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Tehachapi 2006
Small Business
of the Year
Founding
Director
Save Tehachapi's Orphaned Pets (STOP) January 2008
Main Street Tehachapi
Proud Member
Since March 2008
Tehachapi Chamber
of Commerce
Board of Directors
Since January 2007
Founder/Moderator
Pet Industry Retailers (PIR) Peer Networking Group, Since May 2005
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Ask Dr. Dave - Spring Allergies
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
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