Hawke’s Bay is a melting pot of allergens for your pet;
- Pollen
- Grass
- Mould
- Mites
Many of these are seasonal, meaning that they only appear at certain times of the year. In humans, we respond to allergens (something that creates an allergic reaction within the body in response to it’s presence) with symptoms typical of “hay fever”. That is: sneezing, blocked sinuses, post-nasal drips causing coughing. Seasonal allergy works very similarly in our pets, but the allergens enter through the skin rather than through the respiratory system. Therefore, we see; itching, hair loss, skin redness. As your pet scratches, the damage worsens the skin barrier, making the allergy worse, and also making them vulnerable to secondary infections from bacteria and yeast.
There are some excellent treatments available for your pet now, including a monthly injection (for dogs), and chewable tablets, and prescription food, making treatment easier. The moral of the story is that your pet (and you) don’t have to suffer daily or have nights interrupted by scratching and restlessness. Also, whilst allergies are reasonably straight forward to treat, if they are left untreated and become complicated with secondary skin diseases, the road to success for treatment is much harder and more costly, involving more time and much more medication.
If you think your pet is showing symptoms of seasonal allergy, contact the clinic and let our professional team have a dermatology consult with you so that they can develop a plan that will allow you and your pet to enjoy your time together better.
