ALLERGIES…

 

Does your pet scratch and scratch, but never have a flea? There are a number of allergy problems that we see these days and we basically have to rule out the same things for all of them.

 

FLEAS: Our first culprit on a healthy animal is the flea. The following are signs of a flea allergy.

1.      Scratching and chewing the area on its back just in front of the tail.

2.      Black, coffee-grain looking debris on the pet’s skin.

3.      Bath water rinses off with rust red/blood red tint.

 

Fleas jump on the pet, bite and feed on the pet, then jump off again. You may not see a flea on your pet for days or weeks after they start scratching. For some pets, one bite will make them itch for up to 2WEEKS!

 

FOOD: Our second bad guy is food allergies. With people, food allergies result in hives, upset stomach and/or vomiting. In pets, we usually see the reaction in the skin, i.e. itching. Sometimes all it takes to correct this allergy problem is a change in diet.

 

INHALED/CONTACT ALLERGIES:

These allergies may be caused by grass, pollen, molds, dust, other animals, various chemicals or even plastics.

 

This is most likely caused by a weak immune system, blood tests may be recommended to check for low Thyroid disease. The only treatment for inhaled/contact allergies is to get rid of the allergen completely. This is not usually possible. Antihistamines may be dispensed to help ease the symptoms, but flea control, proper diet and grooming will help to keep the problem under control as well. Sometimes, allergy shots can be given to help the pet.

 

Unfortunately, most pets that have inhaled or contact allergies also have flea and food allergies. If you think your pet has allergies, please contact us for an appointment.

 

DO NOT GIVE your pet over the counter medications without consulting with your veterinarian first. Some medications can cause severe illness and even death to your pet.

 

Call us at (281) 444-8387 for an appointment.