Allergy Update: 2009 Fall allergies are here
Sep 14th, 2009 by Laura
2009 has been a very unusual year for climate conditions. We have set records in the midwest for rainfall, and we are also having mild temperatures. July had one day in the 90′s! These 2 factors are causing heavy mold counts, plus there are still abundant weed pollens resulting in double allergy insult.
When dogs and cats have allergies, the reactive area of the body is the skin. Licking the feet, itchy ears, or skin rashes are the most common symptoms. When humans have allergies, sneezing and runny noses are the symptoms. Your pet breathes in the inhalant factor causing a reaction in the skin. If your windows are open, molds and pollen come inside.
TREATMENT OF ALLERGIES:
About 25% of pets respond to antihistamines like Benadryl (50mg/50lbs given twice daily). Around 15% of pets respond to aspirin (325 mg tab per 80lbs given with food twice daily). The remainder of pets generally require steroids to control their allergies. Usually a low dose, alternate day medication is prescribed which works well. Forget topical creams, most pets lick them off. Most pets require treatment until frost. Some need treatment until freezing weather.
If your pet is licking and scratching excessively, allergies could be the cause. Do not forget to check for fleas. They are bad this year due to abundant rain. We have a new product called Vectra that works very well on fleas, ticks and repels mosquitos.
For chronic allergy patients, we are seeing a remarkable improvement with the use of hypoallergenic laundry detergents. Did you know that our government allows a 20% error in labeling? IT IS COMMON PRACTICE TO USE GROUND UP FEATHERS, SAWDUST AND ASHES AS FILLERS! If your laundry detergent looks cloudy in water, I would switch. We recommend Conklin laundry detergents and household cleaners. Pets are on blankets, towels etc and chemical residues from cleaning products may be causing health problems for you and your pet. The cost for Conklin laundry detergent is 22 cents a load! At Oak Village and at home we have changed to Conklin because the quality is good, the cost is a bargain, and the products are made in the USA putting Americans to work. If you would like to try the Conklin products call our office at (708)499-3595.
Dr. Bowen and staff
