Do I need to use flea control if I never see fleas on my pets?

What is the best flea control product?

Do pets get allergies like people?

What types of allergies are commonly seen in dogs?

Do I really need to use flea control if I never see fleas on my pets?

Absolutely, flea control is a preventative step maintained to not ever have fleas.  One could compare on going flea control to heartworm prevention or even car insurance… something that your always maintain but hope you never need to use!

Additionally, if your pet does have allergic skin disease a flea infestation will result in even more severe discomfort.

What is the best flea control product?

There is no best product.  Your flea control program should be tailored to your individual situation choosing among the available flea control products.  Pet factors important in designing a flea control program are number and type of pets, their age and any other health problems, where they spend their time, and even their personalities.  The program also must consider your family; do you have small children, are you home a lot or a little, and such.  Your veterinarian is the best source of help in creating your flea control program.

Do pets get allergies like people?

Yes.  Just like us, dogs suffer from allergies. About 1 out of every 5 dogs in the U.S. suffers from some form of allergies. In humans, symptoms normally include sneezing, wheezing, runny nose and watery eyes. Dogs commonly will itch, scratch and/or have frequent skin or ear infections.  Although canine allergies are not life-threatening, the symptoms they cause can make your dog miserable.

What type of allergies are commonly seen in dogs?

Flea Allergic Dermatitis (FAD): has always been the most common form of canine allergy. If a dog is allergic to fleas, one bite can cause itching for up to three weeks. With the introduction of the new flea control products, no dog should be allowed to suffer from this type of allergy.

Food Allergies: Foods can trigger allergy in dogs. The symptoms are usually skin related but may include vomiting and diarrhea. Food allergy may exist alone or in combination with other types of allergy.

Atopy: Atopy is the name used for allergies associated with inhaled pollens, molds, house dust and other common airborne substances. New research points towards the possibility that absorption of the airborne allergens through the skin may also trigger an allergic reaction.

Contact Allergy: Although uncommon, contact with certain substances and chemicals can cause an allergic skin reaction in the dog. Cleaning products, carpet fresheners and room air fresheners have been found, among other substances to cause a reaction.

How can your veterinarian help your pet?

There are three options available: avoidance, symptomatic treatment or immunotherapy. Your veterinarian will help you decide which one is the most appropriate for your pet.

Total avoidance of allergens that are inhaled or absorbed through the skin is virtually impossible. However, avoidance can decrease exposure and may lessen the symptoms.

Treating the symptoms with steroids, antihistamines or fatty acids may be of value but will not stop the progression of the disease. Also, long term treatment with steroids will result in serious, non-reversible side effects.

Immunotherapy is the process of giving increasingly larger doses of the specific allergens to the pet to increase tolerance for and reduce sensitivity to these allergens. (This process is often referred to as hyposensitization or desensitization.)

How can I make my pet more comfortable?

- Bathe your pet frequently, 2 to 3 times a week. Use a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo and a remoisturizing crème rinse that will not dry out the pet’s skin. Your veterinarian may suggest a medicated shampoo if your pet’s skin condition requires it.- Limit your pet's time outdoors during peak allergy periods.- For "paw lickers," rinse off the pet's paws after time spent outdoors.- Use bedding that can be washed frequently. Wool blankets, comforters, cedar shavings and feather pillows can be troublemakers.

- Mold allergic pets should not be in basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms or garages where mold levels are high.

What is immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a process whereby injecting larger and larger amounts of the offending allergens into the dog, the animal’s immune system gradually becomes less sensitive to these allergens. In a large number of dogs, symptoms can be controlled safely and effectively.

From the results of your pet’s allergy test and history, treatment vials have been formulated from the specific allergens to which your dog is overly sensitive. Starting with the weakest concentration, injections are given according to the standard dosage schedule unless a reaction to this injection is observable. The dosage schedule is then tailored to fit the pet’s individual response.

How do I administer immunotherapy?

You will be given the treatment vials, syringes and a dosage schedule. Please refrigerate the treatment vials immediately to maintain potency of the allergens. Use a new syringe for each injection. (Ask us for the best method of disposal for the used syringes.) Pick a time when you can observe your pet for 30 to 40 minutes after the injection. Also, it is best for the pet not to be heavily exercised or fed for one hour before or after the injection. Be aware of our office hours so that in the rare instance of an adverse reaction, you could contact your us.

It is important to observe your pet’s reactions to the injections. Many animals will "signal" that a dose is too strong by showing an increase in symptoms within 6 to 48 hours after an injection. Itchiness and redness are the most common. Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, labored breathing are very unusual but should be immediately brought to the attention of the veterinarian. If even a mild reaction is noted, do not continue with the standard schedule; the volume and frequency should be modified.

What should I expect of immunotherapy?

All dogs are different! It is not unusual to see some improvement during the first month but more typically, improvement is noticed by 3 to 4 months. It takes time for your pet’s system to build the necessary antibodies. Be patient! Continue with immunotherapy for a minimum of 9 to 12 months to give the pet time to improve. Some animals may not show improvement for a year.

Generally, allergies are a lifetime problem which can be controlled but not cured. Once your pet’s symptoms are controlled, you may find that you can extend the time between injections. However, it is not unusual for some pets to require smaller doses more frequently. Let your pet determine the best schedule. Allergy injections will be needed as long as symptoms persist.