As the seasons change, so do the challenges that veterinarians face in caring for their patients. One recurring issue that often demands attention is allergy and it's crucial for veterinarians to be well-prepared through this challenging time. In this blog, we'll explore some key steps veterinarians can take to gear up for allergy season and provide optimal care for their allergy-prone patients.

Stay Informed

The first step in preparing for allergy season is staying informed about local allergens and their peak seasons. Understanding the specific triggers in your region allows you to anticipate potential outbreaks and educate pet owners on proactive measures. Keep an eye on pollen counts, mold spores, and other environmental factors that could exacerbate allergies in pets.

Here you can find some useful links:

Allergen encyclopedia

Pollen counts

Update Pet Owner Education

Empower pet owners with knowledge about common allergens. Nextmune informational materials can help you educate them on recognizing allergy symptoms in their pets. Encourage regular check-ups and prompt veterinary visits if any signs of allergies emerge.

Explore our document library for more information.

Enhance Diagnostic Capabilities

Invest in advanced diagnostic tools that can aid in identifying the offending allergens. PAX®, nextmune’s new IgE test, is the only test available that tests for both allergen extracts and molecular components. Molecular allergology has several advantages, such as higher level of standardization, quantitative results or identification of cross-reactivity and primary sensitizers. PAX®, tests for over 200 allergen extracts and components and will support you in identifying the relevant allergens for your immunotherapy composition.

Read more about PAX®.

Develop Personalized Treatment Plans and manage expectations

Once you've identified the allergens, work on developing personalized treatment plans. Immunotherapy is the only treatment that addresses the cause of allergy and it is recommended as standard of care. A combination of symptomatic medications, topical products and dietary adjustments are necessary in most cases too. Tailor your approach based on the severity and nature of each case, keeping in mind the unique needs of the pet and the preferences of the owner. It is also important to manage pet owner expectations and discuss on a regular basis actions that may be needed lifelong to keep their pet under control.

Embrace Preventive Measures

Encourage pet owners to embrace preventive measures to minimize their pets' exposure to allergens. This could include regular grooming to remove potential allergens from fur (with shampoos, foams or wipes), improve the skin barrier (spot on, nutraceuticals), or house measures such as using air purifiers or vacuum more regularly.

Check Nextmune’s broad multimodal portfolio in our shop.

Leverage Technology

Incorporate technology to streamline communication with pet owners. Utilize email newsletters, social media, or a dedicated section on your clinic's website to share allergy season updates, tips, and success stories. Engaging with clients through these channels reinforces the importance of proactive care and encourages regular check-ins. Nextmune can support you with content and several materials that can be tailored to your needs. Contact your account manager for more information.

Allergy season may pose challenges for both pets and their owners, but with proactive preparation and personalized care, veterinarians can make a significant impact on their patients' well-being. By staying informed, educating pet owners, enhancing diagnostic capabilities, and embracing preventive measures, veterinary professionals can navigate allergy season with confidence, ensuring their patients lead happy, healthy lives year-round.