An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system is hypersensitive to a particular substance called an allergen. Dogs and cats with allergies may be seen licking their feet, scratching, or chewing on their fur and some breeds are more disposed to an allergic reaction than others. You can play a major role in helping your itchy pet through prevention, early detection, and rigorously following treatment recommendation(s).
Prevention – Siamese cats, Labrador and golden retrievers, cocker spaniels, German shepherds and terriers tend to experience a higher incidence of allergic reactions than other breeds, although any breed can be affected. If you purchase your new best friend as a puppy or kitten, try to find out if either or both parents have experienced any allergy issues and the type of allergy (flea saliva, environmental or food). If one or both parents experienced an allergic reaction to flea saliva, for example, an appropriate prevention method may be to make sure your puppy is protected year-round from fleas, with either a topical or oral flea preventative such as Bravecto. Puppies with a parent who was sensitive to indoor or outdoor allergens may benefit from treatments that help preserve skin barrier functions including medicated shampoos, topical sprays or creams, and nutritional supplements.
If you adopt an adolescent or adult dog or cat, review the medical records with a shelter or rescue representative to determine if s/he was treated for allergic reactions before adoption. If allergy issues are documented in the medical records, identify the type of allergen and which medications were most effective. This information will help your veterinarian recommend or rule out diagnostic tests and treatments the next time your pet becomes itchy.
Early Detection – licking and chewing of the feet, face rubbing, smelly ears or ears with internal redness, or rashes in the groin or armpit areas are usually an indication that an allergic reaction is present. Typically, allergy issues and their related itchiness won’t go away if untreated and will worsen as time goes on. Diagnostic testing is vitally important so that the most effective treatment options are made available as quickly as possible. And, because every infection is potentially different from the last, using a previously prescribed medication may not be effective and only lengthen the time your pet is uncomfortable. We strongly recommend that you contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment as soon as you notice any of the clinical signs outlined above.
Following Treatment Recommendations – Once a veterinarian has examined a pet suspected to have an allergic reaction and performed the necessary diagnostic tests to determine the allergen source, s/he will recommend oral or topical medications, nutritional supplements and/or prescription diet food and, if a flea saliva reaction is confirmed, a thorough cleaning of your home to eradicate fleas. All medications should be administered as directed and for the recommended period of time, even if you believe the issues have been resolved. Most importantly, schedule a follow-up appointment when the doctor has recommended a medical progress exam – usually 10-14 days after beginning treatment.
Chronic allergy issues can be painful for your pet and expensive to treat. You play a large and important role in helping your four-legged best friend remain comfortable and healthy by identifying the potential for hereditary allergic conditions, early detection, and following your veterinarians treatment recommendations.