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If your pet is experiencing an allergic reaction or a yeast or bacteria infection, their symptoms can range from mild to severe: <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Itching.\u00a0Scratching.\u00a0Biting.\u00a0Rubbing.\u00a0Rolling.\u00a0Licking.\u00a0Could you imagine experiencing these symptoms with no long-term relief? Neither can\u00a0we!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>When pet parents notice these signs of an\u00a0itchy pet, the best way to help is by consulting with a family veterinarian or board-certified veterinary dermatologist. There are\u00a0<\/span>several causes<\/span><\/a>\u00a0for itching in dogs and cats \u2013 including allergies, parasites, and bacterial or yeast infections. The sooner these\u00a0possible causes\u00a0can be investigated and treated, the better the outcome! And the more specific your vet can be with your pet\u2019s treatment, the more they can minimize side effects. This helps your pet live a long and less itchy life!\u00a0So,\u00a0if\u00a0your pet is itching for help, here are a few tips on how to recognize the symptoms and to work with your veterinarian to manage the cause of your pet\u2019s itch!<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s important for pet parents to recognize additional symptoms their pets may have and to discuss them with a veterinarian. By knowing all your pet\u2019s symptoms and pinpointing the causes, your veterinarian will be able to create a more efficient treatment plan. Common causes and additional symptoms for itchy pets are:<\/span><\/p>\n Of dogs with allergies, 85% have environmental allergies (dust, dust mites, grasses, molds, weeds, and\/or trees). Not only is there no known cure for environmental allergies, but they also worsen with life. Fortunately, though, veterinarians can use allergy testing to diagnose your pet\u2019s specific environmental allergen. Pet owners can use multiple\u00a0<\/span>therapeutic options<\/span><\/a> to find the best allergic control with the fewest side effects, but only allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual therapy\/drops) can slow progression and reverse a pet\u2019s allergic signs.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This treatment\u00a0option\u00a0is a vaccine (given as a shot or as oral drops) that\u00a0contains\u00a0the environmental allergens that reacted on your pet\u2019s allergy test.\u00a0This is the safest\u00a0option\u00a0for controlling moderate to severe allergies. They work in 60-70% of pets, but may take several months up to a year to work. For the shots, pet owners can give them at home with the first few months being more frequent and then\u00a0tapering\u00a0to every\u00a03 weeks\u00a0for the rest of your pet\u2019s life. The sublingual therapy (drops) is given\u00a0once daily\u00a0by mouth and absorbed through the gums.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With every treatment option, it\u2019s important to be aware of potential side effects.\u00a0About 1% of dogs on allergy shots develop an allergic reaction to them with swelling of the face. If this occurs,\u00a0seek immediate veterinary care. This is why it\u2019s important to monitor your pet for 1-2 hours after giving them the shot. Some dogs are itchier after the shots are given, which often reduces with time.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In dogs, food allergies compose only 15% of dogs with allergies.\u202fHowever, a food allergy tends to be the easiest to manage as changing the diet often results in dramatic improvement. Food allergies are more common in young and old dogs, but can occur at any age. The most common allergens in a diet are from the protein source (chicken, beef, soy, eggs), but can be due to any ingredient in the food. Therefore, it\u2019s important to make a diet history and know exactly what is in your pet\u2019s food. The only way to diagnose a food allergy is to perform a strict food trial in which your pet can only eat a prescription commercial diet. If you suspect your pet has a food allergen, talk to your family veterinarian or board-certified veterinary dermatologist to see if a food trial is a good option for your pet.<\/span><\/p>\n Your pet doesn\u2019t have to live an itchy life! If you notice your pet is frequently itchy or is displaying any additional symptoms such as hair loss or red skin, schedule an appointment with your family veterinarian or board-certified veterinary dermatologist right away. The sooner your pet can be examined, the sooner your pet\u2019s allergen can be identified and an effective treatment plan can be created to\u00a0<\/span>manage<\/span>\u00a0your pet\u2019s itch!<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Learn more about Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota\u2019s Dermatology Service\u00a0<\/span><\/span>here<\/span><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
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<\/p>\nRecognizing Causes & Symptoms<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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![\"dog,](\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/6.png\")
<\/p>\nManaging Environmental Allergies\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
Allergy Shots and Sublingual Therapy<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
![\"dog,](\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/5-2.png\")
<\/p>\nFood Allergies\u00a0\u202f\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
![\"dog,](\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/4-2.png\")
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