Dr. Brian Weeks appears on Good Morning San Diego to discuss how to treat allergies. This clip was filmed on March 29, 2009. Learn more at www.drbrianweeks.com.
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Tag: Allergy
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Dealing with Allergy Season
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Does Your Dog Need Hypoallergenic Dog Food?
Would you be able to tell if your dog needed hypoallergenic dog food? The main reason to feed hypoallergenic food is when your dog is showing symptoms of allergies. Some of the most common symptoms of allergies caused by foods are loss of appetite, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, upset stomach, irritated skin, breathing problems and gastrointestinal difficulties. Foods that are the most frequent offenders include dairy products, yeast, wheat, soy, chicken, beef and eggs. Less common but worth mention is lactose intolerance as an allergen.
If your dog is showing signs of allergic symptoms such as throwing up, diarrhea or constant scratching and inflamed red skin, it is recommended that you quickly start them on a diet of hypoallergenic dog food.
How to Isolate the Allergen
If your dog was showing allergic symptoms and you put them on a hypoallergenic food, did the symptoms improve? Note: It can take up to 8-12 weeks for symptoms to disappear so be patient and give the hypoallergenic food a good trail period. If the symptoms disappear you can be certain there is an allergy involved and you will need to isolate it in order to avoid it in the future.
Isolating an allergen is easier said than done. After all, man’s best friend doesn’t talk much and thus, it is hard sometimes to ascertain how they are feeling. However, though it may not be immediate to find the offending allergen, it is not really all that difficult.
The method most commonly recommended is an “add-back” approach to your pet’s diet.
After changing your dog’s diet to hypoallergenic food and eliminating all allergic symptoms, one at a time add back one ingredient of the allergy causing food. For example, add corn, wheat or a specific type of meat. Then you simply wait and see if any allergic symptoms return. If so, you are safe in assuming that the allergen is in the food you returned to the diet.Never Ignore Altered Behavior
Whenever your dog shows new behaviors such as obsessive scratching and licking or digging at their ears, pay attention! This type of behavior change is often indicative that your dog is under some form of stress and is very uncomfortable; commonly the source of the stress is an allergy. Just like people, dogs can “grow into” an allergy by becoming sensitized to an allergen over time. Just because your Goldendoodle puppy does not have an allergy now does not necessarily mean they will live their entire life allergy free. Always be in tune to your dogs behavior so that if it changes, you will notice it sooner rather than later.
Testing for Allergies
Your vet can run allergy tests and determine what your dog is allergic to. However, it is an expensive alternative for making the determination, especially when compared to simply changing their food.
If your dog shows any of the classic symptoms of allergies, hypoallergenic dog food is the most highly recommended method to alleviate the problem.
John Bolt, his wife and their much loved Goldendoodle, live in Ontario, Canada where John works retail by day and maintains his website by night. When not on the golf course with his golf range finder, he’s doing his dog training to learn how to stop barking dogs including his beloved Daly.
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What are the Dog Allergies Symptoms?
Summer is a time when we all dream about vacations and relaxing somewhere warm but at that time allergies are also kicking in. If pay attention to statistics we will discover that human allergies multiply by several fold during this season. One more concerning fact is that along with human allergies dog allergies also tend to grow during this season. Approximately 20 % of all the dogs suffer from allergies and this number are on the rise. Just like us humans, animals also suffer from allergies due to changes in the environment.
General dog allergies are triggered by flea bites, pollen, tobacco smoke, certain foods, and even other pets also have a strong influence in your pets allergies. Generally dogs between 6 months to 3 years are prone to these diseases, these symptoms do appear to be seasonal at first, but over time they become chronic. Just like in humans, dog allergies are an inherited trait & lifelong disease.
If your dog is expecting puppies and her current health status has been affected by allergies, it is also possible for the puppies to inherit such condition. According to a study, we can also determine that allergies can be breed specific, and some breeds are more prone to allergy compared to others. Boxers Terriers & Shih-Tzu’s are more prone to allergies compared to others. General allergy observed is skin disease. Itching & scratching in dogs is nothing short of a nightmare for the pet owners. Just imagine due to this situation pet owners suffer a lot then how much the dog that is undergoing real suffering will be!
We, as human beings can talk to doctors, take medicines and such but your pet is in a very tough situation as him/her can only feel the itch/pain and then scratch, bite & lick, actions that can lead to a more aggravated situation if not taken seriously. If your dog is itching & scratching continuously then it is primarily important to find out the cause of the itch. This can be quite difficult. During this period dog’s skin becomes very itchy, irritated & red in color. Scientific name for this skin disease is atomic dermatitis & it can be widespread over the dog’s body, or may be just limited to some portion of the body; generally belly, face, rump, groin etc.
This intense chewing & scratching culminates into heavy hair loss & inflamed areas of the skin which generally leads to secondary infections. Testing will definitely let you know which allergen have caused to suffer your dear dog. After going through dog’s clinical history & environmental surroundings, your vet doc may tell you to go through the dog’s blood test, to identify your pet’s allergy. Initially your vet will take a sample blood from your dog & will send it for laboratory testing.
Serum is tested for allergies pertaining to grass, weed specific to the geographic areas as well as to other important allergens such as dust mite, mold, cat dander, food & insects. Generally, the vet can treat your dog allergy through immunotherapy. Depending upon the laboratory findings and blood test your vet can provide you with an immunotherapy treatment kit which is specific to your dog’s individual allergies. Immunotherapy is really an effective treatment which it helps to build your dog’s immunity.
Learn more information about dog allergies treatment as well as dog arthritis treatment. Show your dog how much you care by visiting our website today!
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How to Manage and Treat Your Allergy Symptoms
How to Manage and Treat Your Allergy Symptoms
Do you suspect that you may be suffering from allergies? If you do, you may be looking for information to manage and treat your symptoms. In this book you’ll find:
– Common Allergy Symptoms
– What Are the Symptoms of a Food Allergy?
– Food Allergies: How to Manage and Treat Your Symptoms
– Tips for Parents of Children with Food Allergies
– How to Manage and Treat Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
– Home Remedies for Allergies
– Allergy Air Purifiers: Do They Really Work?
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How to Give a Dog Allergy Medicine
OK. So you’ve established that your dog has an allergy. You’ve been a responsible pet owner, and paid a visit to the vet. He prescribed dog allergy medicine, and even demonstrated how to get your beloved fluffy friend to take the dose. Trouble is, now that you’re home, you’re struggling to even get his jaws open, let alone get the dog allergy medicine down his throat, where it needs to be to do its job.
If your dog is otherwise healthy, you might never have had to give your dog any kind of medication, and dog allergy medicine might be your first attempt. What now? Luckily, we’ve got a few handy hints to make giving your dog allergy medicine a little easier!
* If your dog allergy medicine is in the form of a tablet or pill, the easiest way to get it into Fido is to hide it inside his favorite treat. Most dogs will gobble that up easily, without argument, taking the dog allergy medicine with it.
* Another trick that might work to get your dog to take dog allergy medicine is to toss it, as you would a treat, biscuit or ball. It sounds crazy, but I’ve had a dog who loved to catch, and who would not take any medicine unless we used this trick!
* If your vet’s given you dog allergy medicine in the form of a capsule, you could try opening it up, and sprinkling the contents over his food (check with your vet first, as this might cause trouble with medicines that need to dissolve slowly.)
* Dog allergy medicine in the form of a pill or capsule can also be placed in the dogs mouth, or, more precisely, pressed down his throat. Some dogs still manage to spit it out though. To get around this with your dog allergy medicine, have a syringe or dropper on hand filled with water, and squirt it after the pill. The dog will swallow, taking pill with water.
* In the case of topical preparations, you may not have as much trouble applying them, as keeping them put. Dog allergy medicines take time to work, and if your pooch licks them off all the time, you may need to resort to more drastic measures – an Elizabethan collar is a plastic cone, that fits around your dog’s neck, restricting his ability to lick or bite his body. If the area where you are applying dog allergy medicine is on his body, this should work for your dog. Otherwise, you might try bandages on a paw or tail.
The method you choose to use to get your dog allergy medicine into your dog may vary, but the important thing is to make sure that he takes it, in the doses, and at the frequency that you are required to take it. Consistency is key in treating and managing dog allergies, and if you only administer medicines sporadically, you may not get the results you need.
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!
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Choosing the Right Dog Allergy Treatment
If you have a dog with an allergy, choosing the right kind of treatment can be the difference between roaring success, and dismal failure. Of course, the first step is matching the type of dog allergy treatment to the type of allergy. Here is a breakdown of the types of allergy, and the recommended treatments.
If Your Dog Is Allergic to Inhalants
It may sound strange, but, like humans, dogs can be allergic to inhalants, like dust, pollen, and certain types of mold. Treatment for this kind of allergy could include avoidance, particularly in the case of dust or mold, where you keep your pet away from areas where they are likely to come into contact with the allergen.If the allergy has resulted in itching, as it is likely to do, using a topical treatment like a shampoo regularly will help. It’s also been proven that adding essential fatty acids to your dog’s diet is an efficient dog allergy treatment for inhalant allergic dogs too. More dramatic allergies may require anti histamines, steroids, or even immunotherapy may be required.
Food AllergiesOften very difficult to pinpoint, at least the dog allergy treatment for food allergies is simple – avoid the food stuff(s) the dog is allergic to. Place your dog on a hypoallergenic diet, or a home cooked diet with simple ingredients, and that should be the end of that. You could also use many of the treatments listed for the inhalant allergic dog above, however, those would be a temporary solution only, and as soon as the treatment stopped, the allergy would return.
Contact Allergies
These are probably the least common dog allergies – this is when your dog becomes allergic to an item, like a particular type of blanket, or a plant, grass, or another item in his environment. Dog allergy treatment for contact allergies is much the same as for food allergies – temporary relief will be gained by using a standard treatment, but for long term relief, simply remove the allergen.Flea Allergy
Many dogs are allergic to fleas, and when bitten, they develop allergy symptoms. In this case, common dog allergy treatments may help, but the key is to keep the dog, and his environment, free from fleas.Remember, for every one flea you see on your dog, there are a hundred more in the environment, and even one flea can drive an allergic dog crazy with biting and scratching! Bathing, dipping and collars are the first line of defense, but remember to regularly treat his kennel or environment too, as there may be many fleas lurking there too.
Whichever kind of allergy your dog has, finding an effective dog allergy treatment is crucial to his well being. If you’ve ever had hay fever or hives as an allergic reaction, you’ll know just how unpleasant suffering with an allergy can be. You wouldn’t want to grin and bear it, would you? You’d seek help. So do the same for your best friend – find him a dog allergy treatment that works.
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!
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Another very common dog health problem… dog allergies. Watch this video and learn what you can do at home!
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What are Common Dog Allergy Symptoms?
If you think that your dog may be suffering from dog allergies, then it is important to familiarize yourself with the common dog allergy symptoms. Depending on what type of dog allergies your pet suffers from, the symptoms may vary slightly. Here are some of the common dog allergy symptoms to be on the look out for:
Itching
Itching is a common sign for dog skin allergies, flea allergies and dog food allergies. If your dog is particularly itchy, you will notice him chewing, biting, licking or gnawing at certain parts of his or her body. Where the biting occurs may help indicate if your dog is suffering from dog skin allergies or dog food allergies. The most common areas where you will find your dog itching is:
Abdomen
Paws
Face
Ears
Hindquarters and groinWhen it comes to dog allergy symptoms, dogs do tend to lick the affected or “allergic” areas. Flea allergies usually result in the dog trying to itch and scratch his back and hindquarters. Contact allergies will result in excessive itching in areas where the dog has less hair coverage, such as the arm pits and the abdomen. Atopic allergies will usually result in your dog trying to scratch his face, feet and chest.
Raw Paws
For a dog that has been gnawing on his or her paws, you will notice that the paws usually have a reddish brown color, and they may appear raw or, in more severe cases, they may even be bloody.
Sneezing
Of the dog allergy symptoms, sneezing is usually the number one sign of any sort of atopic (inhalant-related) allergies, though in rare cases it can be a sign of your dog suffering from contact allergies. Sneezing is usually accompanied with a clear discharge that may be coming from the eyes or the nose.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be a sign for many different dog diseases and illnesses, but it can also be a one of the most telling of the dog allergy symptoms that will let you know that your dog is suffering from a food allergy. If you suspect your dog is suffering from dog food allergies, switch to a more bland type of food and see if that makes any difference to his stools. Dog food allergies also are usually accompanied by itching and scratching, and occasionally lethargy and fatigue.
To know more on dog allergy symptoms, dog food allergies or other dog health related information you’re welcome to visit Nil’s blog at Dog-Health-24.info.
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Dog Allergy Treatment Methods
If you think your dog is alone in suffering from dog allergies, then you’ll be shocked to find out that nearly 1/3 of all dogs suffer from some form of dog allergy in their life. Dog allergies may be seasonal, they may happen only once, or they may be a chronic issue. No matter what or when the allergies may strike, the number one goal of any dog owner is to seek dog allergy treatment methods that are available so that they can make their pet as comfortable as possible.
What Causes Dog Allergies?
As with human beings, dog allergies are a result of our immune system having a “hypersensitivity” to a certain substance, also referred to as an “allergen” or an “antigen”. While humans tend to have nasal symptoms when it comes to allergies, dogs tend to develop skin problems. These dog skin allergies may include a loss of hair, itching, chewing, hot spots, and even wounds that are a result of your dog seeking comfort from the allergic reactions.
What Dog Allergy Treatment Methods are Available?
Depending on the type of allergy that your dog has, the treatment may vary. Below are some of the more popular and effective dog allergy treatment methods that are available to you:
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy involves your dog receiving vaccinations that will help your pet’s immune system stop overreacting to the allergens in the air. The shots may take up to one whole year to be effective, but once that time passes, then most dogs (up to ¾ of dogs) are protected from allergies. Prior to going in for immunotherapy, your pet must have no steroids in his or her system.
Corticosteroids: The goal of using corticosteroids is to reduce the body’s inflammatory response. Though these are effective, they should be thought of to be a last-ditch effort to try and offer your pet some relief from the allergy symptoms he or she is dealing with.
Symptomatic Therapy: Of all the dog allergy treatment methods, this is the most homeopathic. Treating your dog’s allergy symptoms symptomatically involves providing your dog with cool baths that may include the use of medicated shampoos, Epsom salts, or colloidal oatmeal.
Antihistamines: Antihistamines are a popular choice amongst the dog allergy treatment methods as they are less expensive and are generally effective. Approximately 1/3 of all dog owners report that antihistamines have a positive effect on their pet, though this number is skewed by the fact that owners tend to give their pet far too low of a dose for it to be truly effective. Some antihistamines that you may want to consider giving your dog includes Benadryl, Antarax, Seldane, and Tavist.
To know more on dog allergies, dog allergy treatment or other dog health related information you’re welcome to visit Nil’s blog at Dog-Health-24.info.
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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/
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