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  • All About Dogs Skin Allergies

    Dog’s skin allergies are a common cause of rashes, itches, hives and hair loss in dogs. Unlike other allergies, dogs’ skin allergies may be linked to seasons, or to household allergens.

    Prevalence
    To give you some idea of just how commonplace dog’s skin allergies are, it’s estimated that around ten percent, or one in ten dogs, will suffer from dogs skin allergies! This allergy to substances in the air, also called atopy, is therefore a very common problem for pet owners around the world.

    Causes
    Dogs skin allergies can be caused by a variety of common allergens, for instance, when the seasons change, they may be affected by pollen, or they may show signs of dogs skin allergy when exposed to common household compounds, including mold, dust, grass or other plants, or even feathers!

    Age Range
    Usually, signs of dog’s skin allergies will show up between the ages of six months and three years, although it’s not unheard of before then, and if you introduce something new after that, the dog may still display dog skin allergy symptoms.

    Symptoms
    Most common among dog’s skin allergies sufferers is the expected itchy skin. Another common sign is licking of paws, or rubbing the face on the carpet. If your dog displays these symptoms, combined with redness or even hair loss over time, it may be a sign of an allergy.

    Looking for Clues
    Sometimes, figuring out what is causing your dogs skin allergies is simple. A new kennel, blanket, dish or collar, particularly, in the case of the latter, where the itchiness and redness were around the mouth or neck respectively, would indicate the source of the dog’s skin allergy. However, it’s not always that easy and sometimes your vet will need to perform an allergy test in order to figure out the cause of your dog’s skin allergy.

    Chemical Triggers
    Especially if you have  a dog susceptible to dogs skin allergies, take extra care when using a new shampoo, dip, powder or other chemical, as these can often trigger an allergic reaction. Look out for reactions on areas not covered in hair, and make a point of keeping your dog out of contact of any other household chemicals, to minimize the risk of dog’s skin allergies.

    Emergency Care
    Itching, rubbing or licking are normal signs of dog skin allergy, and should be treated with care, however, if your dog’s face, or any part of his body that came into contact with an allergen, seems swollen or puffy, you need to get immediate veterinary attention, as this almost always indicates a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction.

    Living with a dog with skin allergies is tough, but it can be done. Dog’s skin allergies are usually manageable, and there are medications, lotions and other treatments out there that can make your life, and your dogs, a little easier, at least in terms of his skin allergy! Just take care to keep him away from the items he’s allergic to, and you should do fine.

    Your dog’s health means a lot to you, as well as your own. Keep yourself informed and learn more about dog allergies at CureDogAllergies.com, where you’ll find everything you need to know to keep your dog, your home and of course yourself free of allergies, and in tip top shape!

    Article from articlesbase.com

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  • All About Pet Dogs And Dog Allergy

    The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology or AAAAI estimates that about 10 million pet lovers or pet owners in the United States are allergic to animals’ fur.

    More and more households in the country are adopting or sheltering a pet dog, which is considered man’s best friend even from the time of the ancient civilization.

    Dogs are canines that are perceived as intelligent and trainable among all other animals. We see dogs everywhere, in the movies, in cartoons, in the television (remember Lassie?), and even in high-security areas like malls. In the latter case, dogs are trained to sniff bombs, drugs and other illegal substances in the surroundings.

    The world is a ‘dog eat dog world’ and it can be even found truthful if you are allergic to dogs.

    Dog allergies and cat allergies in similarities and contrast

    However, there are more reported or diagnosed cases of cat allergies than dog allergies all throughout the world because cats are more inclined to spread their danders through their habitual and constant grooming or bathing session by rubbing saliva all throughout their body.

    Dog allergy can be found in people with specific allergies to dog furs and those who have history of asthma. Asthma is another reaction triggered by exposure to allergens or allergy-causing substances.

    Modern science and recent findings indicate that people who were exposed to either cats and dogs while they were infants will unlikely develop cat or dog allergy. It is because their immune system will get accustomed to the two animals’ danders at an early stage.

    Also take notice that people who have developed cat or dog allergy grew up in households where there were no cats or dogs around. Start asking now, or likely, begin by looking at yourself or somebody you know. The assumption is accurate, right?

    Symptoms of dog allergy

    Just like in any other form of allergy, symptoms or manifestation of dog allergy include wheezing, coughing, itchy and/ or teary or watery eyes and constant sneezing.

    Severe dog allergy attacks can be indicated by difficulty in breathing, which is similar to a severe asthma attack. If left untreated, the person’s life could be in danger.

    But remember, treatments for asthma and other allergies, including dog allergy are only treatments or relievers. They are not meant and they can not ensure long term cures.

    Allergies are not curable, they are only treatable. Hence, dog allergy if successfully treated will reoccur if the person or the patient exposes himself again to dog fur or danders.

    Treatment and avoidance

    The best treatment is always prevention. As they say, an ounce of prevention is far better than pounds of cure. So it is in the case of dog allergies.

    To treat dog allergies, the patient will have to be advised that he should avoid getting near or cuddling dogs. Through that, dog allergy can be successfully controlled or curtailed.

    But if that basic prevention measure is ineffective, the patient will have to take either antihistamines, decongestants or corticosteroids. Antihistamines are the common drugs taken during asthma or other allergy attacks.

    Decongestants decongest breathing areas or tubes in the body by reducing swellness of nasal tissues thus relieving breathing.

    Corticosteroids on the other hand, are drugs that reduce or eliminate inflammation of organs or tissues in the body that may have resulted from the onset of the dog allergy.

    Charlene J. Nuble 2006. For answers to All your frequently asked questions about dog allergy, please go to: http://dog-allergy.allergyanswers.net/ or go to: http://allergyanswers.net/

    Article from articlesbase.com

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