Spring: Bliss or Misery?

Article courtesy Memorial Beach Veterinary Hospital

What a welcome relief the fine winter and spring rains have brought! Our reservoirs are full and we can look forward to a lush and abundant spring. For many of us, this is a favorite time of year. Many, however, will suffer from dreaded seasonal allergies that resultant pollens will produce.

Our dogs also suffer from seasonal allergies but only rarely exhibit the same symptoms as humans. Like humans, the propensity for allergies seems to be inherited. Any dog can develop them but purebreds, in particular the smaller breeds like terriers, seem to be over-represented in this unfortunate group. The medical term for seasonal allergies is atopy. Rather than sneezes and sniffles, atopy in our dogs causes itchy skin, driving them to chew, scratch, and lick at themselves. Chewing or licking on their paws or rubbing the face and scratching the ears are classic symptoms of atopy. Dogs can attack the itchy areas so much that they cause sores, fur loss, and secondary infections.

There is no cure for atopy but dogs can usually be made comfortable. Controlling symptoms normally involves combined therapies where multiple medications or modalites are utilized. Nonsedating antihistamines, medicated shampoos and rinses, spray-on medications, and more are all part of effective therapies available to us. Allergy testing and immune therapy can also be successful.

Since every dog is different and what may work in one pet will not necessarily work in another, it is important to work very closely with your veterinarian. This is especially true in the beginning when trying to find out what works best for your pet. When seasonal allergies bother your dog, let Memorial Beach Veterinary Hospital help you find the relief that works for his specific needs.

Memorial Beach Vet Hospital:
Chick Warner DVM
Patricia Humphrey DVM
Martha Shafer DVM
Cheryl Dell DVM

Memorial Beach Veterinary Hospital

15 Healdsburg Ave.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-6916 (Office)
(707) 433-2752 (Boarding Hotline)
http://www.memorialbeachvet.com

Mon - Thurs & Sat: 8:30am - 5pm
Fri: 9:30am - 5pm
Closed Sun
Doctor's Hours By Appointment