My pet won’t stop itching!
Does your cat or dog seem to constantly scratch, lick or chew themselves? Does your pet have hair loss and/or bumps or areas of rough skin. Is your pet’s skin pink to red in color? Does your pet rub his/her face or groom excessively. Does your pet have chronic skin or ear infections? Unfortunately your dog or cat may have allergies.
What exactly is an allergy or allergen?
An allergy is a disease that occurs when a pet’s immune system reacts abnormally to certain substances. Some of these include: pollen, mold spores, other animal dander (usually to a parasite such as dust mites and other common household mites), and sometimes food. The substance that causes the allergic reaction is referred to as an allergen.
Mold spores can also cause allergies.
Why is my pet suffering from an allergic reaction? (The Bathtub Theory)
Picture an empty bathtub. Slowly it is filling with allergens. As long as the allergens stay in the bathtub no to mild reactions occur. When your pet is exposed to allergens frequently, are very allergic to a specific allergen, the bathtub begins to spill over with allergens. Your pet’s immune system cannot deal with this bombardment of allergens. This is when an allergic reaction occurs.
How do I treat allergies in my pet?
The first step is to visit your Veterinarian to determine if your pet indeed has allergies. There are medications such as antihistamines and steroids, along with other types of medications that may be used to treat the symptoms. These treatments do not address the cause of the problem.
So what can I do to determine the root cause of my pet’s allergies.
There is a blood test from a company called HESKA that determines several specific allergens that your pet may be allergic to. A simple blood sample is taken by your Veterinarian and sent to the company to have ALLERCEPT testing done. Within 7-10 buisness days results are sent to your Veterinarian.
So I know my pet’s specific allergens…what do I do now?
HESKA has the ability to create specific ALLERCEPT immunotherapy injections (allergy shots) with a specific formula for your pet’s allergens. You may be deterred by the thought of giving your pet shots. You will be shown by the Veterinarian or Licensed Veterinary Technician how to give these simple injections with a very small needle. Not only are ALLERCEPT immunotherapy injections cost-effective, but it will hopefully save visits to your Veterinarian for chronic allergy problems.
What if my pet is intolerant of injections?
HESKA does have an alternative to immunotherapy injections. A sublingual drop to be given orally twice daily is available too.
How do I get my pet tested?
Contact your Veterinarian to see if they participate with HESKA’s ALLERCEPT blood testing. If they do not, the staff at Windsor Animal Clinic would be glad to have a consult with you and your pet. If is is advisable we will recommend the test. Our goal is to treat the cause of the allergy issue. Immunotherapy injections will not cure the disease, but it will most likely decrease symptoms safe and efficiently.
