Allergy Season and Your Pet
People aren't the only ones suffering during this allergy season! Many of our pets are likely to feel the effects of the unusually high concentration of pollen we are experiencing; especially of they have Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy), an inhaled allergy.
Atopy is an inherited skin disease that causes chronic itching in
dogs and cats. The symptoms may be seasonal at first; the pet may be allergic to a pollen from a
tree that only flowers for three weeks a year, yet as the atopic pet gets older,
the itchiness may occur year round.
It is caused by an allergy to
substances that are contacted through the air, either by absorption via the
respiratory tract or contact via the skin.It is the second most common allergic skin condition in dogs (flea allergy dermatitis is more common) and at this point, there are treatments, but no cure. Antihistamines tend not to be helpful.
Secondary bacterial infections are common. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) is the ideal form of treatment and is recommended for pets that cannot be managed safely and effectively with symptomatic therapy. This technique is effective 60 to 80 percent of atopic dogs. Your vet may also be able to recommend natural or homeopathic remedies.
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