Thursday, 03/24/2022

Introduction

Theo, the three-year-old Golden retriever, is the newest addition to the family, and he has become the most loved member. By nature, he is the enthusiast among all his playmates & ‘toy buddy’ with his owners’ two years old Chihuahua, Boomer. They burn up the energy by wrestling over toys, cuddling on the couch with the owner, and playing ‘trick & treat’ with his buddy and his owner are his favorite fun games, apart from playing tug of war with his favorite object with Boomer. 

Theo’s owner Rob ensures that he has some good fetch & provides routine exercise suggested by the dog trainer. He was updated on vaccines and tested for heartworms at that time. Theo is an intelligent, even-tempered, affectionate pup and gets along well with other pets and strangers.

The Preface

Theo’s family is required to relocate to Austin city due to their work schedule, and as a part of their preparations before the relocation, they have microchipped the pets. Also, add their cell phone number on the collar of Theo & Boomer. As an aware pet parent, Rob has tried to help the pets to reduce the new place anxiety by talking them to similar environments or simulating new noises before moving.

After moving to Austin, the pet parent ensures that their new place is pet-proof. And he created a familiar space for Theo & Boomer, such as setting up the environment by arranging pet beds, crates, and toys close to their old setup. Rob also followed their previous feeding and walking schedules.

Theo Suffered From Health Difficulties 

One week after, in a fine afternoon, the dogs have spent time outside, and shortly after returning inside, Rob notices that Theo has developed a swelling over the ears, eyes, and lips. He thought it might not be that serious, but the swelling grew more prominent, and Theo started to whine. The area was sore, and he started sneezing, also continuously licking his paw, and Rob witnessed irritated or flakey skin.

Understanding the pet’s constitution, Rob tried to reach out to a vet clinic nearest, but by that time, the clinic was closed. He immediately searched for nearby vets in the area via an online search. And while searching for a vet, he ended up taking help from the online vet directory, GreatVet, as he was specifically looking for a vet dermatologist to take suggestions from to reduce the skin inflammation & to relieve the pain of his pet till he reached out to a clinic physically. 

GreatVet can be a reliable companion for pet parents looking for a vet in their area. The platform allows users to find a pet clinic by simply putting the Zip Codes, city, metro, or neighborhood. At the time, as Rob mentioned, it became a savior for him to help his pet to relieve the stress as while searching for a vet, he got the top-rated vets in the area, and by scrolling through the profiles, he got the clinic details, who offer online consultation & booked on online vet appointment via the platforms. 

Online Consultation Helped To Calm The Dog

The professional detected the skin allergy as atopic dermatitis or atopic allergic reactions that can stem from environmental allergens, including mold, pollen, and dust. The ailment is inflammatory; the allergic reactions can be caused by substances like grass, house dust mites, mold spores, and other environmental allergens.

Anyone who lives in Austin, Texas, knows the amount of pollen bumping around the environment in the state—producing pollen. Dogs can be allergic to any of these seasonal and environmental hazards. Unfortunately, you’ll hardly have any off-season for allergies in this state, and your dog can experience allergies in all four seasons. However, they are most common in the growing seasons of spring, summer, and fall.

Rob mentioned that during the virtual vet visit, the vet asked a few questions to assess the history; During the consultation, the online vet questions included Theo’s daily habits: did he go out in the fields? Did he have much contact with other animals?

Vets usually offer a wide range of treatment options for your dog’s seasonal allergies. Since Theo had a mild case of allergy, during the vet virtual visit, the professional suggested a bath with Cortisone products such as dexamethasone shampoo during the allergy season and suggested using moisturizing lotions. The vet prescribed cetirizine (antihistamines) to check how it works on the ; if gives relief or reduces the irritation. 

However, after offering the doses prescribed by the veterinarian, the medicine has started working. The vet suggested an oral syrup that can be given to pets with or without food. But he suggested that if the pet vomits after receiving the medication,  provide the dose with a small amount of food. Following the suggestion, Rob offered the doses with food, and the medicines effect quickly within 1 to 2 hours. The prescribed medication reduced the itching and prevented Theo from scratching to the level of damaging the skin, and the pet showed a sign of relief by staying calm and falling into sleep. 

However, if your pet has a hypersensitivity to it or hydroxyzine, you should use cetirizine with caution in pets and ensure to take a vet’s suggestions without failing. Besides, vets usually also prescribe prednisone to reduce inflammation, which reduces itching (one must consult a certified veterinarian before using any steroid). 

The practitioner asked Rob to monitor Theo well in the upcoming hours to check if any infection has developed and suggest some antibiotics to cure the skin and allow for healthy hair regrowth. Also, the vet suggested visiting the clinic as soon as possible if the allergic reaction worsened. The clinic’s online vet help & online urgent care saved the pet from worsening the situation.  

Precaution To Be Taken While Using The Medication 

Worth Mentioning that many vets use topical steroid – Cortavance, an anti-inflammatory, to reduce skin inflammation (one must consult a certified veterinarian before using any steroid). It is either sprayed onto the skin or applied to the ear. The effect of the medicine is rapid, and you can improve your canines after 1-2 weeks. However, note that long medication can lead to thinning of the skin, alopecia, ulceration. As a precaution, seek vets’ guidance before using it, to avoid any of such side effects.

Other prescribed medicines such as Prednisolone, methylprednisolone, or dexamethasone are also offered as tablets or liquid, which is given daily to start with, then tapered the doses. The improvement can be seen within twenty-four hours after using the medicine. It also comes with short-term side effects such as increased drinking and urination; you also may witness a boost in your pet’s appetite and weight gain. Using the medication for extended periods may lead to health issues in your pet, such as muscle wastage, UTIs, induced hormone disease.

Medicine like Atopica, Cyclavance, Sporimune, which are anti-inflammatory medications offered as Capsules or liquid, causes side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea. Long-term use of the medicine results in thickening the gum, risk of secondary skin infections, or boosting hair growth.

To cure atopic dermatitis in canine vets further offers Allergen-specific immunotherapy. Here a solution comprising a tiny amount of selected allergens is used. In this treatment, injection is provided every few weeks to start with initially, and later it’s narrowed down to monthly.

Using the medications for atopic dermatitis needs experts’ suggestions as it comes with side effects. And upon noticing any of the side effects, set a call with your veterinarians immediately, or you can opt for the vets’ online consultation to get an immediate expert onion. 

Tip & Suggestions To Pet Parents

Dogs are susceptible to allergies such as atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory & chronic skin disease; it is the second most common skin condition diagnosed in canines. 

Atopic dermatitis, also known as canine atopy or allergic dermatitis, is a coampcolanes ailment in canines, and affected dogs may be genetically predisposed to developing atopy. Canines with atopic dermatitis have a history of pruritus, i.e., licking, chewing, scratching; it also may suffer from recurrent skin and/or ear infections. Signs the ailments can be seasonal or nonseasonal, also sometimes it states with a season & the progress of the ailment throughout the year-round.

Dogs breed like Golden Retrievers, Pugs, English and French Bulldogs, Miniature Schnauzer, Labradors more prone to this skin allergy. It is difficult to avoid allergens entirely as your pet will have to go outside. However, it can be controllable through the use of medical and home remedies. As a preventative measure, keeping your inside air fresh will minimize the risk of an allergic reaction. 

  • While you reallocate, try to get a list of vets in your area as part of the preparedness, as it helps in any unforeseen incident. GreatVet can be reliable companions to find a vet & to avail service immediately based on your pet health care needs. 
  • Focus on your pet’s diet, and ensure to feed a high-quality diet. Even if you are in a new place, do not alter your dog’s diet without consulting your veterinarian. Supplements should not be included in your dog’s food unless suggested by your veterinarian. 

With pets with allergies, keeping a grooming schedule is essential. Brushing the fur daily will remove dander; bathing once a week with a gentle shampoo also helps to eliminate allergens on the skin. Also, ensure to frequently clean the areas your dog occupies to remove excess hair, dirt, and dust.

While in a new place, check out the weather. It is wise to avoid early morning or afternoon walks, particularly in springtime, as the pollen count is generally higher during this time.

Disclaimer: The content on the site is for educational purposes only, and it does not provide medical advice. The shared information must not be treated as a substitute for or alternative for medical practitioner advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Regarding any concerns about your pet’s health, seeking veterinary guidance is of utmost necessity. Each pet has specific health, fitness & nutrition needs. Do not disregard, avoid or delay pet health-related advice from veterinarians based on reading the information provided on this site.

Author

Alex-Schechter

Alex Schechter

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