CANINE CREEK®
Dog Wash & Pet Boutique

Where dogs would shop
if they could drive! ®

CANINE CREEK
Dog Wash
& Boutique

You probably don’t need me to tell you that allergy season has hit with a vengeance. We have a very high pollen count primarily because we have had so little rain. Usually the rain washes much of it away but, not this year. As much as we are suffering, many dogs are suffering too. Both humans and dogs have inhaled allergies, that is, they inhale the aerosolized allergens during normal respiration. These allergens cause a hypersensitive reaction of the immune system to substances which are not harmful. The reaction is what is harmful.

In dogs, allergic reactions can manifest themselves in several ways. In people, the trigger organ in inhaled allergies is the lungs, hence, asthma. In dogs, it is their skin, hence, chewing and scratching on feet, flanks and bellies. Their skin gets inflamed, red and itchy.

Secondary infections, or hot spots arise once the scratching and chewing causes breaks in the skin which allows bacteria to enter. This cycle of itching, scratching and chewing has to be broken for healing to begin. When inhaled allergies are causing an issue, oftentimes, existing food allergies are exacerbated. Allergies are generally treatable but can rarely be cured. A visit to your veterinarian can determine the best course of treatment be it antihistamines, fish oil, frequent bathing, steroids or a combination of these things. Allergy testing and hypo sensitization injections are available but they are costly. They often cause improvement but not a cure. Dogs can also have contact allergies.

Dr. Dave Gantenbein
Antelope Valley Animal Hospital
(661) 273-1234