Ask the Vet About Allergies in Dogs and Cats

Answer:Allergies can be frustrating because they continue to recur until you figure out what they are allergic to and often it is multiple things. The good thing is that there are a LOT of treatment options available now, many more than are listed in this article but here is a link to our article about treating allergies which starts by discussing "avoiding allergens" and lists many over-the-counter and prescription treatment options: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm

Answer:There are many things that cause itching (allergies, mange, ringworm, etc) and most are treated differently so have your veterinarian run some quick tests and make a diagnosis. Since allergies are the most common, here is a link to our article about various treatments for allergies, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm

Answer:You can always ask for a referral to a veterinary dermatologist, which sounds like it might be the best option for him. Chronic, recurrent ear infections are secondary to something else (allergies usually, but can be other things) so you and your veterinarian must find and treat the underlying cause, not just the secondary infection. Allergies can be frustrating because they continue to recur until you figure out what they are allergic to and often it is multiple things. The good thing is that there are a LOT of treatment options available now, many more than are listed in this article but here is a link to our article about treating allergies which starts by discussing "avoiding allergens" and lists many over-the-counter and prescription treatment options: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm

Answer:There are many things that cause this (allergies, mange, ringworm, etc) and most are treated differently so have your veterinarian run some quick tests and make a diagnosis. Since allergies are the most common, here is a link to our article about various treatments for allergies, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm

Answer:These eye infections are usually viral and can linger in some kittens. Ask for a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist if it continues.

Answer:These upper respiratory issues can linger for a while - they are usually viral in origin. When it lingers that long, it is time for your veterinarian to check her out again and possibly start antibiotics (oral and/or topical eye ointment). Other things that may help: Humidity may help, even if it's just a hot steamy bathroom multiple times a day. Lysine is an over-the-counter supplement that helps some cats as well - here is a link to read about one such product, with the price: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Vetri+Lysine+Plus+Soft+Chews-prod11239.html They are saying now that probiotics seem to help these kitties, so consider starting one like Fortiflora, Benebac or Proviable (3 different good brands of probiotics).

Answer:Allergies can be frustrating because they continue to recur until you figure out what they are allergic to and often it is multiple things. The good thing is that there are a LOT of treatment options available now, many more than are listed in this article but here is a link to our article about treating allergies which starts by discussing "avoiding allergens" and lists many over-the-counter and prescription treatment options: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm Masses can be benign, malignant and everything in between. It is impossible to tell, just by looking at a mass, what kind of cells it contains. Have your veterinarian check it out - they will usually do a "fine needle aspirate" - a little mini-biopsy where they stick a small needle in it and suck some cells out and either look at it right there in their office or send it off to a pathologist. Then you can make a plan for it - if it is definitely benign, your veterinarian may recommend doing nothing.

Answer:Apoquel is much safer than the steroids that we used to use to help dogs with allergies but no drug is entirely benign, so it's always going to be ideal to find what your dog is allergic to and avoid that - that's easier said than done but keep trying - and then wean down and preferably off of the Apoquel. (Saves lots of money as well, of course.)

Answer:The prescription hydrolyzed diets are the best for dogs with food allergies, like Science Diet Z/D - Purina and Royal Canin make one as well.

Answer:There are many things that cause skin issues like that (allergies, mange, ringworm, etc) and most are treated differently so have your veterinarian run some quick tests and make a diagnosis. Since allergies are the most common, here is a link to our article about various treatments for allergies, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm

Answer:Neither of those have genetic equivalents yet, that I know of. Sorry! I get asked that a lot about Apoquel because it works so well and is relatively expensive.

Answer:Revolution and Bravecto seem to be working best this year. They both have good safety profiles - Revolution has been out longer and covers heartworms, but Bravecto seems a little stronger for just fleas.

Answer:Don't mix your own tea tree oil - it can be toxic - always use a product approved for dogs. Allergies can be frustrating because they continue to recur until you figure out what they are allergic to and often it is multiple things. The good thing is that there are a LOT of treatment options available now, many more than are listed in this article but here is a link to our article about treating allergies which starts by discussing "avoiding allergens" and lists many over-the-counter and prescription treatment options: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm

Answer:Your question did not come through - feel free to resubmit one if you still need help.

Answer:Claritin is safe as long as Loratadine is the only active ingredient.