ALLERGIES

An itchy dog is a common problem for many pet owners today. While the cause of this problem requires testing to truly diagnose and treat, many owners get frustrated with the situation. Dogs manifest allergies in different ways from humans. We tend to have itchy, watery eyes and nasal congestion or a runny nose. Dogs typically are very itchy and only brought in once infection has set in afterwards. By working with your Vet and explaining where your dog is itchy and when, a better treatment and testing plan can be put into action.

The first and most common is a simple flea allergy. These dogs can be extremely itchy and tend to have certain areas of the body affected, typically just above the tail and on their belly. Flea allergy is a hypersensitivity to the flea bite itself and although you may not see the fleas on your pet, they still probably bit them and died. This still leaves the simple fact that the flea bit your pet and can still cause this allergic reaction. It is important to note that most flea products
do require a bite from the flea to work, so flea allergy often requires a comprehensive plan to
treat and control long term.

Food allergy is a relatively rare problem with pets with complicating factors which make it difficult to diagnose and treat in most cases. These dogs can be itchy almost anywhere on their body and may or may not have vomiting or diarrhea problems as well. There are numerous tests
available for food allergies, but none of them have been verified to be as effective and trustworthy as a proper food trial. A proper food trial can ONLY be done with the help of your Veterinarian, please do not waste your time and money otherwise!

The third main allergy is atopy or environmental allergy. This allergy is once again complex and can be to ANYTHING in the environment. The only true way to diagnose this problem is with skin testing, but blood tests are available with some valid results. This is probably the most frustrating itchy dog disease because it never goes away. You and your Vet should talk about this at length to discuss your options for managing this disease. This disease can be managed with immunotherapy in a number of ways, but there is currently no cure.

Please contact us today if you have any questions and for more information.