CHARLOTTE STREET ANIMAL HOSPITAL: NEWSLETTER MARCH 2015

Your CSAH News

828-232-0440

www.CharlotteStreetAnimalHospital.com

Allergies are one of the most common

conditions affecting pets. In the allergic

state, the pet's immune system "overreacts" to foreign substances to

which it is exposed. These overreactions are manifested in different ways:

-itching the skin (localized or all over the body) *most common reaction

-respiratory system (coughing, sneezing, and/or wheezing)

- nasal or ocular (eye) discharge

- digestive system (vomiting or diarrhea)

Contact allergies (least common type): They result in a local reaction to the skin

with irritation and itching at the points of contact. Examples include reactions to

flea collars or types of bedding such as wool.

Flea allergy (common in cats and dogs): An average pet experiences only minor

irritation in response to flea bites, often without any itching. Alternatively, the

flea-allergic pet has a severe, itch-producing reaction when the flea's saliva is

deposited in the skin. Just 1 bite causes such intense itching that the pet may

intensely scratch or chew itself, leading to the removal of large amounts of hair

and/or serious skin irritations. The area most commonly involved is over the

rump (just in front of the tail).

Inhalant allergy (most common type): Inhaled allergens include tree pollens, grass

pollens (especially Bermuda), weed pollens, molds, mildew, & the house dust

mite. Many of these allergies occur seasonally, such as ragweed, cedar, & grass

pollens. Others are with us all the time, such as molds, mildew, & dust mites.

Food Allergy: Cats and dogs are not likely to be born with food allergies. More

commonly, they develop allergies to food products they have eaten for a long

time. The allergy most frequently develops in response to the protein component

of the food; for example, beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. Food allergies may

produce itching, digestive disorders, and respiratory distress.

Bacterial Allergy (only in dogs): Staphylococcus is a bacterium found on normal dog skin, & if the dog’s skin &

immune system are normal, Staph causes no problems to its host. Some dogs

develop an allergy to this bacterium, & the dog develops round hair loss areas.

Allergies in Dogs

and Cats

Poisonous Plants If you have any of these

common plants inside or around

the outside of your home, be

sure they are in places where

your pets can’t reach, or

consider getting rid of them

altogether:

Aloe, Lilies, Ferns, Ivy,

Eucalyptus, Azalea, Buckeye,

Hyacinth, Hydrangea,

Honeysuckle, Rhododendron,

Iris, Cycads, Tulip, Daffodil,

Palm, & Lupine

For a complete list and images of

toxic and non-toxic plants, click

here.

*If you think your pet has been

exposed to a poisonous

substance, call the ASPCA

Animal Poison Control Center at

1-888-426-4435, & consult your

veterinarian for follow-up care -

it may save your pet’s life.

More information:

www.aspca.org/apcc.

CHARLOTTE STREET ANIMAL HOSPITAL: NEWSLETTER MARCH 2015

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Chocolate Toxicity in pets needs immediate

veterinarian attention. If your pet consumes chocolate,

then pancreatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal

pain are just the beginning effects.

Chocolate is directly toxic because of the theobromine.

Baking chocolate is the most toxic to pets, followed by

semisweet and dark chocolate, then milk chocolate,

then chocolate flavored cakes or cookies. Theobromine

causes vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors,

seizures, racing heart rhythm progressing to abnormal

rhythms, and even death

in severe cases.

It takes nearly 4 days for the effects of chocolate to

work its way out of the system. If the chocolate was

only just eaten, it is possible to induce vomiting;

otherwise, hospitalization and support are often

needed.

Keep Chocolate Bunnies out of Pet’s Reach

Both dogs and cats should continue to take their

monthly heartworm, intestinal parasite, and flea

medications during the winter months. Although the

likelihood of animals coming into contact with fleas

or mosquitos is lower during Asheville winters, there

is still a risk of infection. Many pets travel with their

owners to other areas of the country where the risk is

higher during the winter, so they need to be

protected. Additionally, the intestinal parasite risk

does not change seasonally, so it is important to keep

our furry family members protected from this group

of potentially harmful parasites. Some parasites are

zoonotic and can be passed to humans.

ASK A DVM:

Is it true that pets’ flea & tick medicine is not necessary during the winter?

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH:

REVOLUTION

- Prevents heartworm disease

- Kills adult fleas

- Prevents flea eggs from hatching

- Prevents and controls flea infestations

- Treats and controls ear mites

- Protects from Roundworms and Hookworms (in cats)

- Treats and controls sarcoptic mange (in dogs)

- Controls American dog tick infestations (in dogs)

This monthly topical liquid is easy to apply. Call us with any

questions or if you need guidance on how to apply properly.

CSAH NEWS & EVENTS:

CSAH’s New Communication System: Please email us at

csah@earthlink.net if there are any of these communication

options you would prefer we not use: email, phone call, text, etc

Brother Wolf’s Run for the Paws 5K Run – 1K Walk Event

at Fletcher Park, April 26th 1-4pm

Barq in the Parq Event, Flat Rock, May 17th 10-6pm

DID YOU KNOW?

The most common cause of itching in pets is from an

inhalant allergy. The dog or cat's reaction to these

allergens usually produces severe, generalized itching.

Pets can be allergic to all of the same inhaled allergens

that affect us!

Vet Visit Tip of the Month:

Try to limit food before your pet’s

vet appointment so that treats are

more effective. If your

appointment is around meal time,

you could feed a smaller amount

of dinner so that your pet will

respond better to positive food

rewards during your visit with us.