Spring is in full bloom, and while we humans may be sneezing from pollen, our furry friends are often battling allergies too. At Bingle Vet, we’re dedicating the month of May to raising awareness about pet allergies and offering solutions to help your dog or cat live a happier, itch-free life. As part of our Allergy Awareness Month Promotion, we’re spotlighting three powerful tools in our allergy management arsenal: VARL Liquid Gold Allergy Testing, Cytopoint, and Apoquel. Read on to learn how these options, combined with our expert veterinary care, can help your pet find lasting relief from allergies.
Understanding Pet Allergies: More Common Than You Think
Allergies in pets are surprisingly common, with up to 25% of dogs and a significant number of cats suffering from some form of allergic condition. Unlike humans, who often show allergies through sneezing or watery eyes, pets typically experience itchy skin, redness, ear infections, or hot spots. These symptoms can stem from:
- Environmental Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, mold, or grass.
- Food Allergies: Ingredients like chicken, beef, or grains.
- Flea Allergies: A single flea bite can trigger intense itching in sensitive pets.
Left untreated, allergies can lead to secondary infections, chronic discomfort, and a reduced quality of life for your pet. That’s where Bingle Vet comes in. Our experienced veterinarians use advanced diagnostics and treatments to identify the root cause of your pet’s allergies and create a tailored plan to manage their symptoms.
Step 1: Pinpoint the Problem with VARL Liquid Gold Allergy Testing
The first step to helping your pet is understanding what they’re allergic to. At Bingle Vet, we offer VARL Liquid Gold Allergy Testing, a cutting-edge blood test that identifies specific allergens triggering your pet’s discomfort. Unlike older testing methods, VARL uses advanced technology to detect sensitivities to a wide range of environmental and food allergens with high accuracy.
How Does VARL Allergy Testing Work?
- Simple Blood Draw: Our team collects a small blood sample from your pet, which is sent to a specialized laboratory for analysis.
- Comprehensive Results: The test screens for sensitivities to pollens, molds, dust mites, foods, and more, providing a detailed report of your pet’s allergen profile.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on the results, our veterinarians can recommend allergen avoidance strategies, dietary changes, or allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots or oral drops) to desensitize your pet’s immune system over time.
Why Choose VARL Testing?
VARL testing is a game-changer because it goes beyond symptom management to address the root cause of allergies. By identifying specific triggers, we can reduce your pet’s exposure to allergens and, in many cases, decrease reliance on medications. Immunotherapy, guided by VARL results, can lead to long-term relief, with studies showing that 60-80% of pets experience significant improvement after starting treatment.
During our May promotion, we’re offering special pricing on VARL allergy testing to make this powerful diagnostic tool more accessible. Schedule an appointment today to see if VARL testing is right for your pet!
Step 2: Fast, Effective Symptom Relief with Cytopoint and Apoquel
While identifying allergens is key, many pets need immediate relief from itching and inflammation. That’s where Cytopoint and Apoquel shine. These innovative medications, available at Bingle Vet, target the itch and inflammation caused by allergies, helping your pet feel better fast.
Cytopoint: Long-Lasting Relief with a Single Injection
Cytopoint is a revolutionary injectable treatment that provides 4-8 weeks of itch relief with just one dose. It’s a monoclonal antibody that neutralizes IL-31, a protein responsible for sending itch signals to your pet’s brain. Here’s why pet owners love Cytopoint:
- Rapid Results: Most pets experience relief within 24 hours.
- Safe for All Ages: Cytopoint can be used in dogs of any age, including puppies under 12 months.
- Minimal Side Effects: Because it’s not a chemical-based drug, Cytopoint is gentle on your pet’s liver and kidneys, with rare side effects like mild lethargy reported in less than 1% of cases.
- Convenient: Administered by our veterinary team, one injection reduces the need for daily medications, making it ideal for busy pet owners or dogs who dislike pills.
Cytopoint is particularly effective for dogs with atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies) and can be used alongside other treatments, including immunotherapy. In fact, over 80% of dogs show significant itch relief by day three after a Cytopoint injection.
Apoquel: Daily Relief for Acute and Chronic Allergies
For pets needing flexible, fast-acting relief, Apoquel is a top choice. This oral tablet (or chewable) targets specific cytokines (proteins) that drive itching and inflammation, offering relief within 4 hours of the first dose. Here’s what makes Apoquel stand out:
- Versatile Use: Apoquel is ideal for both short-term flare-ups and long-term management of allergic dermatitis, including food and flea allergies.
- Easy to Administer: Given once or twice daily, Apoquel is simple to incorporate into your pet’s routine, with 91.6% of dogs accepting the chewable tablet voluntarily.
- Safe with Other Medications: Apoquel can be used alongside antibiotics, parasiticides, and vaccines without interference.
- High Satisfaction: Studies show that 98% of pet owners report improved quality of life for their dogs on Apoquel.
While Apoquel is highly effective, it’s not recommended for dogs under 12 months, breeding dogs, or those with certain health conditions like severe infections or cancer. Side effects, such as vomiting or diarrhea, are rare (affecting less than 1 in 10,000 dogs) but should be monitored. Our veterinarians will work with you to ensure Apoquel is safe and effective for your pet.
Cytopoint vs. Apoquel: Which is Right for Your Pet?
Choosing between Cytopoint and Apoquel depends on your pet’s needs and your lifestyle. Cytopoint is perfect for long-lasting relief with minimal maintenance, while Apoquel offers flexibility for owners who prefer at-home dosing or need to stop and start treatment during diagnostic trials (e.g., food allergy testing). In some cases, combining both can be a “magic bullet” for severe allergies, as they are safe to use together.
During your visit, our veterinarians will discuss your pet’s symptoms, medical history, and your preferences to recommend the best option—or combination—of treatments.
Why Choose Bingle Vet for Allergy Care?
At Bingle Vet, we understand that managing pet allergies is a journey, not a quick fix. Our comprehensive approach sets us apart:
- Expert Diagnostics: With VARL allergy testing, we identify the specific triggers behind your pet’s discomfort, paving the way for targeted treatment.
- Advanced Treatments: We offer both Cytopoint and Apoquel, giving you access to the latest in allergy management.
- Holistic Care: Beyond medications, we provide guidance on allergen avoidance, medicated shampoos, and dietary changes to support your pet’s skin health.
- Ongoing Support: Allergies are often a lifelong condition, but our team is here to monitor your pet’s progress, adjust treatments, and prevent secondary infections like bacterial or yeast dermatitis, which affect up to two-thirds of dogs with atopic dermatitis.
May Promotion: Take the First Step Toward Relief
This May, we’re making it easier than ever to help your pet overcome allergies. Take advantage of our Allergy Awareness Month specials:
- Discounted VARL Allergy Testing: Identify your pet’s allergens at a reduced rate.
- Free Allergy Consultation: Schedule an exam, and we’ll waive the consultation fee to discuss testing and treatment options.
- 10% Off First Cytopoint Injection or Apoquel Prescription: Start your pet’s relief journey with savings on these leading medications.
Don’t let your pet suffer through another season of itching and discomfort. Contact Bingle Vet today to book an appointment. Let’s work together to give your pet the relief they deserve!
Offer valid through May 31st, 2025 – Book Today!