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The practice of alleviating the chronic itch in patients suffering from atopy can prove to be very challenging for both owner and veterinarian. Especially, during the hot summer months of Roswell, Georgia. The means by which veterinarians try to control allergies is usually with multiple therapies. I wanted to offer some insight and treatment options that we routinely discuss with pet owners. Also, we will briefly dive into some of the underlying causes for allergic disease.

We will start with topical measures, such as shampoos and conditioners. Evidence suggests that allergen absorption across the skin is the primary way of developing the allergic response. Once the body is primed, inflammation occurs. This results in a breakdown of the protective elements of the skin. Hence, an abnormal skin barrier and an increase in absorption of the allergen across the skin. Plus, this damage allows bacteria to multiple more efficiently. So, what are the treatment options at this point? Frequent bathing is the first step with a hypoallergenic shampoo. This will wash off the allergen and reduce bacterial population size. Wiping off the feet, the underside of the abdomen, and inside of the ears with a damp cloth or antibacterial wipes will help reduce the allergen load.

The next step in treatment is nutritional. A study found that dogs fed a fish based diet had a lower “itch” score. Why? The answer lies in fish oils. Now not all omega 3 supplements are created equal. We carry a very effective and reputable omega 3 supplement at our veterinary clinic and frequently prescribe this to dogs with Atopy. The key is to start the supplementation prior to the allergy season. Food allergy can mirror atopy in dogs, but can also be part of the allergic complex of a pet. Yes, a dog or cat can have both food allergy and environmental allergies! The key is to address a food allergy with a veterinary prescribed food. Studies have been done of over-the-counter diets with claims of being a novel protein or hypoallergenic food. However, many contained other protein sources that were not on the label or had residues that were of another protein. So, a veterinary prescribed diet is the only way to perform a true food trial at this time.

Let’s circle back around to that defective skin barrier. The normal skin barrier keeps bacteria and yeast populations in check. However, if this is not normal, then bacteria and yeast will flourish on the skin. Antimicrobial and antifungal shampoos are vital in the treatment of these types of overgrowth. The key is to allow a 10-15 minute soak time and understanding that most of these shampoos will not produce a big lather.

Lastly, we will touch on immunotherapy. This is what we do for our human kids who have allergies. The basic goal is to desensitize the immune system to the allergy. Simple goal, right? Wrong! This process may take up to 18 months to achieve the desired effect and in some cases we only see a mild improvement. This is not a “set it and forget it” therapy. These patients may have “flare-ups” along the way and we must closely monitor them for skin infections. However, if the dog responds then his/her quality of life should improve dramatically.

In conclusion, I hope everyone can see that atopy in dogs is not a “cookie-cutter” treatment. It is a long term treatment management plan that requires great communication between pet owner and veterinarian.  We have many weapons in the arsenal to use against allergies and every dog or cat’s response is different. It can be said that patience is a virtue in allergy management. I always state to my clients with pets suffering from allergic skin disease that he/she is a work in progress. If you are in the Atlanta area, Chattahoochee Animal Clinic would be happy to assist you in the treatment of your atopic dog.

-Dr. Marcus Smith

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Chattahoochee Animal Clinic

Monday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday

8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Chattahoochee Animal Clinic

Monday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday
Closed