuppressants containing cyclosporine (for example, "Off-label"). However, the effect of this drug on cats has not been fully studied, so side effects such as indigestion, vomiting may occur.