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Tag: Dogs Allergies

  • How to Deal with Dog Allergies

    Just like humans, dogs are also prone to having dog allergies.  The symptoms that dogs experience with dog allergies are also oddly enough very similar to human symptoms.  If you think that your dog may be suffering from dog allergies but you aren’t quite sure of the signs, here are some of the most common dog allergies and how you can spot them.

    Dog Food Allergies

    The unfortunate part about dog food allergies is that the ingredients that are in most popular brands of dog food are usually the cause of the allergy itself!  Some of the primary foods that cause dog allergies include:

    Milk
    Corn
    Wheat
    Whey
    Beef
    Pork
    Lamb
    Fish
    Chicken
    Eggs

    Flip over any bag of even the best dog food and you will see that at least one of these ingredients, if not several from the list, are included in the food.  Dogs who have a dog food allergy will commonly display the following symptoms:

    Coughing
    Sneezing
    Nose and eye discharge
    Hair loss
    Vomiting
    Diarrhea
    Itching
    Breathing difficulties

    Trying to narrow down what is causing the dog food allergy is really more of a trial and error process.  You need to try different foods with your dog and monitor his reaction to them over a 24 period of time.  This will help you isolate the ingredient that is causing the problem.

    Atopy

    Atopy refers to your dog having an allergic reaction to something that he has inhaled, such as dust, mold, pollens, and yes, human dander.  One of the easily recognized signs of atopy are excessive licking, chewing, and scratching of the face, paws, armpits, genitals, and abdomen.  These areas will have a red-brown color to them due to the large amount of chewing and licking that has been happening at the site.  You can visit your vet to try and determine the cause of the atopy, at which point you can then begin treatments such as cool baths with a medicated shampoo, allergy shots, antihistamines, and including omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to your dog’s diet.

    Contact Allergies

    These sorts of dog allergies are related to your dog coming in physical contact with something that doesn’t agree with his immune system.  This may be by putting a dog sweater made of a certain fiber on your dog, your dog coming in contact with particular plants, wool bedding, flea collars or even using plastic food bowls.  To help treat this dog allergy, it’s important to deduce what is causing the problem through the process of elimination, and then remove that item from your dog’s environment.

     

    To know more on dog allergies, 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

    healthydogforlife.com Dog allergies are a major concern and can result in suffering for your dog and expensive veterinarian visits when all it takes is this diet to solve the problem.
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  • 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

  • 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!

    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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  • 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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