Petmobile Pet Hospital
608 west I-30
Suite 411
Garland,Tx 75043
972-423-pets (7387)** 972-247-vets(8387)
"Helping Your Pets to be Healthy Pets"
Sometimes a severe reaction
occurs between a substance and the immune system of the body.
Causes of ALLERGIC REACTIONS include: Dust, Weeds, Molds. Grass, Foods. FLEAS,as
well as many other
materials.
In humans, the reaction that
occurs usually effects the respiratory system, causing breathing problems
such a s asthma. Due to the type reaction that occurs within the body, it is
possible to recieve injections
to help a person build a resistance in the substances that cause the allergic
reaction.
A different type of chemical
reaction occurs in the body of the dog and cat. The MAJOR sign that occurs
as a result of this particular type allergic reaction is usually ITCHING of the
skin. The itching causes the pet to chew
and scratch, which in turn, causes more damage to the skin. The skin often
becomes infected or thickened from
prolonged chewing and scratching.
Antigen Injections, similar to human therapy is often beneficial in many cases.
Some allergic reactions occur
as soon as exposure occurs, but MOST reactions are DELAYED, and don't become
evident for 2-7 days. This makes determining the causative agent very difficult.
Often a pet that develops an allergy
will develop OTHER allergies later in life, which makes complete control
frustrating at times.
AN allergy NEVER develops the
first time exposure occors. IT takes TIME for the body to develop an allergy to
a
particular substance.
THis is the reason many pets do NOT develop an allergy until the later years of life.
The MOST COMMON allergy is the RESULT OF FLEA BITES!
The pet becomes allergic to the
PROTEIN in the SALIVA of the flea. The reaction CAN occur after ONLY ONE
FLEA BITE!!! Many times there will be no fleas on the pet when examined, which
causes the pet owner to question
the diagnosis. REMEMBER- MOST ALLERGIC REACTIONS OCCUR 3-7 DAYS AFTER THE
EXPOSURE.
The SECRET is to get proper
medical attention as soon as signs of allergy are seen. Prompt treatment will
stop the
reactions and present the skin lesions from becoming more severe.
Flea Allergy usually is treated
successfully but can recur because:
1. The flea's life
cycle can involve more then one year's time.
2.Most of the life cycle of the flea occurs OFF the pet.
3. Premises may be contaminated with fleas from other animals.
FLEAS MUST BE KEPT OFF THE PET TO CONTROL THE DISEASE!!!!!!
THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT of
the flea control is PERSISTANT TREATMENT
of the ENVIRONMENT-THE HOUSE AND YARD!!