Binbrook Animal Hospital
NEWS
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CLINIC NEWS:
Binbrook Animal Hospital Supports the Hamilton/Burlington S.P.C.A - The Binbrook
staff participated in the 23rd Annual Wiggle Waggle Walk-a-thon, in support of the
Hamilton/Burlington S.P.C.A. The walk took place at Bayfront Park on September 9 th. We raised over
$300!! Thank you to everyone who helped in raising money 
Binbrook has officially embraced the fall season that so quickly came upon us! Come in and check out our fall decorations!
Save the date!!! Binbrook will be hosting a “Pet Photography Day” on November 10th! Please call and book an
appointment to have your pet photographed professionally!!
Allergic Pets and Their Owners
In the autumn, falling leaves and dried-out weeds release
clouds of irritating particulate matter into the air, right
where your dog is waiting to inhale them. As pets move
indoors to escape the cold, mite allergies may develop.
Dogs trap allergens in their extensive sinuses. Fur is also a
natural magnet for dust and particles, which means that
your dog could be covered -- inside and out -- in triggering
pollens. Add to that a warm autumn where the fleas are
still around, and you have one unhappy dog!
It's a very frustrating and somewhat common situation.
Pet owners by the millions flock to their veterinarians in
the hope of relieving their pet's itchiness. The constant
chewing, licking, and scratching can test an owner's love
for their pets.
Allergies are an over-reaction of the body's immune
system to a foreign substance, such as pollen or flea saliva.
For people with allergies, we sneeze and sniffle as our
bodies respond to histamine released by immune cells.
Dogs and cats react differently. Histamine is released and
causes an itchy feeling. The pet reacts by scratching at that
site. The constant assault can actually damage the skin,
leading to bacterial infections. Areas of hair loss and
oozing sores known as “hot spots” are very common with
allergies. Some pets just rub their noses, or keep you up all
night scratching!
Dog allergies manifest in several ways, but the symptom
most commonly recognized by owners is itching. Some
pets chew their feet raw, some rub their noses, and others
lick their bellies until they are red. Then there are the dogs
that are too busy itching to get a full nights' sleep, yet their
skin looks perfectly fine.
No matter the time of year, veterinarians usually treat
environmental allergies with a combination of methods.
These options can include:
--Antihistamines
--Omega-3 fatty acid supplements
--Regular bathing with a mild shampoo
--Prescriptions to treat secondary bacterial and fungal
infections
--Immunosuppressive drugs
--Allergen-specific immunotherapy, more commonly
known as allergy shots
If you suspect your pet may have allergies, see your
veterinarian for an evaluation. It is a chronic and
sometimes frustrating disease condition, but in most cases
it is manageable if you determine the cause early!
Let us know if there is anything you would like us to
write about. You can send us an email at
bah2@bellnet.ca
We hope to see you and your pet soon!
- The Binbrook Staff 
Your pet. Our passion!
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Binbrook Animal Hospital
NEWS
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Your pet. Our passion!
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