Allergies…who knew there was so much to deal with when it came to diagnosing allergies?!

As with people, allergies in pets can be tricky to diagnose and treat.  If seasonal allergy symptoms can be managed with medication, that’s great.  Sometimes, though, we encounter a patient who has seasonal allergies to grasses or pollens, as well as allergies to things inside the home to which they are exposed every single day (mold, dust mites, cat dander).

In these cases, or where medications are not managing symptoms well, we recommend allergy testing the patient.  At Suburban, we send blood samples to a special lab to determine what your pet is allergic to.  Your pet would be tested for grasses, trees, pollens, and indoor allergens prevalent to our area.  Based on the results, your pet may be eligible for allergy immunotherapy, similar to what people do when they receive allergy shots.

Most pets accept allergy injections pretty well.  Once past the initial loading doses, pets typically receive an injection every 28 days.  Many pet owners find that they are able to do this themselves at home.  However, for the pet owners who cannot do it at home, the techs at Suburban will give the injection for a small fee.

Allergy drops were recently made available for animals!  Pets receive a couple drops in their mouth twice a day, every day.  Clients seem to like this option and the pets who are on the drops are doing well.

Another option for the severely allergic pet is to see a dermatologist.  In Columbus, we recommend seeing a dermatologist at MedVet.  Dermatologists can do more in depth diagnostics and treatment than a typical small animal practice can do.  Severe allergy cases that cannot be managed at the pet’s regular veterinarian are often referred to a dermatologist.

Pets with continual allergy symptoms may at times have a bacterial or fungal skin infection as well.  These pets will need their allergy therapy, as well as additional medications.

Allergies are definitely not black and white!  What works for one patient may not work for another.  Sometimes it’s also trial and error to get the right combination of medications and therapies, both dosing and intervals, to manage the allergy patient.  So don’t give up!  Work closely with your veterinarian and follow all recommendations, including follow-up or progress exams, to give your allergic pet the best chance at allergy relief!

Suburban Animal Clinic is located in West Columbus off I-70 near I-270. Suburban Animal Clinic serves Galloway, Hilltop, West Side, Georgesville, West Jefferson, Grove City, Grandview, Upper Arlington (including OSU Campus area), Hilliard and Dublin.