Seasonal Allergies in Dogs
"Why does my dog scratch so much this time of year?" It is a question we hear often every fall. The answer is allergies. First, let's define the word allergy. It is an abnormal reaction of the dog's immune system to an everyday substance. These substances (called allergens) include: dust mites, animal dander, mold spores, certain foods, and pollens. Pollens can come from trees, grasses, or weeds and are the primary reason for the allergic reactions we treat every fall.

As in people, the usual route of contact with the allergen is inhalation. Unlike people, where the response is most commonly sneezing and runny, itchy eyes, an allergic dog's primary symptom is severe, generalized itching.

While the best treatment would be preventing any contact with the offending allergen(s), that would be difficult if not impossible. There are several prescription drugs which are very effective at giving the patient relief from the itching, but most of these medications should not be used long term because they can produce severe and potentially life threatening side effects.

Hyposensitization to the offending allergen(s) is another form of treatment. The purpose of this therapy is to reprogram the dog's immune system. Specific allergens are identified through the use of a blood test. Then injections are prepared containing specific amounts of the allergens and are administered on a regular basis, which allows the dog to build up immunity to those allergens.

Flea Allergies
Flea allergy is common in dogs. Most dogs are only mildly irritated by the bite of a flea, but the flea-allergic dog suffers an intense itch-producing reaction when bitten by a flea. Gladly, the new and very effective flea control medications we use today have greatly decreased the number of flea-allergic dogs we see each year. It has become more of a seasonal problem because many pet owners stop using their flea-control medication a little too early in the fall. Fleas that have been living outside will not be killed by a single frost. Many survive well into winter. Please continue to use your flea-control medication through at least two hard freezes. Continue to monitor your dog for signs of fleas even through December (based on the weather).

Food Allergies Although this type of allergy is not seasonal, we are going to discuss it here because it is so common. We see this problem year round because the allergy is a reaction to an ingredient in the pet's food. Any food or food ingredient can cause an allergic reaction, but protein, usually from the meat source of the food, is the most common offending allergen. Food allergies develop over time; the pet is not born with these allergies. When a food allergy is suspected, a food trial is recommended. You will be given a diet containing a protein to which your pet has never been exposed. This diet must be eaten exclusively. No other food, table food, treats, vitamins, or chewable medications (including heartworm prevention) can be given during the food trial. Most dogs do well once we have determined the offending ingredient and eliminated it from their diet.

Weight Loss Stars
The doctors and staff at East Hilliard Veterinary Services believe in helping our patients live longer and healthier lives. Purina has recently completed a ten-year study on weight problems in pets. Not surprisingly, the study proved that a lean-weighted dog or cat lives two to three years longer than an overweight pet. So we are beginning a new weight loss program with incentives for our patients and their owners. Once you have started the weight loss diet, we will weigh your pet every four weeks. Pets participating in the program will have a photo taken to place on our "weight loss stars" board. When your pet reaches goal, before and after photos will be posted on this website. We know how difficult weight loss can be, but we also know how important it is for your pet's good health. We look forward to posting lots of pictures of our weight loss "stars" on our website.

Congratulations Jessie!!
We wanted to congratulate Jessie Wells for being the first pet to reach goal weight through East Hilliard Veterinary Services' weight management program. Jessie is an eight-year-old Peke-a-Poo, owned and well-loved by Nancy Wells of Hilliard. The doctors at East Hilliard Veterinary Services have been caring for Jessie since she was adopted from Citizens for Humane Action at 12 weeks of age. Jessie started her struggle with the scales around age two. Despite Mrs. Wells' careful feeding of a low calorie food, it was always a challenge for Jessie to stay close to her optimum weight. By the fall of '02, she weighed in at 29 pounds! We elected to use Purina's Prescription formulation CNM-OM, which allowed a generous portion of food while promoting gradual weight loss. Throughout that winter and the spring of '03, Jessie came into the hospital for periodic weight checks and to adjust her feeding amount. Jessie reached her goal weight of low 20's by mid-September. It will be a lifelong commitment to stay in this weight range, but the benefits of a longer, healthier lifespan will be well worth it.

More Recipes!

Go Bananas Training Treats (for dogs)

3 C oatmeal
1¼ C flour
2 eggs
¼ C oil
½ C honey
½ C milk
2 mashed bananas

Blend liquid ingredients, eggs and mashed bananas, making sure to mix well. Add flour and oatmeal. Mixture will be similar to cake mix. Spread into a well-greased pizza pan or jelly-roll pan and bake at 325 for about 25 min. until edges are light brown. Cut into tiny squares or strips using a pizza cutter. Keep refrigerated. Store unused treats in the freezer.

Kitty Heaven Sardine Surprise
2 flat cans sardines in oil, undrained
2/3 C cooked rice
1 tbsp pureed liver (canned liver cat food can be substituted)
¼ C chopped parsley

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Shape into small balls or simply spoon into your cat's dish and serve. These treats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, or frozen.

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