ALLERGIES

General Information

Pets that scratch excessively may be allergic to something. Some pets are affected at certain times of the year, while others have problems only occasionally or even continually. Pets may be allergic to such things as flea bites, pollens, molds, grasses, trees, wool, tobacco smoke, certain foods, and even other pets. Regardless of the offending agent (allergen), the main signs are scratching and chewing the skin, which may result in extensive skin damage. The damaged skin is then highly susceptible to bacterial infection.

Rule outs:

Rule outs include food allergies, thyroid disease, external parasites such as mange, yeast infections, and bacterial hypersensitivity.

Important Points in Treatment

1. The best treatment is to determine the cause of the allergy and avoid it. As this is not always possible, various control measures are taken to relieve the itching and allow your pet to live comfortably. Allergy testing may be performed by skin testing or blood testing. Testing is performed to determine the allergic cause and to develop a vaccine administered on a regular basis to stimulate your pet's immune system to fight the allergic causes. Allergy treatment by injections may take one year to see results and is moderately successful.

2. Symptomatic treatments includes antihistamines, steroids, medicated shampoos, and omega 3 fatty acids.

3. Some pets require continual treatment.

4. Regular bathing and grooming may be necessary to remove allergens from the coat and maintain a healthy coat.

ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS

General Information

Allergic contact dermatitis is an uncommon allergic skin reaction that occurs in the thin-skinned areas of the body that contact the floor or ground when your pet lies down. The abdomen, lower chest, underside of the tail, scrotum, ears, chin and backs of the paws are commonly affected. The degree of itchiness varies but may be severe enough to cause intense scratching or chewing by your pet, with resulting skin damage. In some cases, bacteria infect the damaged skin.

Pets may react to plastic feeding dishes or chew toys. Sores are usually confined to the chin and mouth in these cases.

Important Points in Treatment

1. When the causative material is known, avoidance is the best therapy. In many cases, however, the offending material is unknown or impossible to avoid.

2. Anti-inflammatory drugs are the best treatment when the cause is unknown or cannot be avoided.

3. Routine bathing is beneficial in removing the causative substance from the skin and coat.