Seasonal Allergies 2011

Our wet cool spring that turned to summer has produced very high pollen  counts that are causing many allergic  dogs to itch.  Itchy skin and ears can more easily become infected.  We are here to help prevent  complications and provide relief!

Many breeds seem over-represented including golden & labrador retrievers and terriers, although any breed (or mixed breed) can be affected.

Some of the most common seasonal allergies are inhalant allergies (just like people) and often include a mixture of trees, grasses and weeds. Molds and house dust mites can be underlying year round allergens as well.

Dogs’ inhalant allergy symptoms differ from people in that they usually manifest as itchy skin (between toes, around eyes, under arms, neck & face) and ears, not typically itchy eyes and sneezing etc although we have seen that in some pets.

As avoiding the allergens is difficult (if not impossible)  helping fight the inflammation and preventing/treating the symptoms is the key to providing relief.

We currently use anti-inflammatory doses of fish oils to provide a base of relief as well as prescribe antihistamines, antibiotics and anti-fungals if the skin is red and has become infected.

Short term use of topical creams, sprays and shampoos often containing safe, low doses of colloidal oatmeal, antihistamines or cortisone can very helpful too.

The constant licking can make the skin infection worse and lead to a “hot spot” or acute moist dermatitis that  often needs shaving and aggressive treatment to heal. Catching any skin redness early before it gets infected is our goal to prevent increased itchiness, discomfort, and expense.

Severe recurrent allergies can be prevented or modulated by immuno-therapy or allergy injections.  A simple blood test is all that is needed to start.

It can take from 6 to 12 months to get an effect so testing well before a pet has major problems is advised.   Many of the recent allergy tests that we have done have identified underlying house dust mite and storage mite allergies in addition to outdoor pollens.

Once a hard killing frost comes some relief will be experienced from the outdoor allergens but at that time indoor allergens can remain.

Allergies are common, complex, and a nuisance, but often respond to a consistent and preventive approach.

Please call us at 271-5277 to make an appointment if your pet has any unexplained itchiness, redness or skin odor.

Summer should be fun and itch free for your pet! Please let us know how we can help!