Companion discusses pet allergies & factors on CBS Chicago

Our very own Dr. Amanda Schnitker at Companion Animal Hospital River North was featured on CBS Chicago! Watch the video to learn more about pet allergies and what do do if your pet has a serious allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis.
Severity of allergies in pets can vary, just like in humans, and can be due to a long list of factors such as medications, pollen, dander, shampoo, dust, and food. Often times, minor allergies produce symptoms such as:
- Excessive paw-licking
- Itchiness
- Scratching and butt-scooting
- Hair loss, either an all-over thinning or bald spots
- Coughing, sneezing, or asthma
- Tummy trouble like vomiting and diarrhea (for food allergies)
However, anaphylaxis is serious and can be fatal as it can affect major organ systems such as the gastrointestinal tract, the circulatory system and the lungs. Action should be taken immediately if your dog shows any of the following symptoms:
- Swollen muzzle and/or eyes
- Sudden gasping and trouble breathing
- Rapid-onset diarrhea or vomiting
- Weakness
- Collapsing
Please reach out to your nearest Companion location with any questions or concerns!

Written By: Morgan Rhyner, Companion Animal Hospital Marketing Manager
Sources: http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/my-dog-just-came-inside-and-her-eyelids-and-muzzle-are-swollen-whats-going-on - https://www.rover.com/blog/dogs-allergic-reaction-signs/

Help your pup conquer seasonal allergies with Cytopoint!

Help your pup conquer seasonal allergies with Cytopoint!

With warm weather right around the corner, allergies are starting to act up. Just like humans, many dogs are affected by seasonal allergies.  Allergies in dogs show up as skin problems, typically signaled by licking, biting, scratching, etc.  The discomfort from the allergy itself can be doubled when secondary (bacterial and/or yeast) infections on the skin occur. Though it depends on what your dog is allergic to, allergies are commonly seen seasonally in the spring, summer, and fall. 

There are many medication options for seasonal allergies.  All of them have their pros and cons.  Some common medications work well but have annoying side effects.  Others are very safe, but are only minimally effective.  Recently, a new injection known as Cytopoint was added to your veterinarian’s arsenal to combat the itch associated with your pet’s allergy.

What is Cytopoint? 

Cytopoint is an injection works by decreasing the itch associated with allergies.  It does this by blocking IL-31, a cytokine that triggers the process of sending itch signals to the brain.  Cytokines are a protein that signals other cells by binding to receptors on those cells.  Basically, the cytopoint blocks the itch from being felt by the brain and thus stops the licking, biting, scratching, and discomfort associated with allergies.

When given, Cytopoint begins relieving itching within one day and injections last for 4-8 weeks.  They can be repeated as needed.  Cytopoint is very safe for dogs of all ages, even those with other diseases, and can be used with many other common medications.  It has little to no side effects and has minimal effects on the immune system as a whole.

If your dog has signs that may be consistent with seasonal allergies, please don’t hesitate to contact us to see if Cytopoint might be a good fit for you!

Written by: Derek Williamson, DVM

Companion Animal Hospital Vernon Hills

Crawford Animal Hospital