Allergies
Fall and Spring: The two times a year I can guarantee every other appointment will be a white Pit Bull with a red belly, a Doodle with an ear infection, or a Golden Retriever with a "hot spot" (moist dermatitis).
The Science: Allergies are caused by an immune system over-response to something unusual.
The Reality: Just like humans, every pet is unique. A flea bite might annoy one dog, but send another into a spiral of debilitating itching and infection.
1. Fleas: "It's Always Fleas"
The Most Common Cause
Before we look for rare diseases, we have to rule out the most obvious one.
The Fix: Put your pet on year-round prevention.
More Info: I’ve already covered fleas in another article, so we can skip this whole section if you are on prevention!
2. Food Allergies: Feeding the Itch
Food sensitivities can start at any age.
The Myth: "But she has eaten this food her whole life!"
The Truth: That is exactly why she is allergic. You have to be exposed to something to develop an allergy to it.
The Culprit: It is almost always the Protein, and the #1 offender is Chicken.
How to Fix It
Eliminating chicken is hard because it is in everything (treats, table scraps, flavored meds). You have two diet options:
Novel Protein: Switching to a protein they have never eaten (Salmon, Kangaroo, Venison).
Option: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach.
Hydrolyzed Diet (The Gold Standard): The protein is broken down so small that the immune system doesn't recognize it.
Options: Hills Z/D, Purina Hydrolyzed (HA), Royal Canin Ultamino.
3. Environmental Allergies: The "Benadryl" Season
This is the one we all know—waking up in a pile of Kleenex, unable to breathe.
Pets experience the same misery, but it comes out as itching.
There is no "one size fits all" cure, but here are the three most common tools in my arsenal:
Note: If these general options don't work, we refer you to a Veterinary Dermatologist for advanced skin testing.
4. Contact Allergies: Touching the Triggers
These are reactions to things your pet physically touches, like grass or a new laundry detergent on their bedding.
The Signs: Excessive paw licking or chewing.
The Fix: A "Paw Wash" station at the door to rinse their feet after walks.
5. The "Itch Threshold"
Allergies are cumulative. Think of it like a bucket filling up.
The Goal: We want to keep the bucket from overflowing.
The Extras: Using Omega-3 fatty acids and supplements (like Atopivet) or medicated wipes (Miconahex+Triz) can help lower the water level in the bucket so they don't flare up as often.
Summary: I Feel Your Pain
Allergies are incredibly frustrating.
As a Doodle owner with a severe chicken allergy—and a one-year-old child who constantly drops chicken nuggets on the floor—I get it.
The Signs: The recurring ear infections, the "Fritos" feet smell, and the fishy odor of anal glands invading your living room.
By working with us to identify the underlying cause (not just treating the symptoms), we can help you and your pet get a good night's sleep.
