This is one of the most common forms of skin disease that we see
and is without a doubt one of the most frustrating problems since
a permanent cure is not possible.
There are four principle types of allergic skin disease:

1.  Food sensitivity - intolerance to certain foods (especially those with beef).
2.  Inhalant Disorders (air borne) - reactions to pollen, dust, smog, etc.
3.  Contact Reactions - skin rashes in certain areas of the body. (eg. grass).
4.  Flea Bite - severe sensitivity to the flea’s saliva.

                       ► Allergic reaction
                       ► Itching - Sneezing - Watery eyes - Red Ears
                       ► Biting - Scratching - Licking
                       ► Hairloss and sores

As you can see the allergy problem is a vicious cycle.  Breaking the cycle is a co-operative effort.  We need to work together to control your pet’s chronic problem.

Treatments Available For Allergy Control: (Allergies Are Rarely Cured!)

1.  Decreasing the pet’s exposure to the allergic agent.
                   a.  Change the food - those with lamb, venison, rabbit or vegetarian are best
                   b.  Moving to another climate (works for people / impractical for pets).
                   c.  Avoiding grass - don’t let the pet lay on it.
                   d.  Controlling fleas is critical!!!
2.  Medicated Bathing - to help “put out the fire” and soothe the itchy skin.
3.  Medication to reduce the symptoms (itching, biting, scratching)
                   a.  Antihistamines - few sides effects but not as effective as in people.
                   b.  Cortisone - a very effective drug / the first defense for occasional use.
 4.  Hyposensitization - utilizes the blood allergy test to formulate a specific serum
      (“Allergy vaccine”) that is given to the pet on a weekly basis to help make him/her less allergic
      to airborne factors. 
      This is the best approach to handling allergy patients that are severe, have year-round             problems or heavy 
      cortisone dependency.  60% of allergic pets are significantly helped with this method       of treatment. 
      Most of the others at least end up needing less cortisone over the course of time.