ALLERGIC DERMATITIS: GENERAL INFORMATION
Sometimes a severe reaction occurs between a substance and the immune system of the body. This is called an "ALLERGIC REACTION," and may be caused by 1) inhalant allergens such as house dust, molds and mildews, grass, tree or weed pollens 2) FLEAS and other parasites 3) materials coming into contact with a pet’s skin, such as a shampoo or fabric softener or 4) something the pet eats.
In humans, the reaction that occurs usually affects the respiratory system, causing breathing problems--such as asthma or hay fever. A DIFFERENT type of chemical reaction usually occurs in the body of the dog and cat. The major sign that occurs as a result of this particular type of allergic reaction is usually ITCHING. The itching causes the pet to chew and scratch; which, in turn causes more damage to the skin. The skin often becomes infected or thickened from prolonged chewing and scratching. An ALLERGY NEVER develops the first time exposure occurs. It takes TIME for the body to develop an allergy to a particular substance. This is the reason many pets do NOT develop an allergy until the later years of life.
Some allergic reactions occur as soon as exposure occurs, but many reactions are DELAYED; and don't become evident for 3-7 days after the exposure. This can make determination of the causative agent very difficult. Often a pet that develops an allergy is allergic to several different things, which makes diagnosis and control more frustrating. Different allergies tend to cause itching over different areas of the body or to occur at different times of the year. Allergies also need to be differentiated from other skin diseases that cause itching. A diagnosis of allergies may take some detective work and medication trials to see if the pet responds to allergy medication, and then more effort will be needed to determine what the pet is actually allergic to.
The most COMMON allergy seen in the dog and cat is the RESULT OF FLEA BITES! The pet becomes allergic to the PROTEIN in the SALIVA of the flea. Some pets are so sensitive to flea saliva that only one flea bite a month is enough to keep them itchy!! Many times there will be NO fleas on the pet when it is examined, which causes the owner to question the diagnosis of flea bite allergy. Remember--MOST ALLERGIC REACTIONS OCCUR 3-7 DAYS AFTER THE EXPOSURE TO THE ALLERGENIC SUBSTANCE. Luckily, today’s modern and effective flea control products are making this type of allergy more rare and easier to treat than in the past. Click here for more information on flea control.
The next most common type of allergy is inhalant allergy or “atopy”. Click here for more information on atopy.
Food allergy is next and contact allergy is the most rare type of allergic reaction. Click here for more information on food allergies.
Allergies are NOT PREVENTABLE; but CONTROL with medications, hypoallergenic diets or flea control is effective, PROVIDED the owner will follow instructions given by the veterinarian and continue treatment. You must be PATIENT and REALIZE that the condition PROBABLY WILL RECUR throughout the pet's life, if and when exposure occurs.
The SECRET is to get proper medical attention as soon as signs of allergy are seen. Prompt treatment will prevent the skin lesions from becoming more severe and results in more comfort for the pet. Treatment will depend on the type of allergy the pet has but may include antihistamines, steroid medications, flea control, special diets or medicated topical products.
Allergy testing may be recommended for dogs and cats with recurrent allergies or those that have allergies all year long. Testing can be done with blood samples or skin testing. Once tested to determine what pollens, molds etc. may be causing the allergy the pet can be started on allergen injections. Using allergen it is possible in many cases to build a pet’s resistance through a series of injections containing small amounts of the allergy substances. This is similar to allergy treatments used in humans.
