[Betsy Iole]

Seasonal Allergies and Your Pet

Seasonal allergies are more common in dogs than in cats. The allergy is often an inherited trait that first shows up between the ages of 1 and 3 years. Most allergic substances, or allergens, are inhaled but some are ingested. Animals tend to experience skin disorders rather than sneezing and watery eyes, and once exposed, they usually becomes extremely itchy. You might notice the typical signs: licking the feet, rubbing the face and frequent scratching. Your pet might also develop skin or ear infections.

Related links:

Itch Relief: Alternatives to Steroids
Chronic Steroid Use

Atopy (PetPlace.com)
Inhalant Allergies: Atopy (Mar Vista Animal Medical Center)--an excellent piece that outlines treatment options.

Your Dog Has Allergies--Could It Be His Food? (PetPlace.com)
Food Allergies (Mar Vista Animal Medical Center)

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (PetPlace.com)
The Flea Control Center Mar Vista Animal Medical Center)

 

[lnrider]

Leroy has allergies, he licks his feet (sometimes so much so that he's stained them), and he rubs his face alot. But other than that, I noticed no symptoms. Should I be concerned?

 

[Betsy Iole]

You might just want to keep an eye on his feet for hot spots. During the worst times of the year, Bugsie licks and bites at her feet so much that she can give herself hot spots. We keep a cone on her, give her antihistamines and cool baths, and we usually have to take her in for a steroid injection each season to keep things under control. As bad as this sounds, it's much better than when she was younger, and needed steroids every other day.

[ March 31, 2004, 01:47 PM: Message edited by: Betsy Iole ]

 

[lnrider]

OK, thanks Betsy for the info. Alot of people are surprised to find out that our pets can suffer from allergies, and the symptoms to look for.

 

[Guest]

Hi Betsy. What kind of antihistamine do you use? Max has been shedding more than usual, and is biting and licking in various places. He is on Prescription Diet Z/d for allergies and takes Viokase for pancreatic support. I also give him general supplements plus Omega 3 and 6 for his skin and coat. Max is 6 years old, and weighs 65 pounds. We also walk a lot. I use Advantage 100 for flea and tick control from my vet. Any thoughts? If some of this does not clear up in another day or so, I will take Max to see his vet.

 

[Guest]

Hi, again. I should add that Max is very, very fond of ginger snap cookies from Whole Food. Too much sugar? I know that too much sugar can sometimes cause me to have skin problems. Thanks.

Max's Daddy

 

[Guest]

Molly was diagnosed with mold and dust mite allergies via a blood test. She was on prednisone for a few weeks and the side effects were greater than the cure (increased appetite, lethargy, weight gain, panting). She is on allergy shots that I give once a week, then 2x a week, then 1x per month. No biggy. I've tried gold bond powder, anti-fungus cream, antibiotic cream, anti-itch spray, booties, everything, to stop her from licking her front foot. At the last hunt test I went to I asked Ken Engle about this problem and he suggested a product called Happy Jack pad kote (www.happyjackinc.com). It's cod liver oil, balsam peru, tannic acid, turpetine, gentian violet, brilliant green(?), and 50% isopropyl alcohol. It makes a mess and stains the dog's feet blue, but I've been using it for less than a week and I've seen improvement. Betsy, can you hook me up to a few sites on elbow displaysia? Years of research and looking for a good breeder left me with a lab who underwent arthroscopic surgery 2 weeks ago on both elbows to the tune of $3,500. I am so upset, and I feel like an ICU nurse. Try keeping a 15 month old lab puppy quiet! Take care, Belinda.

 

[Betsy Iole]

Hi, Mike, we usually use Benadryl or Tavist (NOT Tavist-D) for Bugsie. Your vet should have a list of antihistamines that might be helpful. With Bugsie, the antihistamines seem to take the edge off, maybe by making her sleepy. They aren't a magic bullet, unfortunately.

Belinda, I'll put the ED links in a new topic. I'm so sorry to hear about your lab.

 

[Guest]

Thanks, Betsy. Max was at the vet today. She said that it is probably air borne rather than food allergies (a whole other subject). She gave me a spray and and Temaril-P tablets. I had tried Benedryl to no avail. I was not using enough. Evedently, it is one Benedryl or Atarax per 25 pounds. I am going to try the increased dosage, and see if it helps. The Temaril-P has Prednisone in it, and whether for Max or me, Prednisone scares me . I'll use it as a last resort. Many thanks. Mike.