Allergies

The fast-approaching Spring also brings with it a rising incidence rate of  allergies at our clinic. Unfortunately allergies can be a common problem for our canine friends. 

The most common symptom we see is itchiness with dogs scratching so much that their skin becomes inflamed and secondarily infected leading to “hot spots”. These hot spots are a staph bacterial infection which can easily spread over your pets body and require antibiotics for up to 2 weeks to heal.

The most common reason for skin allergies is Fleas, this accounts for 80% of all skin allergies on dogs. Occasionally we see contact allergies due to grass, plants, bedding or concrete. The most common plants causing contact allergies found on the Central Coast are Wandering Jew, Privet, Wattle, couch grass, yellow dock, red clover and Kikuya grass. Food allergies are rare in dogs and only account for 1-2 % of all allergies in pets, often these are picked up after the more common causes are ruled out.

Allergies can also manifest as ear infections called “otitis externa”, these are common in the warmer months and can be difficult to treat.

Some allergies can cause acute anaphylactic reactions in dogs where urgent veterinary assistance is required; these include bee stings, ant bites, blue bottles and other bites. The main symptom seen in these acute instances are swelling of the lips and around eyes, difficulty breathing and collapse.

As always prevention is better than cure with allergies. We recommend regular flea prevention of all household pets and regular environmental control including flea bombs for indoor areas and sprays for outside or under house problem areas. Removal of problem plants in your backyard can be helpful and regular washing of bedding can help. Regular ear cleaning in throughout summer may benefit dogs who get recurrent ear infections.

Even with these precautions some dogs will still need medications to manage allergies throughout summer. Many treatments are available to help manage allergic dogs. It is vital to seek help early to prevent serious complications associated with chronic allergy in your pet.