May 29, 2008 5:12 pm US/Central
Treatments For Pets With Allergies
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Caffeine, a Border Collie, suffers from allergies to trees and grasses among other things. Allergies are common in dogs and cats and second most frequent reason pets are taken to the vet.
CBS
Coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes mean allergy season is underway, and pets could be experiencing the same pain.
Allergies are the number two reason for a trip to the vet.
Dog trainer Eric Goebelbecker loves to teach his pooch, Caffeine, new tricks. But rolling around in the grass proved a bit much for his Border Collie.
"Caffeine started to develop redness and hair loss on her chest and front legs," Goebelbecker said.
A persistent rash irritated th pup for two years. When frequent belly rubs and antihistamines stopped soothing the itch, Goebelbecker had his vet run some tests.
"She's allergic to quite a few local trees; grass, including Kentucky blue grass, which would be our lawn; several varieties of fungi and mushrooms; mice; cockroaches; fleas and dust," he said.
It turns out Caffeine's problem isn't rare. In fact, allergies are one of the most common health problems for dogs and cats.
"Most allergies are acquired they get exposed to something long enough and it starts, the body overreacts," said veterinarian Dr. Gregg Takashima.
The tell-tale signs are hard to miss. It starts with incessant scratching or licking of the skin which can leave behind open sores or a rash. A trip to the vet can usually pinpoint what's irritating them.
"They can do what's called skin testing, patch testing, and they inject small amounts of allergens on the skin of a shaved flank of an animal and see how much of it reacts," Takashima said.
But some cases may be more complex, requiring the expertise of a veterinary dermatologist. The good news is no matter the problem, there is usually a treatment.
Antihistamines, steroids, baths, eye drops and even shots, just like people get are all available. The biggest difference with medications is the dosage.
Caffeine is getting a combination treatment.
"The prescription medication may be indefinite. The shots could very well be for the rest of her life," Goebelbecker said.
Allergy treatments can be expensive. Some pet insurance companies do cover allergies but exclusions do apply. If you think your pet does have an allergy, take it to the vet. Do not attempt to treat the condition yourself with over-the-counter medications.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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