Understanding & Managing Your Dog's Allergies

Dr. Pelton’s Approach to Allergies and Skin Cases

At Hearthstone Animal Clinic, we understand that allergies in dogs can be both concerning and challenging for pet owners. Allergies in dogs are primarily caused by three things: food, environmental factors (atopy), or a combination of both. Our approach is designed to identify the cause and provide effective treatment options tailored to your dog's specific needs.

Identifying the Cause of Allergies

1. Food Allergies: Common triggers include chicken, beef, and lamb. If your dog has year-round symptoms, we consider a food allergy more likely. (Handout provided)
2. Environmental Allergies (Atopy): If your dog's symptoms are seasonal, environmental allergens may be the culprit.

Our Step-by-Step Approach

1. Younger Dogs with Year-Round Symptoms:
2. Food Trial: We recommend starting with a vegetable-based food trial since most food allergies in dogs are to common proteins. (Chicken Beef, and Lamb are primary culprits!) This step helps us identify or rule out food allergies.
3. Not Year-Round Symptoms:
4. Seasonal Allergies: We begin by treating for seasonal allergies, utilizing a tiered approach based on symptom severity.

Treatment Tiers for Seasonal Allergies

1. Mild Symptoms:
2. Antihistamines: Effective for mild cases, offering relief with minimal side effects.
3. Moderate Symptoms:
4. Steroids: An affordable option for moderate symptoms, used with careful consideration to minimize potential side effects.
   
5. Persistent Symptoms:
6. Apoquel or Cytopoint: These are more advanced treatments, offering relief for dogs with significant allergies. They are more costly but can be highly effective.

Next Steps if Initial Treatments Don't Suffice

• Food Trial Failure: If a food trial does not alleviate the symptoms, or if initial treatments for environmental allergies are unsuccessful, we consider the next level of care.
• Referral to Dermatology Specialists: For complex cases where general interventions do not provide relief, a referral to a dermatology specialist may be necessary.

What You Can Do

• Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your dog's symptoms and any changes in their condition. This information is invaluable for ongoing management.
• Follow the Plan: Adhering to the treatment plan, including any dietary restrictions, is crucial for identifying triggers and managing symptoms.
• Stay in Touch: Regular updates and check-ins allow us to adjust the treatment plan as needed and ensure the best care for your dog.