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ITCHY SCRITCHY PETS

Many clients have come to the clinic talking about the beautiful blooming orange poppies, purple lupine, and red Indian-paintbrush flowers. A few owners have asked if their pet may be experiencing allergies such as itchy, watery eyes, and runny noses.

While pets can experience allergies to pollens in the air (a condition called Atopy) they usually do not experience the same clinical signs as humans. Most pets suffering from allergies experience itchy skin (which may include ears and anal glands). Many times owners will comment that their dog is keeping them awake at night, licking and chewing on it's feet and fur.

When an animal comes into contact with something it is “mildly” allergic to the skin becomes pruritic or itchy because the cells that respond to the allergen are primarily located in the skin.. If the animal is “highly” allergic to the substance, the eyelids can swell (to the point of closing) and the skin can develop bumps, like hives in humans.

Inhaled pollens are a common cause of allergies in dogs and cats. Food substances (such as beef products) and parasites (such as fleas or intestinal worms) can also trigger allergies. Veterinarians hearing an owner describe scratching, licking, chewing, scooting, head shaking, or running its face along the furniture may look for supporting evidence of allergies during the physical exam.

The skin may look hairless, red, raw, or irritated to the point that it is oozing discharge. The ear canals and anal glands may also be swollen and/or infected.

Blood tests that identify specific allergens are available. By performing these blood tests, desensitization injections can be manufactured for the pet. The pet owner can be taught how to administer these injections at home.

Common treatments, used include one steroid injection to subdue the intense itch, followed by a combination of antihistamines, vitamins and topical creams or sprays. Given long term use oral steroids have serious side effects and therefore should be avoided.

Always have your pet examined by your veterinarian before administering any medication. Some human products can be toxic to your pet.

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