by Dr. Cliff Faver
llergies, allergies, allergies…everyone is talking about their pet’s allergies! So, what does that mean, and how do you diagnose allergies in a pet?
First, an allergic reaction is when the individual (pet or human) has an overreaction to normal stimuli. This needs to be differentiated from a normal reaction to a toxin or irritant. If the pet is exposed to a strong acid, toxin or spoiled food, then any animal would react to that. This is in contrast to a pet being exposed to pollen or a certain diet, where only a rare few would have an adverse reaction. However, it is important to note that a pet can be allergic to anything. In practice, I even had a dog react to a cortisone shot, which is what we treat allergies with!
In the grooming world, there is often talk of hypoallergenic products (food and shampoos), which usually signifies that some of the known common allergens (substances that cause an allergic reaction), like scents or certain proteins, are removed to minimize reactions. We must realize that this does not mean some pets will not also react to these products.
The diagnosis of allergies is a guess based on very limited information. However, the tests can show a rise in the eosinophils (blood cells that rise with allergies and parasites), the biopsy can show an inflammatory response, and the allergen test can show that the individual may be allergic to certain things but does not guarantee the dog is itching due to these allergens. The allergens they are positive for may not even be in the pet’s environment.
The major rule-outs that most veterinary dermatologists use in working with itchy skin are environmental allergies, food allergies and parasites. Common sense says they have overlooked the most obvious rule-out—dry skin! But why is this left off the list? Mainly because we are not directly taught this in school or seminars. In almost all teaching platforms I have attended, they talk about the need to repair the skin barrier (sebum or oil layer), but yet in their treatment protocol, rarely is this addressed.
In order to replace hydration and oils back to the hair and skin, we must be able to condition the coat with products specifically designed to do that—and shampoo is not the answer. Shampoo is made to strip oils, not add them back. Some shampoos may include oils, but the function of the shampoo is to strip off at least the top layer. This means the detergents and the added oils would work against or negate each other.
Groomers commonly complain about their dry, itchy hands and skin every spring and fall, and they will often say their lips are very dry and chapped. Does that mean all these groomers have allergies? Unfortunately, if you went to a dermatologist and said you have itchy skin, there is a good chance that “allergies” would be their diagnosis. Why bring this up? Most consider spring and fall allergy seasons. My question is, is it truly allergies, or have we been missing the boat all along? This is also the time of year when the seasons change, which can have a drying effect with the transition of heating/cooling systems, pets swimming (hunting or pools), changes in humidity and temperatures, etc.
In order to deal with either of these conditions, it is important to be aware of the time of year these problems occur within your area and plan to get a jump on it. My typical recommendation is to start with a super-hydrating (humectant) conditioner a month before the “allergy”/dry season. I also encourage groomers to shorten the grooming cycle during this time. Instead of every four weeks, consider every two weeks. Because if the reaction is associated with pollens, by shortening the cycle, you can remove them before they create too much inflammation. Remember, the solution to pollution is dilution.
Educating the client and preparing them for the next cycle is a vital aspect of the process. This little extra work on your part may save the client thousands of dollars with the veterinarian. In this scenario, veterinarians often treat “allergies” the same as they did last year (which didn’t work) and expect different results this time, all at a price.
A strong skin barrier is an amazing thing and often the answer to the successful treatment of “allergies.”
Dr. Cliff Faver graduated with a BS in Biology/BA in Chemistry before getting a Veterinary degree in 1987. He is the past owner of Animal Health Services in Cave Creek, Arizona and now the US distributor for Iv San Bernard products, teaches the ISB Pet Aesthetician Certification program, and speaks internationally on hair and skin. His passion is to merge groomers and veterinarians to aid in helping and healing pets. He is also a member of AVMA, AAHA, AZVMA, Board member with Burbank Kennel Club, and has served on Novartis Lead Committee, Hill’s International Global Veterinary Board, and a Veterinary Management Group.