2008 - june monthly topic newsletter -"seasonal allergy treatment for our pets"

Seasonal Allergy Treatment for our Pets
Seasonal allergies cause itchiness and inflammation of the skin and ears every
year. This problem is not cured, only controlled. It is very important to stop the
itchiness and the inflammation before secondary infections start.
Allergies in dogs can be caused by three main sources; fleas, environment (atopy) and food. The allergen load (more
than one type of allergy or more allergens) causes a heightened sensitivity to small amounts of allergens resulting in
increased clinical symptoms. Determining which factors are causing your dog’s allergies can take some time with a
series of rule-outs and/or diagnostic testing.
Symptoms can include:
• Shaking head , itching, rubbing, scratching of face, muzzle, especially ears • Licking paws, legs, groin, and causing brown staining of fur • Ears - red, warm, wax filled, smelly, itchy , swollen • Skin - red, warm, with bumps, scabs, flakes, pimples • Hair loss around eyes, muzzle, paws, armpits, groin
Source 1: Flea Allergy and Treatment
***A single flea can bite your pet 400 times in one day***
The first and easiest place to start is by keeping your dog on year round flea prevention such as Frontline. Physical
exam can often point towards this allergy if the itchiness and hair loss are focused around the tail.
Source 2: Food Allergy and Treatment
The second step in allergy testing is to do an elimination diet for 3 months straight as a test. For this strict diet we
do offer several prescription foods. These foods include Hills Z/D or Hills D/D. The importance of a prescription diet
is in knowing that we will achieve maximal results and therefore rule-in/out food allergy as a cause of your pet’s
allergies.
Source 3: Seasonal Allergy (Atopy) and Treatment
Blood testing allows us to determine specific seasonal allergies. This test is a blood test that is sent off to a laboratory.
The blood is tested for allergies to grasses, weeds, pollens, molds, and dust mites. These results allow us to begin your
pet on allergy shots (Immunotherapy).
Supportive Treatment:
Supportive care for allergies frequently consists of antihistamines, medicated baths and sprays, and omega fatty acids.
Our antihistamines of choice are commonly Atarax or Benadryl and can be a safe and effective method of control.
Other options at the early signs of itchiness can include medicated baths or medicated sprays such as Douxo or
GenOne. These sprays and baths can provide antibacterial components as well as anti-itch components. Additionally,
a wonderful preventive treatment for many ailments including allergies is omega fatty acids such as 3-V Caps.
Steroids and antibiotics are often reserved for severe cases of allergies. Treatment varies based on your pet’s
individual needs.
If you have any questions regarding allergies in your pet please contact us at 269-629-9010.
Your Pet. Our Commitment. 8421 N. 32nd Street Richland, Michigan 49083 www.richlandanimalhospitalpc.com p: 269 629-9010 f: 269 629-9163

Source: http://www.richlandanimalhospitalpc.com/newsletters/monthly-june08.pdf