If your pet has been struggling with ongoing skin or ear infections, environmental allergies may be the root cause. When left undiagnosed, these allergies may go undetected, leading to an endless loop of temporary treatments, increasingly severe infections, and persistent discomfort in your beloved companion.

Diagnosing and treating the underlying allergen is the only way to prevent the infections from recurring in your pet.

The Impact of Untreated Environmental Allergies

When allergies are left untreated, they frequently reappear as chronic skin or ear infections. While veterinarians may prescribe medications to manage these infections, this will only lead to repeated vet visits that address the symptoms without resolving the underlying allergy.

As time passes, these recurring infections can spiral into more severe health issues, such as hearing loss, secondary bacterial or yeast infections, conjunctivitis, and upper respiratory discomfort.

For example, a dog with a pollen allergy may develop chronic ear infections. If the allergy goes undiagnosed, the infection may be initially treated, but it will continue to recur as long as the allergy remains unmanaged. Over time, this can snowball into more severe complications, like a perforated eardrum.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

The key to preventing environmental allergies from escalating into more serious conditions is through early diagnosis. By identifying the specific allergen triggering your pet’s symptoms, you can take the appropriate steps required to prevent discomfort in your faithful companion.

Our veterinary dermatologists in Vancouver primarily specialize in pet allergies and infections. We offer expert diagnosis and treatment to provide permanent, long-term relief for your pet.

Treatment Options for Environmental Allergies

Once a diagnosis of an environmental allergy has been made, treatment for your pet focuses on both short-term relief with topical and oral medications, and long-term management with hyposensitization or desensitization therapy.

Hyposensitization or Desensitization Therapy (Immunotherapy)

Hyposensitization or desensitization (immunotherapy) therapy is the only treatment that targets the underlying cause of allergies by decreasing the immune system’s allergic response. With this treatment, very small amounts of the allergen are administered via subcutaneous injections or as oral drops.

The concentration of the allergens in the shots or drops will slowly increase over time to desensitize your pet’s immune system. It typically takes six to nine months to start seeing positive results. Hyposensitization is usually a lifelong treatment that helps approximately 75% of pets with environmental allergies.

Symptomatic Allergy Treatment

Symptomatic medications can provide your pet with rapid relief from an allergic reaction, but do not treat the allergy itself. These medications include topical treatments such as shampoos, conditioners, and ointments, as well as systemic medications like antihistamines, steroids, oclacitinib (Apoquel®), and fatty acids.

1. 1. 1. Antihistamines: Antihistamines, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), cetirizine (Zyrtec®), and hydroxyzine, are commonly used by humans to relieve allergy symptoms and can also be used on your pet. These medications are inexpensive, widely available, and generally have few side effects. The major downside, however, is that they tend to be less effective in managing severe environmental allergies in pets and do not target the root cause of the allergy.

 

1. 1. 2. Steroids: Steroids, such as dexamethasone, prednisone, and triamcinolone, suppress certain cells and chemical signals in the immune system, which then blocks the allergic response. These medications are available in a variety of forms, including oral tablets, topical medications, and injectables.

 

Steroids have many side effects, including increased thirst, hunger, urination, and weight gain. Long-term use can also lead to liver enlargement, increased blood pressure, thinning of the skin, bladder infections, and hair loss. Pets receiving long-term steroid treatment should have frequent physical exams, blood work, and urine tests to monitor for these effects.

1. 1. 3. Topical treatments: Shampoos, conditioners, ointments, and sprays often include ingredients like topical anesthetics, antihistamines, or steroids to help alleviate itching. Frequent bathing is beneficial for allergic pets, not only due to the anti-itch ingredients, but also because it helps remove allergens from the skin and fur.

 

When bathing your pet frequently, gentle shampoos that don’t dry out the skin should be used. Further, topical products containing steroids (for example, betamethasone, hydrocortisone, and triamcinolone) should be applied sparingly, as overuse can lead to hair loss and increased risk of skin infections.

1. 1. 4. Oclacitinib (Apoquel®): Apoquel® is an oral medication that provides rapid relief of allergic itching and inflammation. It works by inhibiting certain enzymes that trigger the itch response to allergens. Although Apoquel® is safe and works in the large majority of cats and dogs with allergies (between 60% and 70%), it does not address the underlying cause of the allergy.

 

1. 5. Fatty acids: Omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids are derived from sources like fish oil, canola oil, and walnut oil. The anti-inflammatory properties of a therapeutic dose of these fatty acids can help reduce your pet’s skin inflammation and minimize the occurrence of infections caused by scratching, licking, and chewing behaviours that are often triggered by allergies.

 

It is important to note that while these symptomatic medications provide immediate relief, they do not offer a permanent solution. If your pet continues to be exposed to allergens, no amount of drugs will resolve the issue in the long term.

The most effective approach is a comprehensive plan that includes allergen testing to identify the specific triggers, allowing for targeted, long-term management of your pet’s allergies.

When to Consult a Veterinary Dermatologist in Vancouver

If your pet is scratching excessively, losing fur, or developing dry or blistered skin, it’s time to consult a veterinary dermatologist. At Animal Dermatologist Specialists of Vancouver, our veterinary dermatologists in Vancouver provide complete allergy skin testing services using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools.

Once we’ve identified the allergen, we create a treatment plan customized to your pet.  As the first clinic in Western Canada dedicated to animal dermatology, our certified specialists provide exceptional care to every animal we treat.

In addition to treating environmental allergies, we offer treatments for a variety of skin conditions, including:

• Mites
• Ear and nose disorders
• Hair loss and hormonal disorders
• Paw and nail disorders
• Seborrheic and breed disorders
• Immune disorders
• Skin cancers and tumors

For more information about our veterinary dermatologists in Vancouver, you can call us at (778) 743-9926 or contact us online.