What are Allergies?

Allergy is the name used to describe an array of symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses or skin rashes felt by some individuals in response to sensitizing substances in the environment. Animals, just like people, can suffer allergic reactions to a wide variety of environmental substances, called allergens. Some allergens are seasonal, such as grass, tree or weed pollens. Other allergens cause year-round symptoms, and include foods, mold spores, hair, dust mites, insects and other materials found in the environment. An allergic reaction is one in which an individual or a pet reacts to normal substance in the environment. Allergens cause reactions through skin contact, inhalation or ingestion. Allergic individuals or pets possess antibodies to the specific allergens. These antibodies cause biochemical changes in the body which produce signs and symptoms of allergy.

What are the signs of Allergy for my pet?

The target organ for allergy in dogs is the skin, so the most common symptom seen is intense itching. Affected animals exhibit swollen, reddened, itchy ears due to inflammation, excessive licking and chewing, face rubbing, and scratching, leading to hair loss, skin rashes, and secondary skin infections. Cats with allergies excessively groom themselves, causing hair loss. Cats experience more runny noses, watery eyes and asthma-like symptoms, much like people.

The most common manifestations of horse allergies are through a group of symptoms collectively known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Symptoms include persistent coughing, often accompanied by audible wheezing and/or a watery nasal discharge. As the disease progresses, flaring of the nostrils may become more evident. Work performance can be impaired to varying degrees. Allergic horses may show signs of skin irritation depending on the cause of the horse's allergy problems. If it has an allergy to pollens, you might expect to see all or more of the symptoms in the spring or summer. If, however, the horse has a problem with molds or food related allergies, you are more likely to see year-round symptoms.

How can my pet's allergies be diagnosed?

After a thorough examination of your pet's history and environmental surroundings, your veterinarian will decide if allergy testing is indicated for your pet. Having ruled out other possible maladies, a small amount of blood may be drawn and sent to a testing lab for diagnostic evaluation. There, your horse's serum will be tested for sensitivity to inhalants such as trees, grasses, weeds and shrubs, molds, oat, wheat, barley and corn pollens, barn dust, as well as for a host of food types used as ingredients in commercial pet food preparations.

How are allergies treated?

The best form of treatment for allergies is avoidance of the offending allergen(s). In most cases, however this is no possible. Steroid and antihistamines are often used for short-term relief of symptoms, but prolonged use of these drugs can have serious side effects. Immunotherapy (Hyposensitization) is another alternative. In this case, treatment sets are formulated for your pet based on its allergy test results. The treatment is comprised of the same allergens to which the horse tested sensitive. This stimulated the immune system to produce antibodies that bind to the allergens, thus blocking the start of an allergic reaction.

How to help your pet with Allergy?

                1.  Consider supplementation of Essential Fatty Acids. 

            For Dogs and Cats: Vetri-Science Derma Strength for Dog , Welactin

                                                Vetri-Coat for Dogs  Omega 3, 6, 9 for Dogs and Cats

            For Horses: Weight Builder  Horseshoer's Secret

        2.  Consider supplementation of  Vitamin B, VAL Syrub

3.      Consider Topical Therapies  Shampoo, Ointment, and Lotion  Hydrocortisone Shampoo

4.      Consider Antihistamine for Horses AniHist   Garlic 100% Natural  Breathe Ease. for Dogs and Cats Clemastine ,  Chlorpheniramine  Homeopet Skin & Itch Relief

5.      Ear Care Weekly cleaning of the ears with Eradimite  or Nolva-Cleanse will help keep the ears clean and comfortable. The key to keeping the ears healthy is to keep them clean and dry.

What if my pet is allergic to foods?

Food allergy is the most likely cause of allergic symptoms in animals less than 1 of age. Food allergy commonly causes ear inflammation, excessive feet licking, generalized itching and other skin problems. Food allergy in animals also causes more typical gastrointestinal symptoms, among them gastritis, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Since pets cannot be hyposensitized to foods, elimination is the only form of treatment in the case of food allergies. Should your pet test positive to foods, your veterinarian will recommend the proper diet based on the blood test and your pet medical history.

What will happen if I don't treat my pet's allergies?

Allergies that go untreated worsen over time, as antibody levels rise in the blood, in response to your pet's continued exposure to environmental or other allergens. Animals with itchy skin will lick, chew and scratch themselves excessively, causing localized, mild skin rashes to deteriorate, often leading to secondary bacterial or yeast infections. Left untreated, your pet's symptoms will continue to get worse, as your pet ages.