Can my Pet Really be Allergic?

Coppell Veterinary Hospital
Coppell TX

cats dogs animals cat dog pet veterinary medical in coppell

(972) 462-1120

Can my pet really be allergic?

Can cats and dogs really have allergies?: Yes. The symptoms can be highly variable because of differences in sensitivity and exposure. Many systems can be affected. In cats, itching, inflammation of the skin, respiratory problems and behavioral changes are the most common systems. In dogs, the most common symptoms are those of itchy feet, itchy ears and face, and inflammation of the skin. In both cats and dogs, the digestive system can be affected as well.
What causes an allergy?: Allergy represents an over-reaction by the immune system. It is sometimes called hypersensitivity. The characteristic that allows an allergy to develop is thought to be an inherited trait. Actual sensitivity develops when a pet with the trait is exposed to an allergen. After that, exposure to the allergen will provoke a reaction. You may hear several names for this condition besides allergy and hypersensivity, such as allergic inhalant syndrome and atopy. A common term is "grass allergy."
How can I tell if my pet is allergic?: Sometimes the symptoms are the timing of their occurrence will point strongly to allergy. Considerations are age of onset, breed and typical allergic signs when making a tentative diagnosis. Testing can then be used to confirm the diagnosis at an early age.; Sometimes the secondary changes have become so severe that the real, underlying cause is no longer evident. Allergy testing helps to pinpoint the true cause.; With allergies, the sooner the cause is found the better. A veterinarian can help you determine whether or not allergy is involved.
What if my pet goes untreated?: The itchy sensation and inflammation of the skin is likely to lead to self-trauma by rubbing, licking and chewing. This may cause hair loss and later, results in extensive, severe damage to the skin. Conditions are then present favoring infection, seborrhea and foul odor. As your pet ages, there is a tendency for the allergy to worsen each year, if untreated.
What about allergy testing?: If the symptoms, physical findings, basic diagnostics and detailed history indicate that allergy is likely, specialized allergy testing can be done. Our current recommendation is blood testing, rather than skin testing (intradermal).
: Instead of doing a skin test, we send a small sample of your pet's blood to a specialized laboratory that performs serum tests. The sample is checked for evidence of sensitivity to the commonly suspected allergens. A report is then provided to us to interpret the results. We will determine which of the positive allergen reactions will be included in the "allergy shots" (hyposensitization vaccine).

What can be done to give my pet relief?: Avoidance or reduction of the allergens causing the problems is important.
: In inhalant allergies and contact allergies, use of air purification, removal of the offending allergen (feathers, wool, etc.), and limiting time spent outdoors can be helpful.
: Antihistamines are most useful for pets with respiratory symptoms as part of their allergies and when skin discomfort is not complicated by secondary changes.
: Essential fatty acids can provide relief for some individuals. They are often used in combination with antihistamines.
: Corticosteriods are prescribed for control of more severe symptoms. The relief can be dramatic. However, their potentially serious side effects limit these drugs to carefully considered use.

Tell me more about "allergy shots".: This is the recommended approach just as an allergist would recommend it for an allergic person.
: This procedure involves giving small doses of the offending allergens to the patient (animal or human), by injection, in gradually increasing amounts.
: The purpose is to reduce the sensitivity of the patient to the allergens used, thus relieving symptoms without the undesirable side effects of corticosteriods (the typically known "allergy shot"). Unlike the injection of corticosteriods that can provide dramatic relief, the hyposensitization vaccine may take up to six months and occasionally longer to see improvement. The time required for success and the degree of success that can be achieved, varies considerably from patient to patient. This can be due to the individual differences, changing seasons, weather shifts and other factors. Patience is a must.
: It is not unusual to encounter a need for dose adjustment and modification of treatment over time, depending upon the needs of the individual patient.

What is the best course of therapy for my pet?: In the treatment of allergic disorders, therapy may vary widely from patient to patient. That is why, for your pet's well being, your cooperation and participation in the diagnosis and treatment is essential for success.

For additional information, e-mail: drsdvm@coppellvet.com or call (972) 462-1120.