Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Do you think animals can feel the same way people do when they are not feeling well? Why or why not?
- If you had to take care of a pet, what would you do every day to keep it healthy and happy?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- paw /paw/
- constant /KON-stuhnt/
- mold /mohld/
- treat /treet/
- trigger /TRIG-er/
[noun] – the foot of an animal that has claws or nails, such as a cat, dog, or bear
The cat used its paw to gently touch the toy.
[adjective] – happening all the time or staying the same without stopping
There was constant noise from the construction next door.
[noun] – a soft, green or black fungus that grows in wet places and can be harmful to health
The bathroom had mold on the walls due to too much moisture.
[verb] – to give medical care or take action to help someone or something feel better
The doctor treats many patients with allergies during spring.
[noun] – something that causes a reaction or a specific event to happen
Loud noises are common triggers for fear in some animals.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Many pets, including dogs and cats, are experiencing allergies that cause discomfort and health issues. About five years ago, a Parson Russell Terrier named Mr. Friedman began showing symptoms like licking his paws and constant itching. His owner tried home solutions such as baby socks, but they did not help. After tests, veterinarians confirmed that the dog had allergies.
Experts say pet allergies can be caused by pollen, dust, mold, chemicals, food, or other animals. Although there is no exact data, veterinarians report seeing more allergic pets in recent years. Dr. Karen Woodard, a veterinary medical director in Illinois, treats several allergic pets daily. Research shows that 90% of allergies are caused by environmental triggers, while only 10% come from food. To help pets, veterinarians recommend proper diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms may include scratching, licking, ear infections, or hair loss. Common treatments include allergy tests, elimination diets, and special food with hydrolyzed proteins. Medications such as anti-inflammatory pills or injections can reduce symptoms. Experts also advise washing pet bedding, giving baths, and wiping fur to remove allergens. However, treatments can be expensive, with some owners spending thousands of dollars. While there is no full cure, managing allergies helps pets live more comfortably.
Experts say pet allergies can be caused by pollen, dust, mold, chemicals, food, or other animals. Although there is no exact data, veterinarians report seeing more allergic pets in recent years. Dr. Karen Woodard, a veterinary medical director in Illinois, treats several allergic pets daily. Research shows that 90% of allergies are caused by environmental triggers, while only 10% come from food. To help pets, veterinarians recommend proper diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms may include scratching, licking, ear infections, or hair loss. Common treatments include allergy tests, elimination diets, and special food with hydrolyzed proteins. Medications such as anti-inflammatory pills or injections can reduce symptoms. Experts also advise washing pet bedding, giving baths, and wiping fur to remove allergens. However, treatments can be expensive, with some owners spending thousands of dollars. While there is no full cure, managing allergies helps pets live more comfortably.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What kind of animals are mentioned in the article as having allergies?
- What did Mr. Friedman do that showed he was uncomfortable?
- What home treatment did Mr. Friedman’s owner try?
- What was the final result after tests on Mr. Friedman?
- What are some signs that a pet might have allergies?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever had a pet at home? If so, what kind of pet did you have? If not, what pet would you like to have?
- Have you or someone you know had an allergy before? If yes, what caused the allergy? If not, what do you think allergies feel like?
- Do you agree that cleaning a pet’s bed and giving it a bath can help reduce allergy problems?
- Why do you think more pets have allergies now than before?
- What do you think is more important—giving medicine to pets or changing their environment? Why?