Best Food For Dogs

Tag: Skin Allergies

  • Benefits of Hypoallergenic Dog Food

    If your pet is miserable from food allergies, you should consider changing from your regular pet food brand to a hypoallergenic dog food. Hypoallergenic dog food is less likely to cause intestinal problems or skin allergies, which will permit your pet to live a happier and fuller life. Symptoms of dog food allergies include digestive problems, such as diarrhea and vomiting, and skin irritations. Your pet may be allergic to one or more components, such as beef, chicken, corn, eggs, and yeast. Unlike hypoallergenic dog food manufacturers, most common pet food makers manufacture their pet foods with artificial preservatives and flavorings.

    You will have to figure out which ingredient(s) your pet is having issues with. Find a dog food that has dissimilar main substances (usually about the first 5 to 7 components in the pet food ingredient list), or try a hypoallergenic pet food. You should keep a diary to track how different components are affecting your pet and make sure your pet is not eating leftovers or other foods which may be causing some of the problems.

    There are two ways of providing hypoallergenic dog food. First, you can prepare hypoallergenic dog food yourself by using ingredients which are not in your pet’s original diet. Examples of these fresh substances are lamb, fish, sweet potatoes, and barley. Just ensure that you supplement your hypoallergenic dog food diet with appropriate amounts of vitamins and minerals (there are dog multi-vitamins manufactured specially for dogs). Secondly, you can purchase hypoallergenic pet foods at the grocery or, for a wider selection, on the web.

    There are a number of diverse brands of hypoallergenic dog food and they all have their own distinct advantages. While analyzing brands, make sure that you take overall nutrition into consideration before worrying over other things. You can get a little guidance on dog nutrition from the web and you can easily make product comparisons since dog foods are now marketed on the internet. If you have a little issue with the cost, there are certain brands available which are a lot less expensive.

    If your dog is miserable from dog food allergy symptoms, you certainly need to figure out what the offending component is and remove it from the diet. The easiest method is with a hypoallergenic dog food. Common dog food is usually manufactured from materials that may cause problems with your dog’s digestive system and can lead to the typical allergic symptoms. Hypoallergenic dog food does not cause allergic responses and is therefore ideal for a pet sensitive to other foods.

    Help your dog in his fight with allergies. Start feeding a hypoallergenic dog food now. You’ll being seeing a happier, more lively dog in days! Learn more about hypoallergenic dog food and how it can help your dog. He’s man’s best friend, let’s start treating him that way.

    Article from articlesbase.com

  • 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

  • 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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  • Resources

    Useful Dog Food Resources