Itchy dog? Could be allergy !!!

Canine Atopic Dermatitis (CAD) is a chronic genetic condition which predisposes your dog to develop an allergy to environmental allergens that the dog may inhale, such as dust mites, pollens, molds, etc… Some breeds are predisposed to CAD: Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Westies, Bull Dogs,  to name a few. Symptoms can be seasonal or year-long depending on the allergens involved. Dogs can also have food allergies, and it is not rare that some unlucky dogs will be allergic to several or more allergens, including some food and some environmental allergens. Allergies in dogs are one of the most frequent reasons for consultation in veterinary practice.

Symptoms of allergies will usually start between 1 and 3 years of age.

Dog allergies will often affect the skin and will usually start with an erythema (inflammation/redness of the skin) and pruritus (itchiness, causing licking, biting or scratching of an area). These symptoms usually affect the ears, feet, face, flanks, the front of elbows or the perineum. Self- inflicted lesions may cause hair loss, crusts and excoriations, coloration of the hair and pigmentation and thickening of the skin. Secondary bacterial or fungal infections and ear infections are frequent complications. Less often the dog may present some conjunctivitis or rhinitis. Unfortunately, allergies are causing life long problems and you, as the pet owner, and your vet, have to team-up to minimize and maintain control throughout the years. Fortunately, a lot can be done to help him. As the symptoms are very common, it 's hard to differentiate based on them between food allergy and atopy. Treatment will, therefore, start by elimination diet trial with a hypoallergenic food, some omega-3 supplements, a medicated shampoo, and some local or oral therapies. Of course, any concomitant infections will have to be treated as well. Whether or not you have success controlling the symptoms to confirm the diagnosis by exclusion accurate allergy testing can be done adding another part of the puzzle. If this test gives us some outcome towards environmental allergens involvement, desensitization can be started via Hypo-sensitisation therapy. Although less frequently, cats can also suffer from allergies. In cats, this will often cause excessive grooming leading to bilateral, symmetric hair loss, inflammation and secondary skin infections. Some allergic cats may also develop some extremely red and itchy plaques on the skin. Treatment will be similar, and allergy testing and desensitization can also be performed in our feline patients.

Your pet’s skin isn’t just a covering — it’s a vital organ that protects them from the outside world. At ABVC, we believe that healthy skin is a key part of overall wellness. Here’s how to keep your pet’s skin healthy and comfortable!

Common Skin Problems in Pets

Skin issues are one of the most common reasons for vet visits. Common conditions include:

• Allergies (food, environmental, or parasites)
• Parasites (fleas, ticks, mites)
• Bacterial or fungal infections
• Dry, flaky skin
• Hot spots (areas of intense irritation)
• Hormonal imbalances (e.g., hypothyroidism)

Early detection is crucial. Signs to watch for:

• Constant scratching, licking, or chewing
• Redness, dryness, bald spots, or bumps
• Dull or thinning fur
• Unusual odors
• Behavioral changes like irritability or lethargy

How ABVC Can Help

Our veterinary team provides a full range of services to diagnose and treat skin conditions, including:

• Comprehensive skin examinations and diagnostics
• Parasite prevention and treatment
• Allergy testing and management
• Tailored treatment plans with education on home care
• Nutritional advice and supplement support for skin health
• Grooming guidance and maintenance tips

We focus not just on treatment, but on finding the root cause to help ensure lasting results.

Preventive Tips for Healthy Skin

• Groom regularly to spot changes early and distribute natural oils.
• Feed a balanced diet rich in Omega-3s and quality proteins.
• Maintain parasite control year-round.
• Schedule routine checkups to catch and treat issues early.

When in Doubt, Reach Out

If you notice any skin or coat changes, don’t wait. Early intervention makes a real difference. Book your consultation today: Phone: 04-3408601 Email: frontdesk@abvc.ae WhatsApp: 050-3440987   At ABVC, we’re committed to keeping your pets healthy — inside and out.

Understanding pet allergies: Similar to humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets can experience allergic reactions brought on by a range of situations. Numerous symptoms, including continuous itching, irritated skin, respiratory discomfort, and gastrointestinal issues, are brought on by these allergies. While the manifestations vary by species, the fundamental mechanisms remain the same, involving an overactive immune response to perceived threats. Identifying Allergens: The quest to manage pet allergies commences with the identification of allergens, the substances that incite adverse reactions in our furry companions. Among the most notorious allergens is the ubiquitous flea, recognized as the number one allergen in dogs, cats, and rabbits, whose presence can wreak havoc on a pet’s skin and well-being. Beyond fleas, environmental factors such as pollen, dust mites, and certain foods also rank among the primary culprits. These allergens infiltrate our pets’ bodies through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, eliciting immune responses that manifest in distressing symptoms. Managing Allergy in Pets: While there is no treatment for pet allergies, the following activities can help reduce symptoms and improve general well-being.

1. Preventing allergens: For example, if your pet begins to sneeze more frequently during pollen season, bringing them inside when pollen levels are high can have a major effect. Using hypoallergenic bedding and cleaning their living space on a regular basis can also help to minimize dust and mold buildup.
2. Diet Modifications: Changing what your pet eats can sometimes significantly alleviate allergy problems. Following a hypoallergenic diet, which excludes common allergens such as wheat, soy, and corn, as well as particular proteins such as beef or chicken, can be extremely beneficial for pets with food allergies.
3. Bathing and grooming: Regularly bathing your pet with a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo can be extremely beneficial to their delicate skin. It not only relieves discomfort, but also removes allergens from their fur.
4. Medications: Your veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids to help relieve symptoms. These drugs have the potential to drastically transform the condition by reducing itching, irritation, and overall discomfort.
5. Immunotherapy (allergy shots): If typical therapies are ineffective in severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy. These shots work by gradually making your pet’s immune system less susceptible to specific allergens, reducing sensitivity over time and relieving allergic symptoms.

Home Remedies for Pet Allergies While professional help from the vet is crucial for managing pet allergies, there are some things we can try at home too. Ever thought about adding omega-3 fatty acids to your pet’s diet? They’re not just good for us—they can help reduce inflammation and keep our pet’s skin healthy too. And how about probiotics? Adding these to your pet’s diet might just give their immune system a boost and keep their gut bacteria in check. Oh, and don’t forget the classic oatmeal bath! It might sound a bit strange, but soaking your pet in a warm oatmeal bath can do wonders for soothing their itchy skin and giving them some relief from those pesky allergy symptoms. Conclusion Pet allergies can be a source of frustration for both pets and their owners, but with proper management and care, it’s possible to improve your furry friend’s comfort and well-being. By identifying and avoiding allergens, making dietary adjustments, and seeking veterinary guidance, you can help your pet lead a happier, healthier life free from the discomfort of allergies. Remember, every pet is unique, so it’s essential to work closely with your veterinarian to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your pet’s specific needs   Written by: Dr. Razan Hassan El Moussawi – Veterinarian

A skin allergy or atopic dermatitis is an allergic reaction that develops when a pet is sensitive to something they encounter in their day-to-day living. Three common types of skin allergies are linked to the main allergy triggers: fleabites, food, contact allergens and things within the environment (such as pollen, grasses, and trees). Most dogs with allergic skin conditions have two or more triggers which can make skin allergies complicated to manage. (more…)

When should you be worried about your pet's skin?

What problems or signs should indicate that you need to visit your vet? A normal healthy coat should be glossy and smooth (dependent on the breed of dog or cat). The skin should be clear, clean and free of inflammation. There should be no hair loss, reddened patches or excessive itchiness. Remember that the surface of the ears, mucous membranes around the mouth and eyes, and anal area, are part of the one organ, the skin, which covers the entire body. This is the largest organ that your pet has. Any deviation to the above-mentioned healthy 'integument', or skin, should alert you to a problem. Any inflammation, thickening of the skin, hair loss, incessant itching, would warrant attention. Atopy, or excessive itching, is one of the most common concerns and an indicator of a possible problem. This would indicate the necessity to visit your local veterinarian. When consulting your vet, it is very important to work together with them to formulate a thorough clinical history of your pet. The vet will ask you many questions relating to your pet. This will help them to start the step-by-step diagnostic process in approaching your pet's skin condition. After thoroughly examining your pet, your vet may then suggest doing some in-house skin tests, to rule out certain possible parasitic causes of the skin problem. As a general rule, regular ectoparasitic treatment is highly advisable. As sensitive skin, that may be prone to (itchy) allergic responses, may be aggravated by a parasite (tick, flea, mite, lice), jumping on your pet and biting the skin. In approaching skin cases, we need to rule out possible causes of the disease in a step-by-step fashion. Allergy to parasitic causes needs to be ruled out. Infectious causes, like bacteria and fungi, need to be ruled out. Endocrine imbalances, such as Cushing's disease and thyroid gland dysfunction, need to be ruled out. Often times, a few consecutive visits to your vets, with a constant monitoring and management plan agreed upon by yourself and your vet, are needed, to adequately approach and manage skin cases. Once all possible causes that can be diagnosed, have been ruled out, one could possibly end up diagnosing Atopy. In other words, allergic reaction in the skin leading to excessive itchiness and its consequences. We have a detailed blog on Allergy in dogs on our website, please see the following allergy">link to read these. Some possible diagnostic steps regarding allergies can be considered, once this has been diagnosed. There are blood tests available to specify which substances your pet is allergic to. This will aid one's choice of diet-sometimes a pet is allergic to certain types of food. It will also aid lifestyle choices in order to try and avoid the environmental allergens your pet's skin may react to. The formulation of injectable allergen - 'vaccines', are possible, that gradually boost your pet's immunity to the allergen's he or she is sensitive to. If your pet has an inherent allergy to certain food types, it would be necessary to place them on a food trial: feeding special hypo-allergenic food only, in order to alleviate their skin condition. Luckily, there are hypo-allergenic treats available too, so you can still treat your pet even while on the unique diet. Please consult your vet in Dubai for suggestions on which food would be appropriate. Overall, skin conditions require a patient and diligent owner. Management of these conditions may be time-consuming and require building a good relationship with your vet. This will enable you both to work together, in order to manage the well-being of your pet and ensure their best possible quality of life

As pet owners, we need to understand and detect when our beloved companion animals start to be allergic to many things as we are. One of the most common types of allergies suffered by companion animals mimic those suffered by people: environmentally factors, due to dust, pollen and mold; ingested allergens, usually caused by certain kinds of food, topical allergies, or allergies triggered by contact with various things.

What is an allergy?

The allergy symptoms usually occur when the immune system overreacts to something that it is harmless to most pets but triggers a reaction in anyone sensitive to it. Those substances are known as allergens.

Atopic Allergies/ Environmental Allergies

Environmental allergies also referred to as inhaled allergies or atopic, are probably already familiar to you. That’s because the same things that trigger these allergies in humans: dust mites, mold, and pollen spores trigger them in companion animals. Atopic allergies are the most common allergies in pets, and they can be difficult to pinpoint because many of the symptoms they cause can be easily confused with other problems.

What is an atopic allergy?

Various substances, called allergens, can trigger especially atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common causes of chronic itching in dogs. In general, atopic dermatitis is caused by an allergic reaction as hypersensitivity to one or more substances in the environment. The main symptom of atopic dermatitis is usually itchiness. The face and feet may seem particularly irritated, the skin on some parts of the body may be moist, reddened, or damaged due to scratching/chewing. The ears may also be inflamed, and recurrent ear infections (otitis externa) are quite common in these patients. Very often skin infections can also occur. Less often, dogs with atopic dermatitis have other signs of “allergies” including a runny nose or eyes. Atopic dermatitis in cats, progressively worsens with time, though they become more apparent during certain seasons. The most commonly affected areas in cats include the: ears, ankles, muzzle, underarms, groin, around the eyes, in between the toes. The signs associated with atopic dermatitis, meanwhile, consist of itching, scratching, rubbing, and licking, especially around the face, paws, and underarms.

Food Allergies, Ingested Allergies or Food intolerance?

Food allergies affect both dogs and cats. Unlike atopy, between specific breeds and food allergies, there is no strong link. Food allergies affect both males and females and intact or neutered animals equally. They can show up as early as five months and as late as 12 years of age. Many animals with food allergies also have concurrent inhalant or contact allergies. There is always a distinction that needs to be made between food allergies and food intolerances. Food allergies are true allergies and show the characteristic symptoms of itching and skin problems associated with canine and feline allergies. Diarrhea or vomiting can result from food intolerances but do not create a typical allergic response. Food intolerances in pets would be similar to people who get diarrhea or an upset stomach from eating spicy or fried foods. Both food intolerances and allergies, fortunately, can be eliminated with a diet free from offending agents. In general, it is difficult to distinguish an animal suffering from food allergies from an animal suffering from atopy or other types of allergies based on physical signs. However, there are a few signs that can increase the suspicion that food allergies may be present. One of these is a dog with recurrent ear problems, particularly yeast infections, or a very young dog with moderate or severe skin problems. As an example, if a dog suffers from allergies throughout the year or if the symptoms begin when seasons changes, one of the clues can be an itchy skin on the dog which does not respond to steroid treatment.

Topical Allergies

Topical allergies are the least common kind of dog allergy and are caused when a pet comes into contact with something that irritates his/her skin. Pet’s owners usually notice these allergies right away, since they are often triggered by the introduction of a new product in a pet’s life. The most common behind topical allergies in dogs are flea collars, shampoos, pet sweaters, plastic food bowls, plants, wool bedding and certain grasses. The symptoms of topical allergies may include redness, itching, swelling, and hair loss. It is important to pay close attention to your pet behavior and physical conditions at all times, to be on the alert for symptoms.

Are the pets scratching just due to an allergic condition?

Pets will also scratch if they are suffering from mite infestations in the skin, from bacterial infections or from yeast or fungal infections. Mites cause the conditions collectively known as Mange, in dogs. Demodectic Mange is the commonest, but Sarcoptic Mange is also occasionally seen. Mange infestation can only be diagnosed by your veterinarian who will usually do some skin scrapings to attempt to find the mites. Bacterial infections are more often a cause of itchy skin. Bacterias can spread over the skin surface causing the development of pus-containing blisters, red inflamed areas of skin, or red and revolting, moist, oozing sores called Hot Spots. Yeast and fungi are also infectious organisms that cause most skin complaints. When these bugs are present in a pet, the result is often the development of black, thickened skin, excessive scale and odor and a greasy feel and appearance of the skin. Face-rubbing is also a common sign. Determining the cause of skin conditions in pets is not easy. Don't allow your pet to suffer, see your veterinarian for a skin management program and 'lick the itch'!

When cared for properly, Hamsters are quite sturdy animals in terms of their health. But there are several hamster health issues that every Hamster parent should be aware of. In this article, we will mention the common hamster health issues that can affect your pet hamster. If you have any doubts about your hamster's health, always check with one of our professional Vets at Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference in the recovery of your pets’ health.

Abscess

The main cause of Abscess is a wound from a bite or other injuries. This is a wound infected with pus-forming bacteria. The pus is accumulated under the skin, forming lumps. Sometimes these lumps start draining on their own. But most often it will require a Vet to drain and flush the Abscess. You may need to continue flushing the wound at home by the Vet advice. The Vet will prescribe antibiotics as well to help fight the bacteria.

Diabetes

Like in humans, Diabetes can affect Hamsters. Diabetes is caused when the body doesn’t produce insulin or the insulin cannot break down the sugar. The signs of diabetes are frequent urination, excessive drinking of water, sudden weight loss, or weight gain. If you notice these symptoms, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. All fruits, high carb treats, and high carb vegetables should be avoided. You should feed your hamster a low-fat and low-carb diet. You can remove the peas, corn, and sunflower seeds from the commercial Hamster diet; add alfalfa hay and boiled eggs to his daily feeding.

Learn more about adopting small pets like Hamster, Guinea Pigs, or Rabbits

Wet Tail

Wet Tail is a disease that causes diarrhea and if not treated it is lethal. The disease is usually common for weaned babies when the space is overcrowded and in older hamsters with a low immune system. Stress is a major cause of Wet Tail. The symptoms are diarrhea (causing wetness of the tail and the hind area, hence the name), inactivity, loss of appetite, and scruffy coat. The disease progresses quickly and can kill the Hamster in 24 to 48 hours. That is why is important to have the Hamster seen by a vet as soon as possible.

Diarrhea

Hamsters can get diarrhea for several reasons, one being Wet Tail disease. However, if there is a sudden change in their diet or a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, they can get diarrhea. But unlike with Wet Tail, they will be active and eating well. In that case, all the vegetables and fruits should be stopped until the stool is back to normal. Even after diarrhea has stopped, the introduction of vegetables and fruits should be very gradual. You can use fruits and vegetables once or twice a week as a treat. Diarrhea can cause dehydration quite fast in Hamsters, so it is important to have fresh water available at all-time in the cage. And it is best to seek medical attention so the diarrhea is resolved quickly.

Overgrown teeth

The incisor's teeth grow constantly in Hamsters. They are worn down by chewing. In some cases, the teeth grow so long that they will go through to the nasal cavity causing infections and abscesses. If the teeth are overgrown, the Hamster will not be able to eat and will start losing weight. The only treatment is for the teeth to be cut by a Veterinarian.

Overgrowing of the teeth can be genetic or not having enough chewing material available for your Hamster to gnaw on and wear down his teeth. To make sure your Hamster’s teeth are in good shape, check them regularly and visit the Vet if they are overgrown or in an irregular shape. Like with all health problems, prevention is the best remedy. You will need to provide your Hamster with a lot of chewing material. There are a lot of readily available chew toys for Hamsters, made out of wood and other materials that are safe for a Hamster to chew on. Using dry pellet food will also help wear down the teeth.

Skin Problems

Skin problems in Hamsters can be mites, allergies, or fungal infections. If you notice that your Hamster is scratching and has a loss of fur, you should take him for a check with the Vet. The Vet can determine the right medicine and the dose for your hamster. Mites are parasites that live on the skin. They are not a concern for healthy animals, but older animals with lower immune systems can get a severe infestation that will cause major hair fall and dandruff. Ringworm is a fungal infection. It is a Zoonotic disease, meaning that spreads on humans. It manifests as a circle of hair loss and the skin is red and flaky. If your Hamster has been diagnosed with mites or fungal infection, the cage and all cage accessories need to be completely cleaned and disinfected. The whole bedding should be changed as sometimes the bedding can carry mites and other parasites. If you have more than one Hamster, they should be separated for the duration of the treatment. Allergies can develop from anything, from food to environmental causes. The most common allergens for Hamsters are dyed paper bedding and cereals in the food. If your Hamster was diagnosed by the Vet with an allergy, best is to avoid these.

Respiratory problems

Hamsters can get respiratory problems that can later turn into Pneumonia. The first signs of respiratory problems are sneezing, wheezing sounds while breathing, loss of appetite, inactivity, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these signs, it is imperative to take your Hamster to the Vet as soon as possible. Cedar and Pine bedding can cause respiratory problems as these beddings emit fumes that are toxic to Hamsters. These two should be avoided at all costs. Aspen shavings, Corn Cob bedding or paper shaving are better options for Hamsters.

Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, and Gerbils have increased in popularity as small pets, especially in families with young children as they are fun, cuddly, and cute (or so it is believed) Before considering owning a small animal as a pet, there are few things to consider, like costs involved besides the initial purchase costs, allergy problems in the family, required husbandry involved, species to choose from, character, care, exercise needs and Veterinary Care. Character-wise, we have to say that every animal is an individual and will have their own unique personality. But there are general character traits that will more or less imply to all of the same species and sexe. All pets need a good amount of care and time dedicated to them. Rabbits and Guinea Pigs are more demanding than Hamsters and Gerbils. That said, the interaction with Rabbits and Guinea Pigs is different than with Hamsters and Gerbils. Rabbits can even come when called; they like to be cuddled and stroked and love the attention from their owner. Guinea Pigs are known to “sing/whistle” when the owner is coming. Rabbits and Guinea Pigs can be let out of the cage to roam free, of course under supervision. But hamsters and gerbils should not be let out to roam free as they will hide or escape and easily hide or fall prey to other animals. While Gerbils and Hamsters keep themselves fit and entertained by doing their cardio work out in the cage on their wheel, Guinea Pigs and Rabbits especially need at least an hour per day out of the cage to run and explore. Although there are no required vaccines for small animals, they do need regular Vet Care, especially if they do get sick. It is important to find a Vet that has knowledge and experience in treating small animals as not all Vets treat them. The Vets at Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic are very knowledgeable in small animal care and treatment. You can always schedule an appointment with one of the Vets if you have any questions or concerns about your pet. In separate blogs, we will briefly explain some of their characteristics and care needs, and it is up to you to decide which will be best suited for your family. If you would like to know more about any of the small animals, you can always contact the vets or nurses from Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic. Use our free advise consult to obtain valuable information prior to adding a small pet to your household. Small Mammals can be a huge contribution to your family life and add to the education and care development of young children whilst growing up to become responsible adults. Exposure to pets at an early age has proven to be beneficial to children, both in preventing allergies build up as well as developing a caring character. Besides this, they are so much fun!

But…..only if the care is properly done

Before acquiring a small pet, read up on their habits, their needs, their longevity, and the general costs involved in keeping them. So there will be no nasty surprises for either you, your family but above all, the small Pet involved. We have prepared a small overview of each of the most common small mammals, kept as pets in our homes. It will cover their background, their basic needs, and some tips and warnings to complete this information.

1. Rabbits
2. Guinea Pigs
3. Hamster
4. Gerbil