Allergy is one of the top reasons for visits to the veterinarian. While dogs greatly outnumber cats in this area, both species are susceptible.  Seasonal allergy is most common, but year round itching and scratching is becoming more of a problem. 

Often allergy conditions are related to 2 main factors:

• Poor diets (most commercial brand foods)
• Too many vaccines

We advocate high quality foods (yes they ARE available) and minimal vaccines or titer testing based on your pets' potential exposure to various diseases. 
 
Also available is allergy testing with the diagnosis of food or inhalant type allergens specific to your pet, so we know how to treat him/her specifically.  Hypo sensitization injections are given by you at home to "desensitize" your pet to allergens, much the same as people get.  Limited antigen food diets are also available to keep your pet away from the offending foods. 

In addition, at the Margate office, Dr Newkirk uses alternative medicine treatments for allergies, including herbs, homeopathy and N.A.E.T.