BUSINESS
Scratching the surface on
SEASONAL ALLERGIES
ANIMALS SUFFER FROM ALLERGIES IN THE SAME WAY THAT PEOPLE DO - HOWEVER THE SYMPTOMS ARE DIFFERENT . IN DOGS AND CATS ALLERGIES CAUSE UNCOMFORTABLE ITCHY SKIN AND PATCHY , SCALY REDNESS .
BY DR VICTORIA VIDAL DVM MRCVS , VETERINARY SURGEON AND DIRECTOR OF HERONDEN VETS
All pet diagnoses are usually allergic dermatitis , which is the allergic reaction that causes animals to lick , bite or scratch , and unlike humans they rarely cough or sneeze . Itching may be localised to certain areas or can involve their entire bodies – usually some or all of the feet , face , ears , armpits and front legs are affected .
Seasonal itch happens at the same time each year , typically anywhere from a couple of weeks to a twoto three-month period and tends to worsen year on year . Most seasonal itch complaints typically flare up in the spring and summer months as opposed to chronic itch which lasts continuously throughout the year .
An animal with chronic itching is likely to have a food allergy and exclusion diets e . g . Royal Canin Anallergenic food is highly recommended as a place to start .
Animals can also develop seasonal itch on top of their chronic itch and without proper treatment not only will they be in prolonged discomfort from red , scaly , irritated and smelly skin , they will be at a higher risk of skin and ear bacterial infections .
This is deeply uncomfortable for your pet and can cause them to lose interest in things they love because they are too busy scratching . Since the itch doesn ’ t have an off switch , they ’ re constantly scratching , licking and shaking , which can keep you and them up at night .
All animals with atopic dermatitis will have a predisposition to flea hypersensitivity and therefore it is imperative to use a prescription flea medication every month .
Historically , these conditions have been treated with immuno-suppressive drugs such as steroids , however we now have a new class of drug that has none of the steroid side effects but targets the discomfort directly to treat the allergy , working without suppressing the animal ’ s natural immune system .
With an extensive selection of treatments , it is important to work with your vet to find the best combination for your animal to ensure the most effective and timely resolution for their condition .
While chronic itching might not be curable , working with your vet to find the right anti-itch treatment that works for your pet will help them to lead a happy itch-free life .
For more information , please contact us at www . herondenvets . co . uk , or call 01580 763303 .
174