GUELPH, ON, May 13, 2015 /CNW/ - If you have seasonal allergies, spring brings itchy, watery eyes and lots of sneezing. But if your dog has seasonal allergies, it's not "Gesundheit" you'll be saying.
Royal Canin has launched a public awareness campaign to help educate Canadians about seasonal allergies in their dogs. Research has shown the majority of Canadian dog owners are unaware that the signs of seasonal allergies in humans are different than in dogs — something the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology wants to see change.
"Dogs can be allergic to many of the same allergens as humans, including mould, house dust mites, saliva from biting insects and tree, grass and weed pollens," says Dr. Vincent Defalque, President of the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology. "However, the reality is these allergies present themselves quite differently in dogs than in humans. That's why it's so important pet owners know the signs."
One of the most telling signs of seasonal allergies in dogs is itching and scratching. Dogs with seasonal allergies will be reluctant to have their ears handled, may scratch a lot, have itchy, red skin or excessively chew on their paws. An easy way to remember the signs is to think ESP: Ears, Skin, Paws.
Dogs displaying any of these signs should be attended to by a veterinarian for a thorough exam and diagnosis.
"In dogs, allergens are mostly absorbed through the skin, not their respiratory system, so it's veterinary dermatologists who are actually the allergists of the pet world," says Dr. Alison Turcotte, a veterinarian with Royal Canin Canada. "In fact, skin issues are among the most common reasons dog owners seek support from their veterinarian."
Veterinarians have a number of treatment options to both alleviate discomfort of the symptoms as well as address the underlying issue of seasonal allergies. These options can include: topical therapies, oral medications, soothing shampoos and desensitization (immunotherapy or allergy shots/drops) as well as veterinary exclusive pet food specifically designed to address environmental allergies.
Clinical research has shown that diets formulated specifically to address a dog's environmental allergies play a key role in restoring the skin barrier.
"Anyone who suspects their dog has a seasonal allergy should make an appointment with their veterinarian to help reduce or prevent the clinical signs that could arise this spring," says Turcotte.
More information can be found at royalcanin.ca/itchypetseeyourvet or on Twitter by following @RoyalCaninCA or #ItchyPetSeeYourVet.
About Royal Canin
Royal Canin is a worldwide manufacturer and supplier of high quality, specialized dog and cat nutrition in the veterinary, pet specialty and breeder channels. Its headquarters are in France and production operations exist in 12 countries around the world, including the Canadian plant based in Guelph, Ontario. Royal Canin offers a comprehensive veterinary exclusive line of therapeutic and life stage formulas.
About Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology
The Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology (CAVD) is a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing and disseminating knowledge and information regarding the field of veterinary dermatology. Its activities include fostering engagement between veterinary dermatology specialists and general veterinary practitioners, providing outreach, funding research, and liaising with other member organizations under the auspices of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology.
SOURCE Royal Canin
Image with caption: "Royal Canin (CNW Group/Royal Canin)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150513_C4694_PHOTO_EN_16595.jpg
Media Contact: Jo Ann Robinson, ON Communication, 519.963.1946, [email protected]
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