Spring & Summer Allergies
As new plants and flowers burst into life this spring, so do the symptoms of allergies. But humans aren't the only ones who suffer. Blooming plants, grasses and flowers can trigger allergic reactions called atopy in dogs and cats.
The allergy is similar to hay fever that humans suffer. The animal reacts to inhaled particles such as mold, pollen, and dust, but instead of sneezing, pets typically have itchy skin and will persistently scratch, lick and bite to get relief. If left untreated, dogs and cats with allergies will scratch, bite and lick themselves constantly. In an attempt to relieve themselves, dogs and cats often create sores that become secondary infections. If you suspect that your pet may be suffering from seasonal allergies, please visit your veterinarian.
Skin Diseases & Conditions in Pets
Dogs and cats suffer from many problems affecting their skin. It is important to understand that the skin is an organ, just as the liver and kidneys are organs. The skin functions as a barrier to protect the body from infection, caustic substances, ultra violet light and dehydration. Good health of the skin is dependent on the health and function of the other organs which make up our pets bodies.
The following are common diseases and conditions affecting the skin.
Allergies: Pets usually react to allergies by scratching, reacting to an allergen, which is a substance that causes sensitivity. Most allergens are inhaled, but a few are the contact type, such as an allergy to wool. Some allergens are found in food, most commonly corn, wheat, soy, beef, and dairy products. The first signs of allergic reactions are scratching, licking, biting, or rubbing the skin. This can lead to infection characterized by red bumps and pimples. Because of the discomfort, it is important to get professional help as soon as possible.
Bacterial Infection: A bacterial infection is common, but is usually secondary to another underlying disease such as an allergy. Treatment for bacterial infections may include antibiotics— either given orally or topically. It is important to seek professional help to treat the bacterial infection while searching for the underlying disease.
Hot Spots or Acute Moist Dermatitis: Hot spots are usually a result of self trauma and resulting infection that occurs as your pet tries to relieve itself from pain or itch. Treatment may include thorough cleaning, clipping the hair at the infected site, topical and systemic antibiotics, and anti- inflammatory agents.
Pyoderma: Pyodermas include a wide range of infections which result in the formation of pus. Pyodermas vary in severity. Treatment is similar to that for hot spots, but typically is longer term. Shampoos and rinses are also helpful.
Atopy or Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis: Atopy is a very itchy skin disease which is the result of allergies to microscopic particles in the air. Treatment includes dietary supplements, antihistamines and steroids, and is often long term.
External parasites: include mites, fleas, and ticks. The bites of these parasites may lead to allergic conditions. Diagnosis is achieved by observation and microscopic examination of skin scrapings. Treatment depends on the parasites present and include strict flea control, shampoos and rinses.
Fungal Infections include Malassezia sp., Dermatophytosis (Ring Worm), and Dermal Coccidioidomycosis. Diagnosis is achieved by cultures, microscopic examination of skin scrapings and blood tests. Treatment includes topical and systemic antifungal drugs and antifungal shampoos and rinses.
Food allergies: Food allergies often manifest themselves as skin problems. Food allergies are usually diagnosed by ruling out other possible conditions. Treatment is trial feeding of hypoallergenic diets for a minimum of six weeks.
Secondary Skin Disease: Secondary skin diseases such as hypothyroidism are diagnosed by clinical testing for the underlying disease. Diagnosis often requires blood tests, biopsies, and X-rays. Treatment of the underlying condition usually results in improvement of the skin problems.
Your pet's skin problems very often combine two or more of the above diseases.
Fleas
The flea is a hardy insect with a lifespan of six to 12 months. During that time, a pair of fleas could produce millions of offspring.
Fleas can cause reactions in your pet varying from a mild skin irritation to a severe allergic reaction. Because fleas feed on blood, an extreme infestation can cause anemia or even death in animals. All cats and dogs are susceptible to flea infestations, except for some that live in high elevations or in extremely dry environments.
Whether or not you actually see fleas on your pet, they may be there. Scratching, scabs and dark specs, or "flea dirt," found on the skin can all be signs that your pet has fleas. Fleas can carry tapeworms, too. If you notice small segments that look like white rice in your pet's feces or in the hair around his anus, your pet probably has tapeworms, which means he may also have fleas. In extreme cases, an animal may be lethargic and its lips and gums pale.
The battle of the flea has been made much easier in the past few years with the ever-popular "spot-on" treatments such as Advantage and Frontline. Be very careful to use the products as directed; some may be effective for dogs, but toxic to cats. Consult with your veterinarian before implementing any flea control program.
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