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Tag: Allergy Symptoms

  • Living With A Dog And Dog Allergies

    Having dog allergies can be a difficult thing to deal with. Many people live with dog allergies for years suffering and then when they finally get diagnosed with the allergy they have to decide what to do with a beloved pet dog.

    Most people will opt to continue suffering with the allergy rather that to get rid of their pet. Finding ways to alleviate the symptoms of dog allergies and to reduce the effects of the allergies will make living with dog allergies easier.

    Decreasing The Dog Allergy Symptoms

    There are some steps that can be taken that will help any dog owner reduce the problem of dog allergies. Some of these steps will require a diligent effort on the part of the dog owner but will be worth it to help with the allergies and allowing the pet to remain in the home.

    The first thing is to keep the dog clean and groomed. Frequent bathing will reduce the amount of pet dander on the dog and in the air. A pet can be bathed once a week without any harm and sometimes even more frequent bathing may be helpful and necessary.

    Another step to help alleviate dog allergies is to keep the home and dog areas extremely clean. A vacuum with allergy filtration will help immensely and keeping dust and dog hair cleaned up will be very beneficial. It is a good idea to keep the dog out of the bedroom areas but if they are in frequently in these rooms the bedding should be washed with increased frequency.

    Purchasing a HEPA filtration system for the home is a great idea for someone with dog allergies. These units are easily found at many department and home improvement stores. They will run continuously removing dust and allergens from the air. The owner will need to make sure they change any filters and clean the units as recommended by the manufacturer. These units will require a small financial investment but will make a big difference. The systems come in various sizes for the treatment of a single room or for several rooms.

    One last step worth mentioning in treating dog allergies is for the person to see an allergist. There are many medications and allergy shots which can help most people’s allergies to be manageable. The allergist will be able to recommend the best measures to be taken by the patient. If a person follows the advice of their allergist and uses the steps mentioned above living with a dog and dog allergies should be bearable.

    Ann Marier writes informative articles on general health issues providing helpful tips and advice. Her latest articles are about different allergies including food allergies

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  • Treating Allergies Without Medication: Natural Herbs for Allergies

    If you suffer from seasonal or year-round allergies, you might be hoping for relief from your symptoms without the pesky side effects that some medications can include. For example, antihistamines can make you drowsy and many decongestants will lead to a dry mouth and a rise in blood pressure.


    The good news is that you can find many natural herbs for allergies that will offer relief from your symptoms the holistic way. Many natural herbs for allergies will actually help to prevent the symptoms rather than treating them once they start. This can be an effective way of managing many of the seasonal allergies that a number of people suffer from.


    Lifestyle Modifications to Reduce Allergens


    Before moving into the natural herbs for allergies, it is a good idea to try some lifestyle modifications that will reduce your exposure to known allergens. These modifications can include keeping windows closed and using air conditioning systems instead, especially at night when allergens tend to run rampant.


    It can also mean staying indoors as much as possible during the times of the year when your allergies appear to be at their worst. If these changes do not have the desired effect in reducing your allergy symptoms, it might be time to learn which natural herbs for allergies tend to work the most effectively.


    Stinging Nettle


    This herb works very well as a natural antihistamine, without the drowsiness that comes from using many of the over-the-counter medicines that are available. This natural herb for allergies reduces the ability of the body to produce histamine. Histamine is the chemical produced by the antibodies in the body to fight off substances that the immune system has mistakenly identified as harmful.


    These substances are called allergens, and the histamines are produced to fight them. Histamines also create the allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes and coughing, so when your body cannot produce as many, your symptoms are reduced as well. Stinging nettle can be purchased in capsule form from many natural food and vitamin stores today.


    There are other natural herbs for allergies that work in a similar way to stinging nettle in reducing the body’s ability to produce histamines. These include butterbur, which is a harder herb to come by in the United States, but nevertheless effective as a natural means of treating allergies.


    Quercetin is another good natural herb for allergies, and has the added benefit of acting as a natural antioxidant that can reduce the risk of some types of cancer. If you are considering a natural herb for your allergies, talk to your doctor before taking anything. Herbs can have side effects just like medications, and they can also have potentially dangerous interactive effects when taken with other medicines.

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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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  • 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 groin

    When 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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