Itchy

For many pets, late summer to early fall is allergy season. Like humans, dogs and cats can develop sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and a runny nose in response to allergens. Food allergies can also cause digestive problems. Pets often develop skin issues when suffering from allergies. A rash on the belly, an ear infection, or just scratching everywhere may be the only signal that your pet has allergies.

Your pet is miserable. What should you do? Some pets with allergies simply need a little help to get through the season. This might include treatment of occasional ear infections, medicated baths, antihistamines, oral steroids, or antibiotics for skin infections. Pets with more severe allergies may need more help. Apoquel and Cytopoint are two tools that can keep the itch under control.

Many pets have an allergy to fleas. Flea allergy causes a characteristic pattern of hair loss on the back near the base of the tail. These pets are actually allergic to the saliva of fleas, so just one flea bite can set them off. These pets need high-quality flea control. Over-the-counter flea remedies are often not effective for pets with a flea allergy.

But what if nothing seems to help? Pets that can’t get relief from the usual treatments or who suffer year-round may benefit from allergy testing and desensitization. This starts with a blood test to determine your pet’s specific allergies. From this information, allergy “shots” are customized for your pet. The allergy report will also include a list of commercial foods that your pet can safely eat. Pet parents learn to give their pet allergy shots at home. After the initial 9 months of desensitization with injections and eating the right food, more than 90% of pets are symptom-free. Others may only require occasional treatment.

If your four-legged family member has allergies, help is available! Come see us at Twin Lakes Pet Clinic.

-Dr. Karen