Canine Allergies

Allergies and Atopy

Did you know that your pet can experience allergies to many of the same things that you do?  Atopy is the veterinary medical term that is used to describe the allergic response to environmental allergies.  Dogs can also experience food allergies.  Some dogs are even allergic to insect bites and bee stings.

Allergies in dogs show up in different ways than allergies in people.  People often experience respiratory and periocular (around the eyes) signs when reacting to allergens.  Allergens are the substance that triggers the allergic response by the body.  In dogs, allergies typically show up as  skin infections , licking at the feet and recurrent ear infections (otitis externa).

Allergies in dogs are often treated using a corticosteroid, such as prednisone.  While diagnostic and treating your pet, we also need to try to determine exactly what is triggering the allergic response by your dog.  This is often the challenging part.  Allergies are acquired to substances that the body has seen before, meaning that it is not a new substance that is triggering the allergy, but rather something that has likely been present in their environment for a prolonged period of time.

The areas Southern Medina and Northern Wayne counties are a "hot spot" for allergies.  The Seville, Rittman and Medina areas are known for high pollen counts and a lot of agricultural activity.  This agricultural activity (plowing) serves to stir up pollens from previous seasons, making allergies even more prevalent.  Please call the clinic to schedule an appointment to discuss your pet's condition if he or she is showing any of the above signs.