C o m p a n i o n s

May Flowers Bring Allergies

by gerri reid, dvm

The trees are budding and the flowers are blooming. And we all can see the pollen on our cars and for others feel the effects of the pollen. Allergy Season is here my friends! As much as we are affected by allergies, for many dogs and cats, it can affect them as well. This is the time of the year where we see more cases of sneezing, watery eyes and itchy skin. So, let’s talk allergies.

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the most common allergy seen in pets. External irritants such as fleas can cause extreme itching which in turn can cause skin infections. Pets that suffer from FAD tend to have a hypersensitivity to flea salvia. When a flea bites your pet, a small amount of salvia is introduced under the skin. Flea bites may become red and inflamed which will cause your pet to begin to scratch and chew at the site. Pets with FAD will need to be treated with antibiotics at times as well as monthly flea/tick prevention.

Food allergy is also another form of allergies seen in pets. This form of allergy can manifest itself as gastrointestinal issues or skin infections. The reaction occurs due to the immune system’s hypersensitivity to a protein in a food. Beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb and soy are the most common food allergens in dogs, in this order; common culprits in cats include beef, dairy and fish. Food allergy accounts for only 10% of pet allergies. Treatment includes food elimination diet in which a hypoallergenic diet will be prescribed by your Veterinarian.

Environmental allergies are relatively common in small animals. Most pets are faced with seasonal allergies where the symptoms are seen during certain seasons such as Fall or Spring. These are the seasons that we tend to see more pollen or mold due to the falling leaves or the blooming flowers/trees. Common irritants include dust mites, mold, mildew, and pollens from grass, trees and weeds. Symptoms include full body itching, excessive scratching, licking/biting which can cause hair loss and infection. Occasionally we will see watery eyes, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and coughing.

Diagnosing environmental allergies includes blood testing and skin testing. This test will measure the body’s immune response to suspected allergens and confirm the diagnosis of environmental allergies. Your Veterinarian can then prescribe allergy injections or drops to help desensitize your pet to an allergen. Treatment takes time, so during the treatment phase, your pet may need to treated with antihistamines or corticosteroids and medicated shampoo to control the symptoms.

Allergies in pets can be frustrating for pet owners. Treatment requires a commitment to testing and treatment protocols. Part of the treatment may also require frequent visits to your Veterinarian. These visits will help ensure the prescribed treatment is working for your pet. If you know your pet has seasonal allergies, be proactive and begin to treat them before the season begins. My advice…Pack Your Patience when dealing with allergies and trust the recommendations of your Veterinarian.

Dr. Gerri S. Reid is the Owner/Veterinarian of Reid Mobile Veterinary Services. She can be reached at 540-623-3029 or reidmobilevetservices.com or facebook

@ReidMobileVetServices

The The Poetry Man Poetry Man

By Frank Fratoe

Dayrise Redemption Dayrise Redemption

Upon our coast, fresh-water and salt-water have mingled to contend with each other where rivers push to the sea.

And often a wind from land defies wind going shoreward but Earth can now deliver us from the darkness it yielded.

When the morning spins back to reflect along the horizon no matter what will happen every second is a beginning.

And where air unfolds itself another hour invites choice so we can fulfill ourselves because the new day has come.

Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city.he loves.