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Tag: Dog Allergy

  • 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

    Article from articlesbase.com

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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!

    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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  • 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 Allergies

    Often 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!

    Article from articlesbase.com

    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 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.

     

    Article from articlesbase.com

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