Allergies (see a video regarding Allergies)

By: Michael Lamping, DVM

            The most surprising finding about pet allergies for most people is that they can get them.  Many people attribute the frequent itching to a flea infestation.  The next most surprising thing is that more can be done for them than just bathing them in soothing oatmeal-based shampoos. 

If you've ever suffered from the effects of allergies, you know how quickly life can change from bliss to misery.  Itchy eyes and ears, sores, rashes, and skin thickening are so severe at times they one is unable to rest.  Our pets are no different.  In much the same way they too suffer restlessness from itching.  Secondary bacterial and yeast infections often enhance the bothersome sensations and lead to hair loss, dry or oily skin, and severe scratching and licking that sometimes leads to sleep loss for their owners.

            Springtime notoriously affects man and beast with allergies the worst due to the mixture of allergens that arise here or are carried by the wind.  Pollens, spores, seeds, dust mites, and flea bites are implicated most often by allergy testing and the examining the distribution of the skin problems.  Surprisingly, flea bite (flea saliva) allergy is highly common and leads to a stronger itchy discomfort than the flea itself.

Dogs and cats with seasonal allergies usually develop them before the age of three years.  Dogs often lick their feet and forearms, rub their face on the floor, or scratch at their ears.  Cats frequently overgroom their abdomen to the point of hair loss.  Cats also display itchy ears and scabs on their chin and face.

The treatment of allergies highlights one of the best attributes of Murphy Road Animal Hospital's staff: we see each pet as an individual.  Using medications, supplements, shampoos, diets, or allergy testing, we tailor our recommendations for allergy control to meet the pet's need for relief, both short and long term.  We use allergy testing to design an individualized vaccine against the most heinous allergens.  Nearly 80% of pets benefit from the series of injections they receive.  Come find out what we can do to help your itchy pet.