Allergy Control For your Pet

Sneezing? Watery Eyes? Itching?

Your pet could need help to find the cause of their allergic reactions

Once the cause of your pet's allergies have been determined, immunotherapy may be the prescribed treatment.

Immunotherapy is a medical treatment where allergens (pollen, dust, molds, mites, etc.) to which your pet is allergic are injected in increasing amounts and concentrations. This is one of the safest, most effective long term treatments for allergy. It is the only therapy that targets the root cause of the allergic reactions, unlike other treatments that only mask the symptoms. Successful immunotherapy changes the immune system to be less sensitive to these allergens. Using the results of the allergy test and detailed history of the disease, this treatment has been formulated to contain the specific allergens identified as causing problems in your pet.

The goal is to reduce the severity of clinical signs and reduce reliance on steroids. Initially your pet will receive injections every 4 to 7 days. The goal is to lengthen the interval between injections to 3 or 4 weeks.

The immunotherapy injections contain small quantities of allergens that are injected underneath the skin (subcutaneously). The majority of pets do not object to these injections. Every pet's allergy condition is unique. Therefore, the dose interval between treatments should be tailored according to your pet's response. For this reason, follow up visits to re-check your pet (especially in the first year) are essential fo achieving the best results

As with any injectable medication, there is a possible chance of serious allergic reaction to the injection. Such reactions are very rare. Sometimes a small amount of redness and itchiness may be seen at the site of the injection. Some pets will also show increase itchiness immediately after starting injections from a new treatment vial. Contact us if you notice anything like this.

If you notice any unusual signs following an injection, such as weakness, labored or difficulty breathing, pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, or hives, CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY!!! These may be signs of serious reactions. It is best that your pet not be heavily exercised or fed for one hour before or after the injection. Also, your pet should be observed for one hour after injection.

Every pet will respond differently to a given medication. In general, it takes several months after therapy begins before significant improvement is seen. It is recommended that immunotherapy be continued for at least 12 months before deciding whether or not that is the best way to manage your pet's allergy.

Regular skin and coat care, particularly bathing, is an important part of managing your pet's allergy. We may also prescribe medications such as antihistamines, fatty acids, shampoos, rinses, or sprays to help your pet stay comfortable during the early stages of immunotherapy or during allergy season. These other medications are complementary to immunotherapy.

Some dogs and cats may not improve following immunotherapy injections. It is critical that you work closely with this office. Poor response may be due to secondary, often treatable, skin disease such as yeast or bacterial infections as well as flea infestations. In other cases, it may be necessary to change the contents, dosage or concentration of the immunotherapy. In some cases, it may be beneficial to retest your pet if it is suspected that there are further development of additional hypersensitivities.

The following outlines some environmental controls to help minimize your pet's exposure to certain allergens. Remember - allergens are airborne and you can significantly help your allergic pet by making some simple changes.

House Dust Mite and Fleas: - Wash bedding in hot water (over 70 degrees) weekly; - Avoid letting pet sleep on overstuffed furniture (restrict access to bedrooms. If pets sleep on human's bed, use barrier type covers on mattress/pillow).; - Avoid stuffed toys.; - Keep pet in uncarpeted rooms when possible; - Frequently damp mop in pet's "holding" room; - Change furnace/AC filters frequently and keep humidity to a minimum of 30-50% in the home
Molds, Storage Mites: - Keep pets out of damp basements; - Use dehumidifiers; - Avoid barns/feed storage rooms; - Keep pets indoors while mowing lawns; - Feed good quality pet food and store pet food in air-tight containers; - Clean pet storage areas and bins with chlorine bleach solutions; - Avoid having large numbers of house plants; - Avoid confining pets to rooms with high moisture levels (bathroom, basement, or laundry room); - Prevent access to crawl spaces under house
Pollens: - Avoid fields; - Keep grass cut short; - Rinse pet after exposure to high grasses/weeds; - Keep pet indoors at dusk and early morning during heavy pollen season; - Use air conditioners; - Keep pets inside while mowing lawn