Here at GCVC we try to educate you while enhancing your pet's well-being. We have specialized consults which focus directly on the concerns the owner has about his pet. Two of these consultations focus on allergies or behavioral problems.

     ALLERGIES:

Allergies can be extremely frustrating to deal with while trying to alleviate and fix them. Our entire staff is knowledgeable about commom and basic allergies, but our team of doctors focus on the more extreme cases. Each case is treated individually. No animal presents with the same symptoms.
 
There are food allergies, which present year 'round and commonly effect the ears/skin. Reoccurring infections in the same ear may be due to food allergies. We have prescription diets specifically made for 'food allergic' animals - the most common allergen being BEEF or other proteins! Prescription diets are either novel protein diets (meats the animal has never been exposed to) OR hypoallergenic diets (diet where proteins have been broken down to reduce/control allergic reactions). 
 
There are inhaled allergies (atopy), which are likely seasonal but some animals are symptomatic during multiple seasons. Inhalant allergies are those which commonly affect us, too - pollens and such. Atopic dermatitis, caused by inhalant allergies, may be treated with Atopica (once discussed with a doctor). Atopica is an oral medication given to allergy patients suffering from inhaled allergies. For more information, please visit www.atopica.com. 

We offer allergy testing and immunotherapy (allergy injections) through GREER Laboratories.  This step would be taken once a consultation has taken place. We also have additional and alternative treatments to help alleviate symptoms: antihistamines, Omega-3 fatty acids, topical shampoos/sprays may also be prescribed.  

More information can be found at this site:   http://www.greerlabs.com/index.php/veterinary_allergy/pet_owner/. 

Finally, flea allergies are VERY common. One flea bite can cause an animal to be uncomfortable for two weeks! The animal can become so uncomfortable and itchy from the flea saliva, that a skin infection can result from the animal biting and scratching at itself. Consistent and good-quality flea control is essential to help keep the pet's flea allergies under control.  

If you believe your pet suffers from allergies or if it has been living with unresolved allergy symptoms, please do not hesitate to call us and discuss options or schedule a consult with one of our doctors. Keep in mind allergies can develop later in life too and an animal can have multiple allergies. 

  BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS:

Behavioral problems are definitely a challenge but we try to make the experience of helping your pet as smooth as possible. Everyone in the household must be on the same page and be dedicated to help solve the problem. Behavior modifications are sometimes recommended; sometimes, however, medications (in addition to behavior modifications) may be required. Behavior problems range from separation anxiety to dominance to pure aggression - each having underlying signs and different ways to resolve them.