Abscess: This is an accumulation of pus caused by a local irritation or infection That swells and is painful to the touch. Bathing in comfortably hot water softens the overlying skin, causing the abscess to form a point and eventually burst. Antibiotic treatment may help.

Anal Sacs or Glands: Anal sacs store liquid and are found on either side of the anus. This liquid has a characteristic smell similiar to feces. The sacs may become impacted and fail to empty in the natural way, and thus give rise to local irritation or pain.  An affected dog may drag its seat along the ground in an attempt to gain relief or turn and bite at its tail. If neglected, the anal sacs may become infected, producing yellow pus, in which case veterinary treatment will be needed immediately.

Anemia: This is a condition of the body where there is a deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood. Anemia may follow blood loss after an accident or operation, or infestation with parasites. The cause must be diagnosed and treated without delay.

Arthritis: Is an inflammatory disorder of a joint. There are various type of arthritis due to infection, trauma, etc. but all the causes are not fully understood. Diagnosis is often made by an x-ray examination of the affected joint, and though a cure is not available, relief is afforded with surgery, drug therapy, specialized diet, exercise, and the provision of a soft warm bed.

Babesiosis: Is a protozoan transmitted by the brown dog tick infect the red blood cells and causes this disease, characterized by anemia and jaundice. In the acute form the dog passes coffee-colored urine, becomes feverish and very jaundiced and is could be fatal. In the chronic form the dog suffers general malaise, is slightly anemic and is jaundiced. There is no guaranteed effective treatment and blood transfusions may be necessary to save a dog with the acute form.

Bad Breath: This may result from a specific bacterial infection or gum ulcers, from decaying teeth from a disease such as chronic nephritis. Often, bad breath can only be cured by veterinary treatment. It may be corrected by a change of diet (reducing meat content) or a dose of indigestion mixture.

Bladder Stones: These are fairly common, developing in the bladder of male and female dogs, passing into and lodging in the urethra in male dogs. The affected dog strains to urinate, and only passes small quantities of urine, sometimes bloodstained. There is sometimes some localized inflammation. Surgical removal of the stones is the only successful treatment, and compounds to regulate the acidity of the urine help to prevent the formation of further stones.

Cough: This is often a sign of irritation in the throat or bronchial tubes, and may be caused by a foreign body. A persistent cough requires veterinary attention as it could be due to tonsillitis, bronchitis, disease know as kennel cough (infectious canine tracheobronchitis). Dogs can be protected against these last few diseases by vaccination.

Cystitis: Is an inflammation of the bladder characterized by frequent passing of small amounts of urine, and constant straining. It is more common in female dogs. Water intake must be increased by adding liquid to food. Even with antibiotic treatment the prblem may reoccur.

Diarrhea and Enteritis: The treatment for simple diarrhea is to withdraw food and drink for 24 hours to keep the dog warm and quiet. After this the dog should be offered some plain boiled rice with a little chicken stock, and small amounts of boiled water with a little added glucose or sugar. If the diarrhea persists longer than 48 hours or the dog vomits, seek veterinary treatment. Parvovirus enteritis is a highly infectious disease which is frequently fatal. First signs are serious vomiting followed by diarrhea, which may be bloodstained. This disease can be prevented by vaccination.

Distemper (Hardpad): Starting with a very high temperature, the dog refuses food and may have diarrhea and a cough, and inflamed eyes. As the nervous system can be affected, the dog may suffer seizures. Hardpad is the term used when the virus affects the pads, producing swelling and a leathery feel. Antibiotic treatment controls the enteritis and pneumonia, but most dogs die from the effect of the virus on the nervous system. Vaccination is effective in preventing distemper and hardpad.

Ear Infections: Ear Infections are common in dogs with long floppy ears. These can be drastically reduced by grooming your dog often to remove the hair around and inside the ear canal. This allows the ear to breath reducing the potential for ear infections. But on the occasion it may be neccesary to treat an infection with applications of antibiotic, ointments or drops.

Eye Infections: Conjunctivitis is common in dogs and is treated with applications of antibiotic ointments or drops. A partially closed, watering eye may indicate the presence of a foreign body. This should be identified and removed if possible with the corner of a clean handkerchief or by flushing out with a syringe of warmed saline solution or water. If the object cannot be seen, seek veterinary advice. If there is any damage to the surface of the eye, or a blue effect is noticed, veterinary attention is urgently required. A blue cornea may follow an infection or some type of vaccination. Other cause of blueness in the eye are the formation of a cataract, or a sign of aging in the dog. Corneal ulcers form on the surface of the cornea. They are painful, and affected dogs rub at the eye while holding it partially closed. The third eyelid may be visible. Eye ointment may effect a cure, though persistent ulcers may need surgical treatment or chemical cauterization.

Gastric Torsion: This is known as acute gastric dilation-torsion or bloat. This is a life-threatening condition which occurs most frequently in large deep-chested breeds. Two to four hours after feeding, particularly if exercise follows a large meal, the dog shows signs of pain and distress, with a distended abdomen. Treat it as an emergency needing immediate veterinary attention.

Gastritis: The dog with gastritis has an inflamed stomach, indicated first by vomiting or the eating of grass. Keep the dog warm, withdraw food and offer small amounts of cooled water. When the inflammation of the bowel also occurs, the result is gastro-enteritis. This may be caused by bacterial or virus infection or by swallowing an object such as a toy or a rubber band. Veterinary advice is essential and should not be delayed.

Heatstroke: Confining a dog in a closed vehicle exposed to the sun is the prime cause of heatstroke in a dog, and this can often be fatal. The dog becomes distressed and unable to breathe properly. As the respiration deteriorates and the dog’s temperature rises, the dog collapses. First aid treatment consists of reducing the dog’s temperature by dipping it in cold water. A bag of ice placed at the back of the dog’s neck, and ice cubes rubbed on the pads will help to get the temperature down. Artificial respiration may be necessary to restore the dog’s breathing and heart rate.

Hepatitis: Hepatitis is an infectious disease cause by a virus. The affected dog develops a high temperature, together with sickness and bloodstained diarrhea. Veterinary attention is vital. This disease affects the liver, causing it to become inflamed and can be prevented by vaccination.

Hip Dysplasia: This is an inherited deformity of the hip joint, occurring particularly in larger breeds. Severely affected dogs suffer pain and lameness, and may be treated by drugs or surgery. Dysplastic dogs should not be allowed to breed.

Basic First Aid for Dogs

Though most of us try to be responsible pet owners, many people cannot distinguish between life threatening or non life threatening injuries. Many minor injuries or illnesses can be treated safely by the owner such as minor cuts and abrasions. However, if signs of inflammation develop or the dog develops a temperature from a wound it would be best to call your veterinarian.

This could be a sign of infection or other illness. For minor cuts and abrasions, clean wound thoroughly with mild soap and water. Clip away any unwanted or matted hair. Inspect the wound for any foreign matter, then apply an antiseptic ointment or cream. All wounds should be inspected and monitored daily in case an infection develops.

Non life threatening injuries or illnesses are usually accompanied by severe pain. These injuries can include burns, fractures or lacerations that may require stitches. Always approach an injured dog with caution. If the dog makes any attempt to bite, use a muzzle before beginning any treatment. Upon approaching an injured dog, if there are no signs of aggression then stroke the dog, talking calmly and softly. If the dog appears to be shivering or shaking, place a blanket , rug or coat over the dogs body. If the dog appears to be excessively hot, (for example, panting rapidly) cool the dog down by using a fan or an ice pack. Your main concern should be preventing the injury from becoming worse and also preparing the dog for transport to your veterinarian.

Life-threatening injuries or illness include severe bleeding where blood pulsates or flows freely from a wound. Other injuries include no sign of breathing or heartbeat.

As with any injury with your dog, stay calm, and approach the dog cautiously.

To control bleeding, immobilize the dog by holding them firmly. Apply pressure directly to the site with a cotton gauze., then apply a bandage firmly. Remove bandage and reapply with less pressure. If the site is inaccessible, apply an ice pack to the area. Do not dab or attempt to clean the site until the bleeding stops as this action tends to encourage more bleeding. For severe bleeding, or very deep wounds take your dog to the veterinarian. Some words of caution with regards to assisting dogs in this condition. A dog may bleed to death if you panic or hesitate. Keep the dog still, moving them around will accelerate any bleeding. It is usually best for one person to immobilize the dog while the other person controls the bleeding. When a bandage is left on a limb for 30 minutes, always check the area below the bandage for swelling, signs of coldness or no reaction to pain if pinched. If any of these signs are evident, re- apply the bandage with less pressure.

How to check for a heartbeat and pulse:

A normal pulse of a dog varies according to the breed, age, weight and so on.

The normal pulse rage range is from 80-120 beats per minute. The pulse is a reflection of the heartbeat and is an indicator of blood circulation. To obtain the correct reading, the dog must be calm. This is an ideal time for you to learn where and how to take the pulse and record this in their record book. Place your finger on the inside of the thigh near the groin and feel gently in that area for a pulse from an artery just under the skin. Use a watch with a second hand and count how may beats you feel in one minutes time. You can feel for a heartbeat behind the left elbow between the third and sixth rib. The beat can be observed as a regular, slight movement of the chest wall on the left side of the dogs body, where the heart is located. If the heart beat is between the 80-120 beats per minutes range, than the circulation system is normal. If it is outside this average range, than consult with your physician. (You may also contact your vet for information on pulse rates for very small breeds).

Another thing that you should be become acquainted with and mark in your dogs record book is his normal temperature. The normal temperature range for a dog is between 37.8 degrees C (or 100 degrees F) and 39.2 degrees C (or 102.5 degrees F). If your dog 's temperature is outside that range consult with your veterinarian as this could be an indicator of an infection or other illness.

An ordinary household thermometer may be used. Shake the mercury down below 37.8 degrees C or 100 degrees F. Smear the thermometer with a non-irritating lubricant such as petroleum jelly. Secure the dog and insert the thermometer into the dog 's anus about 2 inches (5 cm) in holding the bulb against the rectal wall. Check the reading after 1-2 minutes time. Wipe the thermometer clean and disinfect, then wash your hands thoroughly. You will be ahead of most situations if you know what your dogs normal pulse rate and temperatures are. Being able to obtain this information can be vital to your veterinarian.

HOT SPOTS

Hot spots frustrate dogs and owners alike. POOR Dusty! She's been licking and chewing on that spot on her flank for the better part of a day , and it's now a raw , open sore, oozing fluid. Dusty has a superficial pyoderma - a skin infection known to veterinarians as pyotraumatic dermatitis and to dog owners as hot spots.

Hot spots are surface skin infections caused when populations of normal skin bacteria grow and overwhelm normal resistance. They are generally circular patches that lose hair, can be swollen, may exude a smelly pus, and can be painfully itchy, causing the dog to scratch, lick, or bite to the point of self-mutilation.

Untreated hot spots can spread and provoke a normally even-tempered dog to growl or nip when touched. These troublesome sores can seem to arise in a matter of hours with no warning, but they do tend to follow a pattern that helps in predicting their occurrence. Dogs most susceptible to hot spots are those with heavy coats and histories of allergies, ear infections, flea infestations, irritated anal sacs, and grooming problems such as hair tangles and mats, but any dog can develop this infection. Dogs in warm, humid climates may develop hot spots when they shed their undercoats if the dead hair is trapped next to the skin, and dogs with behavior problems may mutilate themselves by licking and thus encourage an infection to become established.

The most common locations for hot spots are the legs and feet, flanks, and rump - areas that can be reached by licking or biting - but these localized infections can also appear on ears, neck, and chest if the dog is continually scratching.

Treatment

Two approaches are neccessary for dealing with hot spots: treat the sore and remove the underlying cause to prevent recurrences. Veterinary dermatologist Lowell Ackerman recommends the following treatment in his book Skin and Hair - Coat Problems in Dogs: trim the hair around the sore to prevent further spread of the infection and expose the edges of the lesion; wash the area in a mild water-based astringent or antiseptic; be prepaired to use antibiotics or cortisone if the washing does not give results. Ackerman recommends against the use of ointments or creams because they can seal in the infection and hinder recovery. In severe cases, a veterinarian may suggest the use of an Elizabethan collar to prevent mutilation and give the spot a chance to heal.

Prevention

If the underlying cause is tangled or matted hair or trapped dead hair, put the dog on a regular grooming schedule either at home or at a grooming salon. Collies, Old English Sheepdogs, Shih-Tzus, and other breeds with long hair that tangles easily should be groomed at least twice a week so that snarls and mats do not form. Never bathe a dog with matted or tangled hair - comb the snarls out first. Clip mats if you cannot easily comb them out, and make an appointment for professional grooming every four-to-six weeks if you cannot keep the dog mat-free on your own. If the underlying cause is allergies, begin an aggressive campaign to rid your home and yard of fleas and work with your veterinarian on a plan to reduce allergy triggers for your pet. Household dust, plant pollen, lawn chemicals, and diet can all cause allergies or can build to a crescendo of allergies if the dog's sensitivities cross a threshhold. Frequent vacuuming, supplements to keep the skin and coat healthy, air purifiers and baths in skin-soothing herbal or medicated shampoos with aloe, oatmeal, jojoba, or eucalyptus can help. Next step is over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl or Atarax - with a veterinarian's approval. If these don't work, then steroids to reduce the inflammation and the immune system reaction to the allergen and perhaps antibiotics to cure the infected hot spot are the next course of treatment.

If the underlying cause seems to be behavioral - if your pet doesn't have allergies or fleas or a more serious skin condition, but is so bored, stressed, or lonely that he maims himself with constant licking or scratching, he may need more exercise, playtime, and attention. This can be the easiest or the hardest treatment to implement because there's no pill or ointment for long-term success; the requirements are time, consistency, and perhaps an investment in training books, an obedience school, a dog sitter, or an animal behaviourist

When your dog pumps its leg frantically to scratch its ear, or your cat bites its tail furiously until the fur falls out, it's clear that your pet is itching for relief.

Occasional scratching is normal, but if a pet scratches or bites itself relentlessly, a health problem may be the cause. Itching can be triggered by a variety of conditions, ranging from liver disease to lice, from fungus to fleas, from mange to anxiety.

But the leading cause of itching and scratching in pets is allergies, says Linda Messinger, D.V.M., a board-certified veterinary dermatologist at the Veterinary Referral Center of Colorado in Englewood. "Allergies are also the most common underlying cause of ear problems in dogs," she adds.

Unlike people with allergies, animals don't usually get stuffy or runny noses or watery eyes. Their main symptom is itchy skin, which can turn raw and red from scratching, licking, and chewing. This condition is called allergic skin disease, or allergic dermatitis. With enough scratching and biting, open sores can form, creating a haven for bacteria or yeast that can lead to infection.

"Just about every mammal can get allergies," says Lisa Troutman, D.V.M., a veterinarian with the Food and Drug Administration. "So can hamsters, rabbits, birds, and some other pets." But dogs and cats are the pets most frequently seen with allergies.

To relieve the itch, dogs may scratch and bite at themselves and rub their face with their paws or against the floor and furniture. "Cats tend to pull out their hair and get patchy hair loss on their ears, legs, and around their eyes," says Troutman. "They'll make themselves bald."

There is no cure for allergies. "They are a lifelong problem," says Messinger, "and oftentimes they get worse as a pet gets older."

But there are treatments to relieve itchiness, clear up infections that arise from constant scratching, and even "desensitize" a pet to substances that cause allergies. In addition to regulating drugs for people, the FDA regulates drugs for animals, and the agency's Center for Veterinary Medicine has approved medications to treat itchy pets and their infections.

The key to making your pet comfortable is to find out the cause of the itchiness. If the pet is allergic, determining the source of the allergies will help with treatment, says Messinger.

Types of Allergies

Allergies that can plague pets are grouped into four types: flea, food, atopic, and contact.

The most common type of allergy in both dogs and cats is flea allergy. The offending allergen is actually the protein in flea saliva left in the skin after a fleabite.

Atopic, or inhalant, allergy is the second most common allergy in dogs and the third most common in cats. Breathing in or directly contacting airborne particles in the environment, such as mold spores, dust, tobacco smoke, and pollens, will activate atopic allergies.

If a pet is allergic to pollens, it will show symptoms even if you keep it indoors, says James Jeffers, V.M.D., a board-certified veterinary dermatologist at the Animal Allergy and Dermatology Clinic in Gaithersburg, Md. Outside airborne substances waft their way into the house, and air filters don't tend to bring relief to pets with these types of allergies, he says.

Although pets with atopic allergies sometimes have respiratory problems, such as coughing and sneezing, they more typically develop itchy skin. Certain dog breeds are more likely to develop atopic allergies, including terriers, Dalmatians, and golden and Labrador retrievers.

Food allergies are the second most common type of allergy in cats and the third most common in dogs. Food ingredients most likely to trigger allergies in cats are fish, milk, beef, and eggs. Ingredients most likely to cause a reaction in dogs are beef, soy, chicken, milk, corn, wheat, and eggs. Some pets with food allergies may have vomiting and diarrhea.

A reaction to physically touching a substance is called contact allergy, the least common type of allergy in dogs and cats. Contact allergens include grass, wool, and plastic. Jeffers occasionally sees dogs in his clinic with "plastic dish dermatitis," an irritation to the skin on the nose caused by a reaction to an antioxidant found in a plastic food or water dish. The condition clears up when the pet is switched to a metal or ceramic dish. And although uncommon, some cats become allergic to kitty litter, says Jeffers. But allergies caused by contact with chemicals, such as those contained in cleaning fluids, waxes, carpet cleaners, and lawn fertilizers, are "about 1 in a million," he says. Nevertheless, these products are potentially toxic, and pets should be restricted temporarily from areas treated with them.

An Itch for All Seasons

Some pets' allergies are set off by seasonal changes. Springtime, with its tree pollens, brings on the animal form of hay fever, which is primarily itchy skin. Mosquitoes and flies, which may trigger allergies, are rampant in summer. Grasses and flowers often release pollen in summer and late-blooming plants produce pollen in early fall, creating airborne irritants. Fleas and the allergies they activate persist in spring through fall in most parts of the country, but are found year-round in some areas.

Geography also plays a role in allergic reactions. Regional changes mean different varieties of grasses, trees, insects, and other environmental elements, which can affect allergies. Jeffers says when he took his dog camping in Maine, the pup was healthy, but when he brought him back home to Maryland, he started itching.

The Allergic Reaction

Pets, like people, have allergic responses when their immune system overreacts to certain substances. When they enter the body, the offending substances, called antigens or allergens, set off an alarm. This alarm stimulates the body to produce antibodies to defend itself against what it perceives as a threat--the allergen invaders. The antibodies attach themselves to immune cells, called "mast cells," within the skin and other body tissues. When the allergens penetrate these tissues' surfaces, they are captured by the antibodies, which then stimulate the mast cells to release powerful chemicals into the surrounding tissues. It is these chemicals, called histamines, that cause inflammation and itching.

The body's immune system is meant to protect against harmful substances, so why do some animals have a severe reaction to non-threatening substances? "We think it's very similar to the situation in human beings," says Daniel O. Morris, D.V.M., a board-certified veterinary dermatologist and chief of staff of the veterinary hospital at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Some animals, like some individuals, "may carry genes that put them at risk for developing allergic reactions," he says.

Another explanation is the hygiene theory, says Morris, which suggests that if you allow children to be exposed to infectious organisms early in life, their immune response may better control infections and make them less likely to develop allergies. In societies that stress cleanliness and try to protect children from dirt and disease, a child's body may overreact when confronted with a foreign substance, even a harmless one. The hygiene theory may explain why allergies in children are on the rise in the developed world, and the same explanation could apply to allergies in pets, says Morris.

Diagnosing

There are many conditions that can make a pet itch or have hair loss, including endocrine, autoimmune, infectious, and parasitic skin diseases. It takes some detective work to identify the cause. A veterinarian may be able to diagnose the problem or may refer your pet to a veterinary dermatologist, a specialist in treating skin conditions in animals.

If allergies are suspected, the first thing a veterinarian will usually ask is if the pet is on a flea-control product, says Troutman. Flea allergies are the most common type of allergies and the easiest to control, she says. And just because a pet is kept indoors doesn't mean it can't have fleas. An owner might bring fleas into the house on a piece of clothing, and the fleas can jump onto the pet. Just a single fleabite can cause an allergic animal to itch severely for more than five days, according to the American Animal Hospital Association.

Pet owners have many options for flea control on pets and in their environment. Veterinarians can recommend an appropriate product. (See "Taking the Bite out of Fleas and Ticks," July-August 2001 FDA Consumer.)

Once flea allergies are ruled out and if the itch is non-seasonal, food allergies are checked next. Food allergies are not related to a season, while many atopic allergies start out as a seasonal problem, says Morris. Dogs and cats that develop atopic allergies usually show symptoms between 1 and 5 years of age, he says, but food allergies can crop up at any time. They are high on the list of suspects when a dog or cat first exhibits itchy skin at an age less than 6 months or over 5 years.

To test for food allergies, the pet is put on an "elimination diet" for at least 10 weeks, which means it is fed food that consists of a protein and carbohydrate that the pet has not eaten before, such as duck, venison, and potatoes. Veterinarians offer these special foods, and some may be found in retail stores. Or the owner may choose to feed the pet a homemade diet of foods recommended by the vet.

If the animal's itching subsides by at least half, the allergen is considered to be one or more food ingredients, says Jeffers. To confirm this, the owner can reintroduce the old food to see if the symptoms return. To find the specific ingredients that trigger the allergy, the owner should feed the special diet again and add one ingredient at a time from the old diet for at least a week until the itching increases, indicating that the last added ingredient is an allergen. Or the owner may choose to stay with the special food to avoid causing the pet discomfort each time an allergic ingredient is fed.

While the pet is being tested for food allergies, it should not be given treats, chewable medications, table scraps, or rawhide toys that may contain an allergen.

To check for atopic and contact allergies, veterinary dermatologists use an intradermal allergy test, or skin reaction test. The pet is mildly sedated, a postcard-sized area on the side of the pet is shaved, and small amounts of potential allergens are injected into the skin on the shaved area. If the pet is allergic to a particular substance, the skin will become inflamed at the area of the injection.

Jeffers tested Nora, a wire fox terrier, for 58 different allergens. The dog had been "scratching and biting herself all over, 24 hours a day," since it was 3 months old, says owner Katie Mathews of Bethesda, Md. "The scratching kept Nora up all night and kept the family up all night," she says. Before she was referred to Jeffers, Mathews had taken Nora to several veterinarians, who prescribed various antihistamines, shampoos, sprays, and a food elimination diet--none of which worked. "Steroids were successful," says Mathews, "but I didn't want to keep her on them because of the long-term side effects." Mathews also "wanted to get to the root of the problem" so that the allergic substances could be avoided if possible.

Through skin testing, Jeffers determined that Nora had atopic and contact allergies and was allergic to dozens of substances, including pollens, molds, dust mites, grass, cotton, and wool.

Treating Allergies in Pets

Although allergies can't be cured, they can be controlled by avoiding the allergens, treating the symptoms, or desensitizing the pet. In Nora's case, all three methods are used.

Fleas, food ingredients, and some substances that trigger contact allergies may be avoidable, but "with atopic allergies, avoidance is virtually impossible," says Jeffers.

Drug products are available to relieve the symptoms of itchiness and inflammation in pets. Like any drugs designed for animals, these products must obtain FDA approval before they can be marketed by meeting rigorous scientific standards similar to those for human drugs.

The FDA approved two itch-relieving drugs in 2003: Atopica (cyclosporine) for controlling atopic dermatitis in dogs weighing at least four pounds, and Genesis Topical Spray (triamcinolone) for controlling itching related to allergic dermatitis in dogs. Atopica, a product of Novartis Animal Health US Inc. of Greensboro, N.C., is a capsule given orally. It works by inhibiting specific immune cells from reacting to allergens, and can be given as a lifelong treatment. Genesis, made by RMS Laboratories Inc. of Vidalia, Ga., is a steroid spray that is applied to a dog's skin for up to 28 days. Both of these drugs must be prescribed by a veterinarian.

The FDA has approved other steroid products for short-term use in dogs and cats to relieve inflammation and itching. Long-term steroid use is discouraged because these drugs work by suppressing the immune system; this suppressant action over time can leave an animal vulnerable to infection, diabetes, and other conditions.

Veterinarians often prescribe antihistamines approved by the FDA for humans to relieve itchiness in pets. Under the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994 (AMDUCA), veterinarians may legally treat dogs and cats with drugs that have been approved for people but not for animals. Pet owners should check with their veterinarians before giving a pet any human medications, including over-the-counter antihistamines.

"If we can control the allergies through medication for occasional flare-ups, antihistamines and steroids are useful," says Troutman. But if these medications are needed continuously to provide relief, Troutman recommends seeking other options, such as immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy is a treatment that stimulates the immune system to decrease the body's reaction to allergens. Similar to people with allergies, animals can be given immunotherapy, or desensitization injections. These "allergy shots" contain small amounts, or extracts, of the substances that the animal is allergic to, based on the results of skin testing. The owner gives the shots to the pet at home, usually in the scruff of the neck. The extracts used for allergy testing and treatment in veterinary practices are licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Center for Veterinary Biologics.

Somewhere between 50 percent and 70 percent of dogs and 75 percent to 80 percent of cats respond to immunotherapy, depending upon the study reported, says Morris. "Occasionally, it is so effective that the animal is normal without other treatments," he says, but the majority require medications in addition to the injections. The injections are usually given every 7 to 21 days, depending on the pet's response, says Morris. And rarely does an animal become permanently desensitized so that the injections can be stopped.

Nora gets a weekly injection. Mathews also gives her Atopica and, when the pollen count is up, an over-the-counter antihistamine. Mathews has placed synthetic blankets around the house for Nora to lie on, since the dog is allergic to cotton and wool in the furniture and carpeting. Nora also has a vinyl bed to lie on in the yard, since she's allergic to grass. This allergy management program helps keep the 18-month-old dog comfortable. "She still has periods of scratching," says Mathews, but "she's not biting herself as much and she's sleeping at night." Mathews reports that her other dog, Nora's littermate Nick, is allergy-free.

Allergies in pets are neither preventable nor foreseeable, says Morris. "You can have one puppy out of a litter of 10 with allergic skin disease, or it can skip generations. We can't possibly predict it," he says, even if you have a pet examined by a vet at a very young age.