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Tag: Dog Allergies

  • Dog Allergies and Your Dog’s Food : Why It is Important to Remove Corn

    If you are experiencing dog allergies, and your dog’s skin is itchy, red, and sore, you can easily find a solution by feeding food that does not offer one main ingredient : Corn.  Dog allergies can result in a large amount of symptoms, but the main problem that you will experience is a lack of a resolution to these symptoms.  The problem is that often dog allergies are related to nutritional levels, and a lack of good nutrition.

    The Dog Food Industry and Dog Allergies

    The dog food industry began in the 1940s with Purina’s invention of Dog Chow.  The company began to create all kinds of animal and husbandry food for farmers, and when farmers started buying the food, it was great food for dogs.  The food was often dried protein based food, that was the scrap or end points of the meat industry.  The best part of this kind of food was that corn was not the main part of the food, but just a stabilizer.  Today, we have many people researching how to treat dog allergies, but the reason is the problem is growing is there is more and more dog food that has moved from nutrition.  The dog food that a majority of dogs are fed, has a key ingredient that supports a long shelf life, and is inexpensive.  This ingredient is corn, and it is not the same corn as a hundred years ago.  The kernel is mostly starch now, and is a white fluffy sugar that can be easily dried and mixed with a small amount of protein for consumption.

    The corn addition has added great profit for the dog food industry.  Dog food mixed with only a small fraction of protein, needs a stabilizer, and corn is the most inexpensive option.  Most grocery and big box super food stores offer only dog food that is shelf life resistant for 2 or 3 years.  It is important that they purchase large palates of the food, and then that they stay on the shelf until purchase, and stay fresh.  The problem with this idea, is that the vitamins and minerals that may have existed at the time of manufacture actually are now inert.  The vitamins and minerals do not last for the time frame that corn lasts, and the protein in this shelf stable product, is actually oxidized easily over a few months, which is a perfect storm to create dog allergies.

    Dog Allergies can Be Solved with Nutrition

    Buy a dog food that has a short shelf life, and one that has no corn, and your dog will find that dog allergies are a thing of the past.  The nutrition solution can be the real solution, but it takes time to see the results.  Over a dog’s life, eating bad and shelf stable dog food, can offer some solutions for stores to see a profit, but it creates a really toxic situation in your dog’s cells and tissues.  When you offer new nutrition, and remove the corn based food, you are going to see a change in your dog, and sometimes the dog allergies will actually get worse.  This is really common, and do not stop your new dog food regime.

    Dog Allergies can Get Worse With Good Nutrition

    The reason your dog may see better nutrition cause more dog allergies, is the fact that your dog’s body will now release all the toxic elements that it was storing over the years.  Often when a new nutrition is offered, new vitamins and minerals will be so welcome to your dog’s system, that it releases all the stored meager value it was storing for a rainy day, and this release, will send out toxic stored chemicals as well.  It is not unusual for a few months of dog allergies to erupt during a new nutrition program.

  • Do Dog Breeds Allergies Differ?

    When we think about canine allergies, it may not even occur to us that among the various dog breeds, allergies and their prevalence may differ. However, particularly when we are talking about skin allergies, there are dog breeds allergies seem to favor.

    Dogs Susceptible to Allergies
    Among the dog breeds allergies, particularly skin allergies, are commonplace in are the English Bulldog, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Dalmation, to name but a few popular breeds. Shar Peis and boxers, with their skin folds, are also dog breeds allergies seem to be more common in.
    If you are looking at owning any of those breeds, and dog breeds allergies may be more likely to occur in, you should be prepared that allergies, and their symptoms, treatment and care, may become part of your duty as a dog owner.

    Dog Breeds Allergies Are Less Likely In
    The good news  is that just as there are dog breeds allergies seem to favor, there are those where they are more rare. These include popular breeds like the German Shepherd, Dachshund, Doberman Pinscher, Poodle and others. Choosing from dog breeds allergies are less likely to appear in is one way of trying to avoid the additional care required by an allergy prone dog, it’s no guarantee, since, although rare, those allergies are not unheard of.

    As with dog breeds allergies are more common in, you should know there is always a chance you may become the owner of a dog with allergies, and the needs that accompany that.

    What to Look for
    Excessive itching, scratching, biting or chewing on themselves is almost certainly a sign of allergy, whether flea, skin, contact or food. Stomach troubles, swelling and hives are also almost always signs of allergy, and should be reported to your vet immediately.

    What to Do if You Suspect an Allergy
    Whether you choose dog breeds allergies are common in, or those where they aren’t, you should be on the lookout for the common symptoms of allergy – itching, scratching, biting, hives and so on. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, chances are your vet will need to do an IST or ELISA test, to determine the cause – it may be a flea allergy, or an allergy to something in the dog’s environment.

    If the tests your vet runs on your dog returns a positive result for allergy, you will need to investigate proper treatment and management, so that your dog’s quality of life is not affected by his problem.

    So you see, which taking care to choose a dog breed allergies are rarer in may help in some small measure, but it may not be a permanent solution. Also bear in mind that like humans, dogs aren’t necessarily born with an allergy. Sometimes, they develop an allergic reaction to a particular substance later in life. You may even find that the food they’ve been eating for years suddenly produces an allergic reaction, or maybe a move to a new home triggers an attack. Whatever happens though, stay calm, find out more, and help your best friend deal with their allergy.

    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

  • Dog Allergies Treatment and Causes

    Any dog owner has probably heard about dog allergies. The truth is, there are a lot of dog allergens in the environment and they can affect canines through the air, water, food, or environment. Because canines are very adventurous animals, it is almost impossible for them to keep away from possible allergens, and every dog owner has to face the problem of finding the best cure for their dogs’ allergies.

    Dog allergies come in many forms. There are allergies which can be triggered by the simple skin contact of a dog to an allergen, by ingestion, and even by inhalation. A lot of everyday objects found in the environment can cause allergies to dogs, and dog owners need to be careful about exposing their pets to these possible allergens.

    Allergies caused by simple contact on the skin are called contact allergies. These may be caused by grass, plants, and toxic chemicals. Food allergies are acquired from the ingestion of allergens like soy, wheat, yeast, beef, and other foods not meant for canine consumption. Inhalant allergies can be developed from airborne substances like smoke, pollution, and even air fresheners.

    One form of contact allergy that has been classified as a form of allergy itself is flea allergy. This is the most prevalent form of allergy in dogs, thus the major classification. Fleas are tiny parasitic creatures that suck blood from bigger animals. What causes the allergic reaction is the saliva of the flea, and not the bite itself.

    Whatever type of allergy a dog may acquire, when a dog is afflicted by it, the skin is always affected. Itchiness and inflammation develop on certain areas of the dog’s skin, and like any living thing, its instinct is to scratch the itchy area. After regularly gnawing, chewing, scratching, and licking on the itchy part, the tendency of the skin is to develop allergic dermatitis.

    This condition is feared by many dog owners because allergic dermatitis is very hard to cure. It may even infect a dog its entire lifetime. However, there are some treatment options that veterinarians prescribe to dog owners to use on their dogs. These options include topical creams, soothing baths, ointments, sprays, oral antihistamines, and steroids.

    Although they have been prescribed by veterinarians, steroids are not really effective in treating allergic dermatitis. In fact, they can even worsen the condition. When the allergies persist, it may be caused by a secondary bacterial infection. Because steroids have cortisone which can inhibit the production of lymphocytes, the natural defense system of the immune system of dogs will not be able to fight against the bacteria. Thus, steroids cannot help but only worsen the skin problem of dogs.

    Allergies have no real cure. However, there are treatments that can help soothe the itching and swelling of the skin. DERMagic Natural Skin Care products are effective products that can eliminate the itchiness and inflammation of dogs’ skin. They can also fight against bacteria and help in the healing process of the infected area. Every dog owner should have the proper knowledge about the needs and sensitivities of their dogs so they may be able to prevent the development of allergies.

    Jennifer is a dog and cat health expert specializing in dog skin problems. She suggests DERMagic all-natural products for dog allergy symptoms

    Article from articlesbase.com

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  • How to Treat Dog Allergies

    Dog allergies are one of the most common conditions affecting dogs. Dog allergies can be very frustrating for both yourself and your dog. The constant itching and scratching, paw licking and chewing, skin rashes or chronic ear infections can make life very unpleasant.

    Dogs allergies become noticeable when your dog’s immune system reacts excessively to substances (called allergens or antigens) to which she has been exposed. Generally, allergies show up in three ways. The most common is with the skin – your dog will itch and scratch either in one area or all over, or you will see skin sores or lesions. Another way involves the respiratory system and your dog may cough, sneeze, and/or wheeze, and there may be an associated nasal or eye discharge. A third type of allergic reaction involves the digestive system, when your dog vomits or has diarrhea.

    There are several types of dog allergies. Conventionally, Veterinarians focus on five different types, but I have grouped them into three areas – these are the most common allergies you will see with your dog. The first is external allergies, and these include flea allergies; the second allergy group is with food; and the third is environmental, and this includes inhalant, from allergens such as pollens and house dust mites.

    Dog allergies can be difficult to diagnose. Many of the symptoms you may see can be a result of allergies or of another illness. It is best to get your pet examined by your Veterinarian first, before trying any home or alternative treatments.

    If you know or suspect your dog has an allergy, you do have options. There are conventional ways to treat allergies that your Veterinarian will discuss, but I would like to focus on alternative methods in this article. In my book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed (available at veterinarysecretsrevealed . com), I focus on alternative home treatments for dogs and cats. Here are a few of the solutions you can try at home that I recommend for dog allergies.

    For Fleas – here is an obvious solution: eliminate the Fleas! Practice regular flea-control. Two natural ways to battle fleas include using aromatic herbs, such as Pennyroyal and Catnip, and Chinchilla Dust (“diatomaceous earth” – but make sure this is the type meant for pets).

    If you suspect that your pet is allergic to something in their diet, the first step is to stop all traditional treats (i.e. – milk bones) and table scraps. If your dog is still reacting after 3 weeks, then she may be allergic to her regular food. At this point, try the elimination diet. This means chancing your dog’s food to an entirely different type which she has never eaten before.

    The most important part is a unique protein source. There are a number of commercially available allergy diets for pets – one that I prefer for dogs is Fish and Potato. For cats, it can be more difficult, but one I have had luck with has duck as the protein source. The difficulty is that your dog can be allergic to anything in the food. Regardless, I highly advocate a more natural, simple diet that is naturally preserved, or a home-made diet. See my book or join my membership site, theonlinevet . com, for a choice of allergy diets.

    Whatever food you choose, it must be fed for 12 weeks. If after 12 weeks your pet it still scratching, then she probably doesn’t have a food allergy.

    With environmental allergies, dogs can react in a way that is very similar way that we as humans do. One way to help deal with an allergy to pollen and/or house dust mites is to purchase an air purifier for your home.

    For itchy skin, try an oatmeal shampoo bath with cool water – this can ease the itchiest skin. Leave the shampoo on for 10 minutes then rinse well. With the most severe allergies, bathe your pet twice weekly. Also, Calendula ointment (herbal medication) has been successfully used to relieve the itch. Apply a thin coat twice daily to affected areas.

    There are many herbal solutions for allergies. Phytopica, a combination of 10 different Chinese herbs, has been shown to be effective in scientific studies in decreasing the severity of itching. Xiao Feng San is a common Chinese herbal combination useful for atopic dermatitis (allergy to inhalants). The dose is 1/8 of a teaspoon per 10lbs of body weight daily.

    I hope you have found this article helpful. If you would like natural, holistic solutions for many common dog or cat health problems, visit my site at Veterinary Secrets Revealed.

    To your pet’s good health…

    Dr. Andrew Jones, a practicing Veterinarian, has a special interest in alternative, natural pet remedies. Visit his sites: http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com and http://www.theonlinevet.com.

    Article from articlesbase.com

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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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  • Spotting Dog Skin Allergies

    Dog allergies of all kinds are just as common in dogs as they are in humans.  Dog skin allergies are one of the most common forms of allergies that you may experience.  Dog skin allergies are characterized by having your dog chew, lick and paw at her itchy skin, her eyes and nose may have some sort of discharge (usually a clear discharge) and there may be digestive upsets involved.  Skin lesions are another sign that your dog is probably suffering dog skin allergies.

    What Causes Dog Skin Allergies?

    All allergies are a result of our immune system being hypersensitive to some sort of substance (which is referred to as an antigen or allergen).  Dog skin allergies can show up at any point of your dog’s life, though they tend to come about during the first five years of your dog’s life.

    The most common of the dog skin allergies involves dog fleas.  The saliva of dog fleas will often cause the area of skin where the bite occurred to become incredibly itchy and irritating.

    There are also atopic dog skin allergies, which is the result of your dog inhaling some sort of substance that does not agree with their immune system.  These allergens are similar to the inhaled allergens that bother humans, such as dust, mold, dander, and pollen.  This type of allergy usually is noticeable when your pet is quite young (under 6 months in age)  The best way to try and stop atopic dog skin allergies is to keep your home and the area that the dog lives in very clean and well ventilated.

    How are Dog Skin Allergies Diagnosed?

    Where the skin lesions are present on the body will often help the veterinarian decide if your dog has a dog skin allergy or not.  Your veterinarian may also put your dog on some sort of a flea medication, and different foods may be tried so as to rule out whether or not your dog is having a dog food allergy rather than a dog skin allergy.  Blood tests and allergy testing may also be involved in more complex cases.

    How do you Treat Dog Skin Allergies?

    Unfortunately, allergies are very rarely “cured”; it’s more a matter of trying to control them and to keep them in check.  Antihistamines as well as corticosteroids are popular ways to treat allergies, though some pet owners are also choosing “immunotherapy”.  This type of therapy is a bit controversial as it is not guaranteed to work, though if it does, it will take up to 12 months to work properly.

     

    To know more on dog skin allergies, dog allergies or other dog health related information you’re welcome to visit Nil’s blog at Dog-Health-24.info.

     

    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.

     

     

    Article from articlesbase.com

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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.

     

    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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