Healing Touch Vets

Allergies & Dermatology

,Skin issues in companion animals can be distressing to both you and your pet, with symptoms ranging from discomfort to visible irritation. We are dedicated to bringing relief to your pet’s skin issues. From allergies and infections to parasites and hormonal disorders, we provide comprehensive care to address a wide range of dermatological concerns.

Some dermatological issues we assist with include:

  • Allergies (food and/or environmental)
  • Infections (acute or chronic)
  • Parasites
  • Dermatitis
  • Hormonal disorders
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Tumors
  • Skin cancer

Allergies in pets can manifest in various ways, and it’s essential to recognize the signs to provide prompt care.

Allergic Dog
Allergic Dog

Recognizing the Signs

  1. Skin Issues
  2. Excessive Scratching or Licking
  3. Chronic Ear Infections
  4. Hair Loss or Thinning
  5. Inflamed Eyes or Conjunctivitis
  6. Sneezing and Runny Nose
  7. Gastrointestinal Issues
  8. Respiratory Symptoms

Common signs  of allergies in pets:

  1. Skin Issues: Allergic reactions often lead to skin problems such as itching, redness, rashes, hives, or inflamed skin.

  2. Excessive Scratching or Licking: Pets may scratch or lick themselves excessively, especially in areas prone to itching, such as the paws, ears, face, and underarms.

  3. Chronic Ear Infections: Allergies can contribute to frequent ear infections, characterized by redness, swelling, discharge, and odor in the ears.

  4. Hair Loss or Thinning: Pets with allergies may experience hair loss or thinning, particularly in areas where they excessively scratch or chew.

  5. Inflamed Eyes or Conjunctivitis: Allergic reactions can cause red, watery eyes or conjunctivitis (pink eye) in pets.

  6. Sneezing and Runny Nose: Just like humans, pets may exhibit symptoms of a runny nose or sneezing due to allergies, especially in response to environmental allergens like pollen or dust.

  7. Gastrointestinal Issues: Some pets may develop gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort in response to food allergies.

  8. Respiratory Symptoms: Allergies can sometimes affect the respiratory system, leading to coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.

If you notice any of these signs in your pet, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Allergy testing may be necessary to identify the specific allergens triggering your pet’s symptoms, and your vet can recommend an appropriate management plan to alleviate their discomfort.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To effectively address your pet’s skin problem, we begin with a thorough diagnosis. Utilizing techniques such as blood work, skin scrapings, and biopsies, we uncover the root cause of the issue. Once identified, we develop a tailored treatment plan, ranging from topical creams to longer-term strategies, ensuring your pet receives the best care possible.

Take the First Step Towards Relief

Your pet’s comfort is our priority. If you suspect your furry friend is suffering from skin issues, contact us today. Together, we can help your beloved companion lead a more comfortable and enjoyable life.

Further Reading

There are many methods of managing allergies in pets ranging from avoiding the allergen to medical interventions.

Avoidance

Keeping pets away from known allergens, such as certain foods, plants, pollen, or dust mites. This may involve modifying the pet’s environment or lifestyle to minimize exposure.

Dietary Management

Utilizing hypoallergenic diets or novel protein diets to address food allergies. Some pets may benefit from specialized diets formulated to support skin and coat health.

Environmental Modifications

Implementing changes in the pet’s environment, such as using HEPA filters, hypoallergenic bedding, or frequent bathing to reduce exposure to allergens.

Homepathy

Exploring homeopathic remedies or alternative therapies, such as herbal supplements or acupuncture, to manage allergic symptoms in pets. While the efficacy of these treatments may vary, some pet owners find them very helpful in conjunction with conventional veterinary care.

Topical Treatments

Applying medicated shampoos, creams, or ointments containing ingredients like hydrocortisone or antiseptics to soothe allergic skin reactions and prevent secondary infections.

Immunotherapy

Undergoing allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy) to desensitize pets to specific allergens over time. This involves gradually exposing the pet to increasing amounts of the allergen to induce immune tolerance.

Medications

Antihistamines: Administering medications such as diphenhydramine or loratadine to block the effects of histamine and alleviate allergic symptoms.
Corticosteroids: Using corticosteroid medications like prednisone or prednisolone to reduce inflammation and suppress allergic reactions.
Apoquel (Oclacitinib): Prescribing Apoquel, a medication that targets specific immune cells involved in allergic itching, to provide rapid relief from itching and inflammation.
Cytopoint Injections: Administering Cytopoint injections, a monoclonal antibody therapy, to neutralize the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-31 and alleviate itching in allergic pets.
Atopica (Cyclosporine): Using Atopica, an immunosuppressive medication, to modulate the immune response and manage allergic skin conditions in pets.

By offering a diverse range of management options, pet parents can work with our veterinarians to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their pet’s specific needs and preferences.

Dog in field with grass and flowers