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ITCHY PET SELF HELP PAGE

Self help page from CareVets

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WHAT CAUSES ALLERGIC DERMATITIS?

What causes allergic dermatitis? 

Top 3 are parasites, pollens, food…..


Does allergic dermatitis go away?

Its possible, but its rare - we manage rather than cure. 

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Can I treat at home?

There is a lot you can do at home, but if left untreated, it is unlikely to get better on its own and it can make your pet really miserable.

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What happens if I bring my pet to see you?

We will carefully assess and monitor your pet. This requires treatment and then regular review - more frequently during flare-ups and less so at other times. We may or may not need to change your pet’s treatment. 

To stabilise your pet during a flare up and to maintain them as best as we possibly can requires a joint effort between us, and you.

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SELF HELP

There is much we will recommend for you to do for your pet at home, as getting your pet stable is a joint effort between us. 

  • PARASITE TREATMENT: Regular use of prescription parasite treatment and environmental control. 

  • FOOD: Good quality food without artificial food colourings and flavourings. Store securely to avoid growth of storage mites. Hypoallergenic hydrolysed food (no point in feeding this though if your pet eats anything else). 

  • BATHING: We may recommend bathing with medicated shampoo. Its important not to bathe too often however as this can cause drying - its a good idea to ask for our help with this. 

  • SUPPLEMENTS: Essential fatty acids added to the diet will help improve the skin’s protective barrier. 

  • AVOIDANCE: Try to avoid contact with strong washing powder, household cleaners, furniture polish. 

  • WIPE THE COAT: With a damp cloth after being outside which will remove most of any pollen attached to the coat. 

  • ENVIRONMENT: Environmental sprays to control parasites, washing bedding (in non-biological detergent), avoiding harsh cleaners on the floor, some household products such as Ferbreeze can play havoc with allergies. 

  • SURVEILLANCE: Visit your the vet to prevent any itching, scratching or licking making the problem get worse, and to get treatment for the underlying cause. 

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THE GOOD AND THE BAD.....

The bad news……….. there is no cure and allergy will probably be a lifelong companion that you will have to manage to keep your pet comfortable. 

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The good news……… there is much you can do to help reduce the triggers that can make your pet flare up. These can change however during your pet’s life - see ‘Self Help’ above in this article and in our blog. With early treatment and monitoring your pet can live a comfortable life. 

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CONSIDER THIS

Consider this…..

……..buying dogs from allergic parents is financially supporting continuation of this issue. Breeding from allergic dogs is just passing the problem on to another litter of dogs with life-long problems. 

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Please try to avoid perpetuating it!

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If you are concerned about your pet or just require reassurance, call us. One of our friendly team at CareVets will be happy to provide professional advice and support to keep your pet as healthy as possible.

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