REVIEWS

Pets Get Allergies Too! How To Help Them
By Kemberly Richardson


(New York-WABC, August 16, 2004) — Itching, sneezing, wheezing: Allergies are enough to drive a person... or a pet wild. Here are tips that might make your dog or cat a whole lot more comfortable every allergy season, from Eyewitness News' Kemberly Richardson.

Pet Owner: "She is allergic to trees, grasses, pollen, dust, cats and wool."

"She" is a 3-year-old terrier and like other patients in the vet's office is a little nervous about seeing the doctor. They are all here because they all suffer from allergies.

Kirsten Hamilton, Pet Owner: "Her eyes were watering like a human's, sneezing and things like that."

That is where Dr. Heather Peikes comes in. She is the only board certified veterinary dermatologist in Manhattan. There are about 130 nationwide.

Dr. Heather Peikes, Animal Allergy and Dermatology: "A lot of people tell me they're embarrassed to say they are going to dermatologist but when they see the difference it makes it's they're really glad they."

Veterinarian: "We're going to take off your shirt so look under your skin."

Star's allergies are so bad, she wears a sweater to protect her skin. About a year ago her owner Jennifer noticed the pint-sized pup was scratching a lot and biting her coat. One vet prescribed antibiotics that didn't work, so she brought the terrier to Dr. Peikes.

Jennifer Patt, Pet Owner: "She is much more much happier and seems under control a lot better."

Most people don't realize their pets are suffering from allergies. Any problems with your dog or cat's skin should be a red flag. Normally, coughing and unusual odors are also warning signs.

Those are the symptoms. However, what about the treatment? They're actually similar to things we take: shots, skins cream and antihistamine are just what the doctor ordered.

The causes can really vary, from dust mites to even certain foods like beef.

Dr. Peikes: "People say, 'I switched the dog food..' but what about the treats you are giving? And the flavored foods?"

Dr. Peikes sees about 10 patients each day, and most will remain under her care for life. But those like Star will now have much more comfortable dog years.

BEST VETS: A Breed Apart
Dermatology/Allergies
Heather Peikes
Board-certified dermatologist
Animal Allergy and Dermatology Specialists, PLLC
32 West 25th Street (212-206-0969)

New kid on the block Heather Peikes is giving her veterinary neighbors plenty to talk about. She began practicing as Manhattan's only board-certified dermatologist four months ago, at a new 24-hour hospital that's the animal-care equivalent of Weill Cornell's pricey Greenberg Pavilion. vima Specialists may cost a little more than other veterinary clinics, but clients benefit from three internal-medicine specialists, state-of-the-art equipment, and hour-and-a-half appointments. Though general practitioners often treat dermatology and allergy problems (which make up 20 percent of all vet cases), Peikes is adamant about the value of her tiny specialty field.

"The problems I see can be very severe, to the point where the animal is just one big scabby mess."

Some owners don't realize their pets even have a dermatological problem. "I had an owner tell me their dog was very nervous -- he bit his nails all day long," says Peikes. " 'He's not nervous!' I said. 'He has a yeast infection on the skin around his nails!' "

Skin problems also tend to develop as symptoms of internal ailments, which she can not only diagnose but team up with the hospital's internists to treat.

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