Help Your Dog Find Reliet From Allergic Skin Disease (NAPSA)—Your dog can suffer from allergies. Just like in humans, it’s difficult to identify what causes an allergic reaction. “Generally, between five and 15 percent of dogs suffer from allergies of some kind,” said Russell Muse, D.V.M., Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology. “Most dogs with allergies have a genetic predisposition.” There are multiple types of allergies in dogs—someare seasonal and some nonseasonal. The three main types are: * environmental allergies * food allergies * flea and/or insect allergies Identifying the Problem Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, fleas and certain foods can trigger allergies in dogs. Chronic itching is the most common symptom, often leading to redness and lesions of the skin and pain for your pooch. Signs of allergic skin disease include scratching, biting, chewing, licking and rubbing, especially of the paws, abdomen and hindquarters. If your dog seems uncomfortable and is exhibiting any of these signs excessively, it is a good idea to seek help from your veterinarian. Humans respondto allergies differently because the types of cells that create an allergic Dogs can suffer from a variety of seasonal and nonseasonal allergies. response are primarily located in the respiratory tract, leading to coughing, sneezing,etc. In dogs, those cells are primarily located in the skin, causing an external reaction to allergies. Is Prevention Possible? At the Animal Dermatology Clinie in Tustin, Calif., more than 50 percent of Dr. Muse’s patients suffer from allergies. Some dogs undergo food trials to determine food allergies, and environmental allergies can require regular allergy shots. Dog owners can help ward off flea and insect allergies by using preventive remedies and by minimizing exposure to outdoor pests. “There is not much you can do to prevent exposure to airborne allergens,” said Dr. Muse. “There are, however, many forms of therapy available for allergic skin disease, including antihistamines, fatty acids, topicals, shampoos and steroids.” Relief is Here A new topical steroid spray called Genesis” Topical Spray (Triamcinolone acetonide) was approved by the FDA in 2002 and is the latest therapy for allergic dogs. Astudy published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research in March 2002 reported Genesis Topical Spray “is an effective treatment in many dogs to reduce clinical signs of inflammatory skin disease associated with allergy.” In the study, the incidence of side effects was lower than those associated with systemic steroids. “There is no other product like it,” said Dr. Muse. “It is a dilution of a potent steroid allowing for fewer side effects. I have been very impressed with the spray’s help in controlling some of the more severe allergic dogs we have seen in ourclinic.” If you suspect your dog is suffering from allergies, contact your local veterinarian.
