Tidewater Trail Animal Hospital - What's New at Tidewater Trail

Get ready for allergy season

Spring and fall are the most common times for allergy problems in both pets and their owners. The most common symptom we see in dogs

and cats from allergies is itching. Scratching at the ears and flanks, licking the feet and rubbing the face and head can all be the result of

allergies. Other symptoms pets often exhibit are red, runny eyes and nose and even vomiting and diarrhea. Just like people, pets can be

allergic to food, pollen, dust mites, or molds. Pets are also frequently allergic to fleas. Often pets are allergic to multiple things and when the

total level of allergens gets high enough, they start having problems. Treating allergies is complex and often frustrating. Pets often develop

skin infections secondary to scratching and licking, making them even more itchy. Treating allergies in pets involves not only treating the

secondary infection, but keeping the symptoms at bay.

Here are some basic guidelines to keeping your allergic pet comfortable (mouse over to see these guidelines)

Allergies in pets are very frustrating and can make life difficult for pets and owners. There are many ways to address allergies in pets. The

best course of action is to discuss your pet's problems with your veterinarian, follow their recommendations and follow up so that they can

determine what is working best for your pet. Working together, we can often get these problems under control and allow your pet to return to

the level of comfort they deserve.

10839 Tidewater Trail

Fredericksburg, Virginia 22408-2048

(540) 361-7050

Thank you for letting our family take care of your family.

WHAT’S NEW?

1) Seasonal vs. constant? Seasonal allergies indicate an environmental allergy rather than an allergy to food. If these problems are short-lived, they can be

managed with antihistamines or steroids.

2) Is there an infection present? If there is evidence of a skin or ear infection, you should see your veterinarian for medication to treat the infection.

Evidence of infection would be open sores, scabs, moisture and smelly discharge. If your pet is treated for an infection, make sure you follow up with your

veterinarian at the end of treatment to ensure that it is gone before ceasing treatment. If the infection is not completely resolved and treatment is

discontinued, this can lead to resistance, especially with ear infections.

3) Fleas? If your pet has fleas, whether or not they are allergic to fleas, it can make them more sensitive to other allergens. We se problems with fleas all

year long in this area. So if you have an itchy pet, make sure they are on some form of flea prevention. If it is determined that your pet has fleas, they are

probably in your home as well, so don't expect all the fleas to be gone in one treatment. It can take months to get rid of all the fleas in your pet's

environment.

4) Severe Allergies? If your pets allergy symptoms are severe or if they occur more than 3 months of the year, a cause for the allergy needs to be

determined, and they require constant treatment.

Food Allergy? If your pet is itchy all the time, food allergy is much more likely. Also if there are signs of intestinal upset, this suggests a food allergy.

Putting your pet on a hypoallergenic food trial is the most direct way of determining whether or not they have a food allergy. A hypoallergenic food trial

involves the use of a diet with ingredients to which your pet has not been exposed. I do not recommend lamb and rice because this is something that most

dogs have eaten, and often "lamb and rice" formulas have allergenic ingredients like corn and chicken. Make sure you read labels

carefully! It is also extremely important when undergoing a hypoallergenic diet trial that your pet is not exposed to dietary allergens through treats and

flavored medications (Interceptor and Sentinel are usually okay).

Allergy testing? Pets with severe or constant allergy symptoms that do not respond well to a hypoallergenic food trial need to be tested to determine to

what they are allergic. Typically, your pet will be referred to a dermatologist for allergy testing. It can be performed through a blood test or subdermal

testing. Usually a combination of the two is most accurate.

After the tests have been run, a special desensitization serum is developed, and your pet will

receive allergy injections daily to weekly, depending on their needs.

Atopica? (Cyclosporin) Some pets respond well to treatment with a relatively new drug called cyclosporin. This medication alters the response of the

immune system, so that your pet is less likely to react to allergens. Long term, it has much fewer side effects than steroids, and your pet can safely be

maintained on this medication for years. Cyclosporin is relatively expensive, especially for larger dogs, but can be a less expensive alternative

to allergy testing and injections if your pet responds well to it.

Multiple Allergies? Often pets are allergic to a combination of things, hypoallergenic foods, allergy testing, flea prevention and cyclosporin may all be

required to maintain your pet's comfort.

5) Other health problems? In some cases, other health problems can be affecting your pets skin ears, or even other body systems. Your vet may

recommend blood testing to determine if there is another problem contributing to your pet's allergies.