Getting a good history and a complete picture of anything that might have changed in a pet’s environment is important for any allergy diagnosis. Ultimately, getting history depends on fully engaging the pet owner to identify possible causes.
Consider this article as a resource to help pet owners think about possible causes when they suspect a pet allergy and to realize the importance of a timely visit to the veterinarian.
As a pet parent, you need to proactively identify any underlying signs of allergies in your four-legged babies for a simple reason that they can’t verbalize their discomforts other than a vehement woof-woof here and there asking for help.”
Source: Puppies and Pooches, June 7, 2021. Link. It can be challenging to differentiate between seasonal, food and environmental allergies. We often focus on allergies as the weather turns warmer, but winter allergies are not uncommon. Changes in air fresheners, pet shampoos, day-care locations, having carpets cleaned or laundry detergents are also possible triggers.
INSIGHTS: Nervous about their pets or pocketbooks, pet owners are often reluctant to share a lot of details. To get a good history takes patience, use time and simple open-ended questions.