CAT FANCIER ALSO A DOG AND ALLERGY EXPERT

A 27 word Andrew Bolt post on Obama’s new dog draws a 188 word response from cat lover Jeremy, who uses the President’s daughter’s allergy problem as justification for breaking a “campaign promise”:

Those Americans who voted for the Democrat candidate on the basis of his apparently firm and well-publicised (but oddly unquotable) “campaign promise” to adopt a dog directly from a shelter (notwithstanding his daughter’s allergies and Obama’s sensible desire to avoid the difficulties which could therefore arise were they to adopt a mongrel of uncertain heritage) should be entitled to take their votes BACK. A broken “campaign promise” is a broken “campaign promise” and Andy is right to hold the new President to account.

Just ignore that Bolt never mentioned Obama’s “campaign promise” to source the family dog from a “shelter”. Humans allergic to dogs aren’t allergic to dog hair, they’re allergic to skin oils and skin cells sloughed off by the dog. There is no guarantee a low-shedding dog of any breed is not going to cause allergy problems.

I know this from experience as a an owner of many different Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Ridgebacks are, like Portuguese water dogs, low shedding dogs but can, in my experience, cause huge allergy problems.

My wife is not known to be allergic to dogs. She is, however, unable to touch our Ridgeback without risking a reasonably severe reaction: touching the dog causing her to develop urticaria, that is, hives, and asthma. She has no problem being around the dog 24/7 but is at risk when she pets him. Other people petting my various Ridgebacks have experienced similar problems. This probably has something to do with Ridgebacks having rather oily coats.

Regardless, there’s no way Obama could turn down a dog from Edward Kennedy, allergies or no. Spending time with a dog, pedigreed or mongrel, is the only way to know if the mutt causes allergy problems. Another fail for Jeremy.

Living With Pets May Protect Infants From Allergies

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By Amanda Gardner

MONDAY, June 13, 2011 (Health.com) — Children who live with dogs and cats are less likely to develop allergies to those animals later in life, but only if the pet is under the same roof while the child is still an infant, a new study suggests.

Compared to babies born into cat-free homes, those who grew up with cats were roughly half as likely to be allergic to them as teenagers, the study found. Growing up around a dog reduced the risk of dog allergies by about the same amount for boys, but not for girls—a finding that mystified researchers.

Being exposed to pets anytime after the first year of life appeared to have no effect on allergy risk, however, which indicates that timing may be everything when it comes to preventing allergies.

Though they can’t say for sure, the researchers suspect that early exposure to pet allergens and pet-related bacteria strengthens the immune system, accustoms the body to allergens, and helps the child build up a natural immunity.

Related links:

• 15 Hypoallergenic Dogs and Cats


• How to Reduce Pet Allergens at Home


• What to Do If You’re Allergic to Your Pet

“Dirt is good,” says lead researcher Ganesa Wegienka, Ph.D., summing up the theory. “Your immune system, if it’s busy with exposures early on, stays away from the allergic immune profile.”

This isn’t the first study to find that having a household pet may protect kids from allergies, but it is the first to follow children until they were 18 years old.

Previous studies have had mixed results—some have even linked pet exposure during infancy to an increased risk of allergy—so it’s too early to recommend getting a dog or cat just to ward off allergies in your infant, says David Nash, M.D., clinical director of allergy and immunology at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

“In the end, we’ll probably find out that there are periods of opportunity when exposure to allergens, for some people, is going to have a protective effect,” says Dr. Nash, who was not involved with the new study. “But we’re a long way from figuring out who it’s protective for and when that optimal period is.”

By the same token, don’t give away your beloved family pet because you’re concerned the critter will provoke allergies. “I would not get rid of my dog if I was having a child,” says Wegienka, an epidemiologist in the department of public health sciences at Henry Ford Hospital, in Detroit. “There’s no evidence that you should get rid of a dog or a cat.”

Moreover, it’s possible that factors other than having a dog or cat in the house influenced the study participants’ risk of allergy. For instance, although the researchers took into account whether the children’s parents were allergic to animals, they didn’t ask about a broader family history of allergies or other health problems. So it could be that children who are genetically predisposed to animal allergies simply are less likely to grow up in homes with pets.

In the study, which appears in the journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy, Wegienka and her colleagues collected information from 566 children and their parents about the kids’ exposure to indoor pets and their history of allergies. In addition, when the kids turned 18, the researchers took blood samples and tested them for certain immune-system proteins (known as antibodies) that fight off cat and dog allergens.

The teenagers who lived with a cat during their first year of life had a 48 percent lower risk of cat allergy than their peers, and the teen boys who lived with a dog had a 50 percent lower risk of allergy. The authors suggest that infant girls may not develop the same immunity as boys because they may interact differently with dogs than infant boys, but that’s only a guess.

Hypoallergenic dog food may eliminate food allergies

Practically all dog lovers think of their pets as a part of their family. So seeing them endure the consequences of diseases, whether it is common or critical, is heart breaking. Every pet owner wants to ensure her pet is enjoying a healthy living. Overlooking dog food allergies can have a detrimental affect on your dog’s health and well-being. An excellent solution to the problem is feeding your dog hypoallergenic dog food. People and animals suffer from allergies because of their body’s inability to process and metabolize certain proteins. The undigested proteins generate reactions which are not compatible with an individual’s immune system. Reactions bring about severe itchiness and rashes which often can give rise to physical and emotional irritability.

One of the noticeable pet food allergy characteristics is skin discomfort. This could be the case if you notice your dog often scratch, lick and bite at rashes or spots on his body. Parts of the body that are most likely to be affected by the breakouts are the upper legs, the tail’s base, abdomen and ears. Unfortunately, dog allergies may also be attributable to allergens inhaled from the air, so you need to be vigilant. The difference between food and inhalant allergy is the latter comes in only a particular time of year while the former’s symptoms can appear quite often, especially if you feed your pet meals that may induce this allergic reaction.

An easy way to combat dog food allergies is by feeding your pet with hypoallergenic dog food. It’s carefully formulated to make certain there aren’t any ingredients that can trigger allergies in dogs. This includes dairy products, eggs, yeast, beef, poultry, wheat and soy. Hypoallergenic dog food primarily contains duck and potato which are both safe for canines.

Hydrolyzed protein hypoallergenic dog food is one more popular option. The basic elements of this pet food are roughly the same as in normal puppy foods but are chemically changed and altered. The proteins are broken down to smaller portions, which make them much easier to digest and metabolize so your pet will not likely be afflicted by any allergic reaction.

Hypoallergenic dog food should ensure that your pet will not have to deal with allergy symptoms for a long time. This type of food will ensure that your dog gets to live life in comfort.

If you opt to place your pet on a hypoallergenic diet plan, she must be observed closely and regularly examined by a veterinarian. The vet will determine whether or not the diet suits your dog and if any improvements should be made. The cause of the allergy must first be established. So a diet program should be developed by a medical professional with intimate knowledge of your dog’s health and any precautions that need to be adopted. A lot of top dog food manufacturers including Pinnacle, Orijen, and the like, produce and market hypoallergenic dog treats. Prices for this type of dog food come in a wide range.

Hypoallergenic dog food may also be ordered from online retailers. Aside from your vet’s recommendations, online resources should also help you evaluate which is the best one for your dog. All you need to do is search and compare to determine which is most appropriate to accommodate the needs of you and your prized dog.

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Dealing with Dog Allergies

Dog allergies are very similar to human allergies and also produce the same symptoms as human allergies. There are 5 types of dog allergies: food allergy, flea allergy, bacteria allergy, contact allergy and atopy. Here are some basic facts about each of these allergies.

Food Allergies

The most common symptom of food allergies is scratching, due to skin irritation. Dog foods contain a host of ingredients which can cause an allergic reaction to your dog. Some of these ingredients are:

Meats: Beef, Chicken, Pork, Lamb, Fish, Eggs

Diary products (Milk)

Grains (Wheat, Whey)
Corn

Most dog owners often scold their dog for scratching too much. Any obsessive behavior your dog demonstrates, such as constant scratching, chewing, licking, requires immediate attention. Never assume that this is just a new habit your dog picked up. Dog allergies can make your dog very uncomfortable.

Aside from scratching, some of the other symptoms dogs can experience are:

sneezing

coughing

eye and nose discharge

Itching around the anus

hair loss

loss of appetite

pawing at their ears or head shaking

vomiting

diarrhea

breathing problems

Isolating the allergen which causes the allergy is not easy because the dog is usually allergic to one specific ingredient in the food. Therefore, it is a matter of isolating that ingredient. You can try doing this with an elimination diet, which most people don’t have the time or energy for. The elimination diet requires preparing specially-cooked meals consisting of a more exotic meat, like rabbit or venison, mixed with rice or potato, which wouldn’t normally be found in dog food.

An easier and more modern approach to test for the presence of a food allergy is to try a dog food which contains hydrolyzed proteins, such as Purinas HA or Hills z/d. Hydrolyzed proteins are broken down into molecules so small, they can’t affect the immune system, which is what causes the allergy. If the allergy goes away while your dog is on this diet (which would take about 8 weeks), then he most likely is suffering from a food allergy. At this point, you would start to re-introduce the possible allergens one by one (individual meats, wheat, corn, milk, etc.) for a period of two weeks each. If the symptoms return, it is most likely due to the ingredient being introduced at that time. You should look out for that ingredient on dog food labels in future purchases.

Atopy (inhalant allergy)

Atopy is the most common of all dog allergies, which is caused by environmental factors, such as dust mites, molds, house dust, human dander, feathers or pollen.

Signs of atopy include excessive chewing, licking and scratching at the face, paws, abdomen, armpits and genital area. Evidence of this behavior can be found in examining your dog’s paws, armpits and genital area. Reddish-brown stains develop in these areas due to excessive licking. This may not be evident in dogs with dark coats.

Atopy is not easy to diagnose due to other dog allergies having the same symptoms. Once these other dog allergies (food, flea and contact) have been ruled out, your vet can proceed with testing for the root cause of the atopy. The most accurate method of testing for atopy is Intradermal Skin Testing.

There are many different treatment options for atopy. The best treatment would be avoiding the allergen altogether. If this is not feasible, other treatments include cool water baths with medicated shampoo, antihistamines, allergy shots, corticosteriods or a diet rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Flea Allergies

Dog allergies to fleas are not caused by the flea itself, but rather the flea’s saliva. A common symptom of flea allergies is scratching at the tail area which causes hair loss, scabs and sores. Your vet can easily diagnose a flea allergy by checking for the presence of fleas in the coat. Fleas can be seen by the naked eye. Intradermal Skin Testing can also be used to test for this type of allergy. The most effective products for eliminating fleas are:

Advantage – Flea control for your Dog & CatFrontLine – Flea & Tick

Medication for your Dog & Cat

Capstar- Flea infestation on Dog and Cat

K9 Advantix Flea and Tick Medication (based on dog’s weight)

Bacterial Allergies

A dog’s skin normally harbors Staph bacteria. Usually, this bacteria does not have any affect on your dog but some dogs develop a sensitivity to it causing an allergic reaction. Your dog may develop crusts on the skin and patches of hair loss due to scratching, similar to ring worm. If these patches become infected, your dog will need to be treated with antibiotics.

Contact Allergies

Contact allergies are the least common of all dog allergies. This type of allergy produces swelling, redness, itching and hair loss. Common contact allergens include flea collars, plastic food bowls, pet sweaters, plants, grass or wool bedding. The best way to diagnose this allergy is if the symptoms continue after ruling out all other allergies. If this is the case, then you must pinpoint the allergen and remove it from your dog’s environment.

This information is NOT intended to replace the advice of a veterinarian, dog trainer or pet care professional.

So You Think Your Dog Has Allergies, Part 1: Symptoms and Types

When Maisy was just a wee thing, she began chewing on her legs. A quick internet search suggested that it might be food allergies, so I switched her food. And again. And again. What started as just a bit of itchiness evolved into almost a year of frustration.

As it turns out, the subject of canine allergies is complex, and internet advice is often simplistic and lacking vital information. That’s why I decided to tackle a three-part series on the topic. Of course, I am not a vet, so this is not medical advice. Instead, it is a sharing of information from one owner of a dog with allergies to another. If you think your dog might have allergies, I highly recommend you schedule an appointment with your vet because there are a number of other skin problems that can look like allergies but are not.

Signs Your Dog Has Allergies
So, what do allergies look like in dogs? Well, unlike in humans, dogs typically don’t have nasal congestion. Runny noses, sneezing, wheezing, or eye discharge may be a symptom of allergies, but it probably isn’t. See your vet. Instead, dogs with allergies are itchy. What you will see is excessive scratching, licking, and chewing. This typically happens on the feet, face, and groin, but may show up anywhere.

Unfortunately, these behaviors can result in secondary problems, most often skin infections or ear infections. Before we got a handle on Maisy’s allergies, she chewed off most of the fur on her front legs, and had some scabs. It was pretty ugly, actually, and we did need to treat her with antibiotics to help clear it up.

Her left leg is bare and the skin is being damaged because she was chewing it so much.

Allergy Cause #1: Flea Bites
The most common of these causes is flea bites. According to research cited in the April 2011 Whole Dog Journal article Itching to be Well by Nancy Kerns, approximately 40% of dogs have an allergy to fleas. Of course, if a dog is bit by a flea, it’s going to itch either way. However, a dog who is truly allergic will have an overreaction. If you have found only a few fleas, but your dog has widespread redness- or worse, oozing sores- it’s likely he’s allergic. The bad news is that dogs who suffer from a flea allergy tend to get worse throughout their lives.

Allergy Cause #2: Environmental
Environmental allergies happen when a dog has an itchy reaction to something he has either inhaled or been transcutaneously exposed to. Things like mold, dust, and pollen are common, although poor Maisy is also allergic to- are you ready?- human dander. (Yes, that’s possible. Yes, I cried when I found out.)

According to the Whole Dog Journal article, approximately 10% to 15% of dogs have an environmental allergy. 80% of these dogs will also have a flea bite allergy (for once, Maisy has beaten the odds!). If your dog has an environmental allergy, it’s highly likely you’ll know it while he’s still young- 75% of dogs will show symptoms before three years of age, although the first year tends to be fairly mild.

Allergy Cause #3: Food
Food allergies are actually quite rare, although the exact prevalence is contested. A conservative estimate is that 1% to 5% of dogs have food allergies, possibly up to 10%, but the Whole Dog Journal reviewed research that suggests up to 43% of dogs are sensitive to some food item. 43% of these dogs will also have another type of allergy.

Food allergies are unique in that they typically affect more than just the skin. 10 to 15% of dogs will also have gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, excessive gas, and cramping, and a dog with food allergies might also be affected in the respiratory tract or central nervous system. This means that diagnosis can be tricky; you definitely want to visit your vet.

Although food allergies can begin at any time in life, generalized itchiness that begins before six months of age is very probably caused by food. This is absolutely true for Maisy- she was right around five or six months when we first noticed the excessive itching. Of course, this was complicated by the fact that her birthday was in the fall, meaning that Maisy hit her six month birthday at the height of allergy season- the spring.

So, how did I determine what her allergies were? Well, it was an incredibly frustrating process. I learned a lot during it, though, and in my next post, I’ll share some information that will helpfully make the process easier for you. Part three will discuss some of the treatment options available.

Until then, I’d love to hear from my readers. Do your dogs have allergies? Do you know what they’re allergic to? What symptoms did they have?

My Dog Allergies -

Understanding and Treating Dog Allergies

When your best friend is miserable so are you. A dog experiencing seasonal or long term allergies is just as uncomfortable as a human dealing with this health issue. The dog however, is completely dependent on you for help. Whether short term or a chronic issue, dog allergy symptoms can affect the animals overall health. Understanding the condition and how to treat allergies in dogs can provide help in relieving the symptoms, and give you the opportunity to make your pet more comfortable.

 

The Occurrence of Allergies in Dogs

Just as with humans, allergies are very common in dogs. All breeds, sizes, and types of dogs can have an allergic reaction or condition. Breeds believed to be more susceptible are the West Highland Terrier, the Golden Retriever, the Boxer, and the Poodle. Allergies are also frequently seen in flat-faced breeds such as the Boston Terrier and Pugs.  Susceptibility to an allergen is not considered a breed fault however, though it is known to be a genetic tendency just as is seen in human beings. If either the sire or dame of your puppy has allergies then there is greater chance your puppy will have them too. Unless the allergy is extreme or life threatening, it isn’t usually seen as a reason not to breed a dog..

Common Dog Allergy Symptoms

All dogs scratch themselves, but when allergies kick in this behavior seems to become an unhappy obsession for the animal. The skin will become red, moist, or scabbed. The dog’s eyes might become runny and reddened. Often the tail will be bitten along the base rapidly and repeatedly, sometimes until bloody. A dog might persistently scratch at the ears, and ear infections crop up again and again especially in breeds such as the Cocker Spaniel and others with droopy, furry ears that flap over instead of remaining naturally upright. The dog might lick the skin or fur more than usual or chew at the paws. Besides these signs of dog skin problems there’s often sneezing, vomiting or diarrhea. Snoring because of an inflamed throat is also reported as a dog allergy symptom.

A dog with allergies will also suffer other types of secondary bacterial or yeast infections predominately evident in the ear. Allergies can also cause bald patches in the fur, or scabs and crusts on the skin from excessive scratching.

The Causes of Dog Allergies

Allergies will usually show up between the ages of 1 to 5 years of age in your dog. Allergies can’t be completely cured, but they can be controlled. Allergies in dogs are caused by the dog’s own immune system reacting to something in the environment the system sees as a threat to the body. The body will release antibodies to target molecules of the allergen and then direct them to the white blood cells to be destroyed. As the allergen is destroyed, a chemical called histamine is released into the dog’s bloodstream. Large amounts of histamine inflames the body tissues, causes itchiness, dilated blood vessels, excess secreted fluids, and muscle tightening of airways.

Dogs can develop allergies to a number of things in their environment or from foods they eat. Common allergens that cause dog skin problems and dog allergy symptoms are from tree, grass, and weed pollens. Mold spores, dander, dust mites, cigarette smoke, feathers such as found in pillows can also be culprits. Occasionally dogs will have allergies to cleaning products, fabrics, or even rubber and plastic. An allergy in dogs caused by an inhaled substance is called canine atopy.

One of the more common allergies seen in dogs is due to fleas. Flea allergies are easily treatable with the removal of all fleas, as even one flea bite can cause a full blown skin allergy. The dog is not allergic to the flea itself, but to the saliva in the fleas bite.

Diagnosing Dog Allergies

Since allergies are a common problem most veterinarians have little trouble in diagnosing whether dog skin problems are caused by an allergen. When your best friend’s skin is red, itchy, and irritated, both of you want relief quickly, and a veterinarian will usually treat for allergies even while running skin and blood test to see if the allergen can be pinpointed.

The most common test for air born or environmental allergens is the intra-dermal skin test, very much like the test humans have for diagnosing allergies. For food allergies, the veterinarian will prescribe an elimination diet to find the food causing the problem.

After diagnosis through testing, a veterinarian might change the course of treatment or advise you to stay with the medications the pet is currently taking. Pinpointing the cause gives owners the best chance to eliminate the dogs contact with the allergen as much as possible.

 Treatment of Dog Allergies

The best treatment is to either remove the allergen or keep the pet away from exposure, but this often isn’t a possibility. If you can’t rid the home of those things you believe your pet is allergic to, then seeing a veterinarian is recommended. A veterinarian will often recommend natural treatments such as putting Omega 3 in the dog’s diet, or giving the dog a prescribed amount of Yucca to help the dog’s immune system function normally. Medicated shampoos and conditioners are also frequently recommended as are over-the-counter medications and antihistamines. If nothing seems to relieve the problem then steroids and immune-modulators can be prescribed for dog allergies.

Dog Allergies

Skin allergies are common among dogs, and some dog breeds are more prone than others. For example German Shepherds, Labradors, Boxers seem to be particularly susceptible to allergic reactions.

There are three main types of allergic diseases seen in dogs, and these are:

• 
  Food allergies or intolerance: this is a reaction to some thing in the dog’s diet

• 
  Atopic dermatitis, which is a reaction to environmental substances

• 
  Contact allergy, which is a reaction to dyes, cleaners or shampoos

It is possible for food allergy and atopic dermatitis to occur together and it can be difficult to distinguish one from the other. For contact allergy, its only the part of the skin that is in contact with the cause of the allergy that is affected or inflammed.

Before testing a dog for skin allergies, it is absolutely essential that the dog has been checked for other causes of dog skin problems, particularly parasites and other skin infections first, and any occurrence removed or controlled.

Food Allergies

Skin allergies caused by reactions to food are uncommon in dogs. It is wrongly believed that dogs only react to a change of diet. However, vets recognise that reactions are just as likely to occur after a dog has been fed on a particular diet for several months or even years. If a dog is suffering from intolerance to a particular food, then there’s likely to be vomiting or diarrhoea, but not always.

Do consult your vet for advice. Usually the only reliable way to diagnose food allergy is by feeding the dog a trial diet for at least six weeks. If the dog shows improvement from being fed the trial diet, then this new diet should become the dog’s normal diet.

The most commonly accepted causes of food allergies in dogs are beef, cereals and dairy products.

Atopic Dermatitis

This is a reaction by the dog, to environmental substances, commonly called allergens, that are harmless to other dogs. Common allergens include:

• house dust mites


• insects


• pollens or moulds


• danders

The specific allergen causing the problem for your dog can be identified using skin or blood tests. It is possible to treat this condition, but it will not go away, and must be controlled for the life time of the dog. The best treatment for this type of skin allergies is usually a combination of treatment options, that is preventing parasite infection and treating any secondary infection quickly.

Avoidance and Treatment of Allergens

Where possible, the allergens should be avoided. It’s not an easy task, particularly as these allergens occur naturally. There are however some basic guidelines that could be followed to keep the occurence of allergic reactions to a minimum and avoid discomfort for your pet and you.

There are a number of  treatments for allergic dogs available, but it is advisable to discuss the best option with the Vet.

Contact Allergies

This is a reaction to man made substances such as cleaners, dyes, soaps, caustic liquids, some shampoos, especially human products and other substances such as cement and concrete. The best way to treat this type of reaction is to remove the dog from the environment that has caused the reaction, for up to a week. If its not possible to remove the source of the allergen, then treatment could include the use of steroids or anti-inflammatory drugs.

As always, we recommend that you consult your veterinary surgeon for a clinical diagnosis of any of these dog skin problems.

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Dog Allergies

I’ve read that vets can tell a dog with allergies from a distance due to the tell-tell red feet from licking, here Oscar has some goopy eyes too.

In the almost two years I’ve had my dogs I’ve discovered a lot about dog allergies, one of the main things is how lucky I am. Yes both of my dogs have allergies, both environmental and food related, but neither of them have severe allergies. Rather, they are allergic to LOTS of things, but not extremely allergic to any one thing. Basically, this is like having hayfever versus being allergic to peanuts, in one case people sneeze and curse the seasons, in the other they might die everytime they are exposed. My dogs have the cainine version of hayfever, with added food issues.

When I first adopted Meya, I actually blammed the constant scratching and scabs that resulted on a bad grooming that left abrassions that wouldn’t heal. I tried to treat it at home, but after 6 weeks and the scabs spread I went to the vet. Even then, he gave me a medicated shampoo and a course of steriods (her first and last, Meya becomes incontinent on even a low dosage) and instructions to clean out her ears to stop the infection there. Only later on a third or fourth visit, this time for scabs all over her face, did the vet suggest allergies might be the cause.

In winter the itching decreased some what, and I adopted Oscar during that lull. When I first brought him to the vet he was a mess, I could have written a two page list of the questions I had about him. First and foremost was his coughing, sneezing, and runny eyes which seemed to indicate kennel cough. The vet prescribed some OTC medicines and time, since his lungs were clear. But the sneezing and goopy eyes persisted, and I noticed Oscar was a licker, constantly chewing and licking his paws. Eventually, once Oscar was in better overall health, the vet suggested he also might have allergies.

During the second spring I had Meya, I was convinced to shell out the money for allergy testing, though I had read they were not completely accurate. According to the allergy tests, the two were allergic to a variety of pollens, mold, grasses, dust mites, and a whole slew of foods. They have allergies to different foods, but since I don’t want to risk giving the wrong dog the wrong thing the foods get lumped together. Basically, the tests said they can’t have beef, rabbit, venison, fish, carrots, peas, brewer’s yeast, potatoes, and rice. Whether or not these tests are really accurate, it at least gave me something to start with. I even tried the shots, but giving two dogs shots every day freaked me and because of that freaked them out.

Now the dogs eat a special allergy formulated food, and eat chicken and sweet potato treats. When people say that my dogs must have a miserable life not eating beef, I laugh. My dogs are lucky, they eat chicken jerky and are pampered. Meya still itches in the summer, and Oscar’s eyes are still goopy. I figure the dogs are fine, so long as I can keep Meya from injuring herself itching and Oscar from getting yeast infections from licking his feet. And I’m lucky that my dogs only have doggy hayfever.

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How to Spot Allergies in Your Dog

Thanks Becky O’Neil for this informative article…http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-spot-allergies-in-your-dog-6706617.html

Dogs are no different than people when it comes to allergies. Arlington, VA has some of the most highly regarded care providers when it comes to treating an extreme reaction in a dog. You do not have to be a professional to recognize and treat the symptoms of an allergy attack in your animal, however. Most allergens are common in many households and harmless to most animals. But, a dog with allergies will react in an extreme way when contact with the allergen is made. Allergens can be problematic when inhaled, ingested or contact a dog’s skin. As his body tries to rid itself of these substances, a variety of skin, digestive and respiratory symptoms may appear.

The Arlington seasons bring a number of allergens such a pollen, ragweed, various grasses and mold. Some pet owners enlist the help of pet sitting services to pay extra attention to their dogs over the allergy season. Pet sitting services have providers available to administer medication that may be needed and to ensure that your pet is as comfortable as possible when suffering from allergies.

What symptoms should you be aware of when trying to determine if an extreme reaction is occurring in your animal? Look out for Itchy, red or moist scabbed skin or itchy eyes. The back of the tail is also a prime spot for itchy irritation. More human-like reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea and runny nose are also signs that your dog may be suffering. Look out for paw chewing, constant licking are swollen body parts as well. Allergic dogs may also suffer from secondary bacterial or yeast skin infections, which may cause hair loss, scabs or crusts on the skin.

Some types of dogs are more prone to allergic reactions, though any breed is susceptible. Terriers, setters, retrievers, and flat-faced breeds such as pugs, bulldogs and Boston terriers are at the highest risk for extreme reactions. Common household items that may invoke a reaction include dust, dander, feathers, cigarette smoke, food ingredients such as wheat or soy, prescription drugs and flea control products. Also look out for cleaning products, fabrics and plastic materials. Pet sitting services have trained professionals who are constantly on the lookout for potential allergens and can avoid the common outdoor allergens in Arlington.

It may take time and research to discover the cause of the reaction once you notice that one is taking place. Visit your veterinarian and make sure a thorough check up is done yearly as many allergies can present themselves later in life.

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Out growing pet allergy? – Expert Dr. Pia Fenimore (Archives)

Hi Dr. Fenimore. we are thinking of getting a dog. My son is allergic to dogs and cats. I’m wondering if he spends time around the dog if he would get used to it and grow out of his allergy or is that not really realistic? I don’t want him to take allergy medicine every day just so we can have a family pet. Thanks!!!

You are right … sometimes with small steady exposures the body will almost “get used to” an allergen. In fact, it is on this scientific principal which allergy shots are based. However, there are no guarantees this will work, and there is a chance it will make things a lot worse. However, this does not condemn you to a life with just pet fish. Make an appointment with an allergist and ask them do specific tests to determine how bad the allergy is. If the allergy is not severe or if it is showing signs of improving with age, then it may be okay to get a “hypoallergenic” dog. While no dog is completely dander free, the so called hypoallergenic dogs produce, and therefore shed, less dander. There are also things you can do to cut down on dander exposure, like keeping the dog out of bedrooms, brushing the dog frequently, and placing a HEPPA filter in your child’s bedroom. The benefits of a pet, and specifically a dog, are well documented in children, so don’t give up yet. An allergist can give you more info and you may be a happy dog owner soon.

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What is pet dander and does it cause allergies?

Pet dander is very similar to the dandruff that humans produce. Simply put, it is dried skin flakes that leave the skin. They are quite small, microscopic in fact, and for this reason pet dander is very pervasive and is present in any home in which pets are present. Generally, older pets will give off more dander than younger ones, and variable quantities of this dander will appear in different pets and breeds.

Since pets, like dogs and cats, are biologically very different from us, different proteins are used to perform a variety of biological functions. These proteins can come in contact with some individuals and cause them to have allergic reactions. This is because the body will see these proteins as dangerous foreign bacteria and attack it. Though this is the basic principle behind all allergies, the same is true for some of materials that pets can give off.

One of the major sources of allergens in pet owning homes is dander. For example, dogs can produce quite a bit of it. For many individuals, this poses no more of a problem than our own dandruff. However, for those sensitive to allergens, this can be quite unpleasant and can cause these individuals to experience a wide range of reactions. Dander is particularly effective as an allergen because it is so pervasive. Because it is microscopic, when breathed in it can immediately affect the mucous membranes in our lungs. This can cause such allergic reactions as an irritated throat and frequent sneezing.

Dander can also become trapped in porous materials such as fabrics. Even without a pet, these dander particles can stay in these fabrics virtually forever it not cleaned effectively. Pet dander is something that every pet owner must deal with, and proper dander maintenance can lead to an overall decrease in allergens.

Information On Dog | Dog Training

Many of the most common signs and symptoms of your dog struggling with allergies includes frequent licking and scratching, face rubbing, ears that itch, sneezing, vomiting, and even diarrhea. Other signs range from ear infections and watery, itchy eyes. When left untreated, allergies can lead to other problems including hot spots. These spots can cause …

Study: Living With Pets May Protect Infants From Allergies | TIME.com

Constance Bannister / Getty Images

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Children who live with dogs and cats are less likely to develop allergies to those animals later in life, but only if the pet is under the same roof while the child is still an infant, a new study suggests.

Compared to babies born into cat-free homes, those who grew up with cats were roughly half as likely to be allergic to them as teenagers, the study found. Growing up around a dog reduced the risk of dog allergies by about the same amount for boys, but not for girls — a finding that mystified researchers.

Being exposed to pets anytime after the first year of life appeared to have no effect on allergy risk, however, which indicates that timing may be everything when it comes to preventing allergies.

(More on Health.com: 15 Hypoallergenic Dogs and Cats)

Though they can’t say for sure, the researchers suspect that early exposure to pet allergens and pet-related bacteria strengthens the immune system, accustoms the body to allergens, and helps the child build up a natural immunity.

“Dirt is good,” says lead researcher Ganesa Wegienka, Ph.D., summing up the theory. “Your immune system, if it’s busy with exposures early on, stays away from the allergic immune profile.”

This isn’t the first study to find that having a household pet may protect kids from allergies, but it is the first to follow children until they were 18 years old.

(More on Health.com: How to Reduce Pet Allergens at Home)

Previous studies have had mixed results — some have even linked pet exposure during infancy to an increased risk of allergy — so it’s too early to recommend getting a dog or cat just to ward off allergies in your infant, says David Nash, M.D., clinical director of allergy and immunology at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

“In the end, we’ll probably find out that there are periods of opportunity when exposure to allergens, for some people, is going to have a protective effect,” says Dr. Nash, who was not involved with the new study. “But we’re a long way from figuring out who it’s protective for and when that optimal period is.”

By the same token, don’t give away your beloved family pet because you’re concerned the critter will provoke allergies. “I would not get rid of my dog if I was having a child,” says Wegienka, an epidemiologist in the department of public health sciences at Henry Ford Hospital, in Detroit. “There’s no evidence that you should get rid of a dog or a cat.”

(More on Health.com: What to do if you’re allergic to your pet)

Moreover, it’s possible that factors other than having a dog or cat in the house influenced the study participants’ risk of allergy. For instance, although the researchers took into account whether the children’s parents were allergic to animals, they didn’t ask about a broader family history of allergies or other health problems. So it could be that children who are genetically predisposed to animal allergies simply are less likely to grow up in homes with pets.

In the study, which appears in the journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy, Wegienka and her colleagues collected information from 566 children and their parents about the kids’ exposure to indoor pets and their history of allergies. In addition, when the kids turned 18, the researchers took blood samples and tested them for certain immune-system proteins (known as antibodies) that fight off cat and dog allergens.

The teenagers who lived with a cat during their first year of life had a 48 percent lower risk of cat allergy than their peers, and the teen boys who lived with a dog had a 50 percent lower risk of allergy. The authors suggest that infant girls may not develop the same immunity as boys because they may interact differently with dogs than infant boys, but that’s only a guess.

Dog Allergies | Basic Information

Dog allergies are a source of discomfort for some dogs just as allergies can be a discomfort for some humans. Essentially the immune system recognizes a substance as dangerous, whether it is actually dangerous or not, and the body reacts by taking protective measures. Most of the time the reaction is of a mild to moderate measure that is noticeably uncomfortable. However, sometimes the reaction can be extreme.

The substance that causes dog allergies is called an allergen, and an allergen can be inhaled, ingested, or in come in direct contact with the skin. After recognizing a substance as an allergen, and therefore dangerous, the body will then try to eliminate the problem causing a range of respiratory, digestive, and skin allergy symptoms.

The typical symptoms of dog allergies include:

• Increased scratching, increased licking

• Rubbing face on carpet or any similar surface

• Red, moist skin

• Paw chewing

• Itchy ears, ear infection

• Runny eyes

• Sneezing

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

If you suspect your dog may be affected by dog allergies it is wise to take your dog to a veterinarian so he/she can confirm an allergy through diagnosis. In some cases, skin testing and blood work may be necessary in order to attempt to determine the allergen.

Whether the allergen is identified at first or not, your veterinarian will usually be able to alleviate the discomfort of your pet to a tolerable level. Ideally, with the identification of the allergen, it will be possible for your pet dog to live the remainder of his/her life without allergy discomfort. Hopefully, the allergen can be discovered and therefore removed from the dog’s environment.

However, this is not always possible. In some cases, continuing dog allergies can lead to medical complications such as recurring ear infections as skin conditions that may require medication or other special treatment. A dog allergy typically will first show up when a dog is between one to three years old. In some cases a dog will first experience a dog allergy as late as six to eight years old.

Basic Types of Dog Allergies

1. Dog Flea Allergies

Dog flea allergies are the most common form of dog allergies. The allergen is flea saliva which is left on the dog’s skin after a flea has bitten your dog. Unfortunately, fleas can be difficult to get rid of. Fleas are very fertile and produce huge numbers of eggs. It is important to get your dog on a flea treatment program as soon as possible after fleas are found on your dog. In warm weather, fleas thrive and can live until cold weather sets in. During this period of time, which is year-round in California, the southwest and southern states, fleas will patiently await a dog host, attach themselves, and begin to feed from the dog’s blood.

2. Dog Food Allergies

Dog food allergies are less common than dog flea allergies, but they are common. Unfortunately, dog food allergies can sometimes become a problem because discovering the food responsible for the allergenic reaction can be tricky. However, there are skin testing, and other avoidance and detection techniques that will be used to zero-in on the food allergen. This may take some detective work.

For some dogs, there is no perfect food. Especially with so many chemicals in commercial dog food, sometimes a dog owner must resort to cooking for their dog.

3. Dog Inhalant Allergies

Dog inhalant allergies, which are also referred to as “atopy”, and are caused by environmental factors, things or pollutants in the air that your dog breathes. If your dog becomes allergic to something in their environment, this may also require some detective work to narrow down the possibilities and finally locate the exact allergen.

Atopic allergens can be from natural sources and unnatural sources.

Natural sources include pollen from grass, plants and trees; dust mites; mold spores; animal dander; feathers; and other similar items.

Unnatural sources are usually manufactured substances such as chemicals, additives, and other pollutants contained in such items as plastics, rubber, as well as fumes from household cleaning products, tobacco smoke and other noxious fumes, chemicals in wool, cotton, nylon and other products, and other similar artificial or toxic gasses and fumes associated with manufactured goods and products.

Finding an Atopic Allergen

A prime cause of allergic reactions in dogs is the same prime cause of allergic reactions in humans—pollen. This to say that if you are allergic to pollen, then your dog may also be allergic to pollen. So, if you are reacting to hay fever or some new pollen in your back yard, it may be that your dog is reacting to the same irritant. Just as you may take medication for your allergy, your dog may need medication as well, but not the same as yours. A veterinarian will need to determine the best treatment for your pet dog.

Seasonal dog allergies come and go with seasonal pollen allergens and there is little you can do about them except to take medication to relieve symptoms. You may wish to check the pollen count to see if the specific source can be identified. That may help in avoidance. Keep in mind that tree pollens usually occur earlier in the spring than grass pollen. With seasonal allergens, the pollen will pass in a few weeks and the allergy will disappear, until next spring.

Non-seasonal dog allergies are another story. If the allergy does not go away in a month or so, then it is likely you are dealing with a year-round allergy. It is possible to eliminate this form of inhalant allergen from the dog’s environment if the source can be found. To do this, often the best technique is to use the process of elimination. Keep in mind, there may be more than one thing your dog has developed an allergy. However, the elimination process may reveal one or more allergens. When they are identified, they are simply removed from the immediate environment and that should solve the problem.

Sometimes in the case of certain items, the dog’s bed and toys may need to be cleaned. In fact, your pet can become allergic to the plastic or other substance in his bed or toys. Allergen skin tests may be effective in identification.

Summing Up

Dog allergies can be a problem for some pets. But with the help of your veterinarian you should be able to deal with mild to medium allergies very effectively. Serious allergies may require considerably more work, but your veterinarian will walk you through the process.

On this site we have articles that discuss various aspects of dog allergies. We hope you may find them useful.

Giving Peanut Butter To Dogs--Scratching, Itching and Ear Infections

Many people commonly give their dogs peanut butter because it is a food that they personally enjoy and want to share it with their beloved pet. There really is no upside to doing this and we can’t emphasize enough the downsides. The recent peanut butter and peanut butter product recall, just like last year’s pet food recall, calls attention to the fact that there is already an existing problem, especially for pets. Peanut butter commonly contains mold which can fuel yeast growth in people and pets. Where do problems typically show up on the dog? Ear and skin infections. I can’t tell you how many clients have reported their dogs having excessive scratching, itching, redness, allergic reactions, ear infections, hot spots, all from giving them just a small amount of peanut butter.  If your dog has allergies or chronic ear and skin infections, then the first place to start would be to give your dog K9 Yeast Defense.  K9 Yeast Defense and Power Probiotic are veterinary supplements that are all-natural and can boost your dog’s immune system, while reducing smelly yeast in the ears and groin.  If your dog has ever been on antibiotics, this alone can cause a yeast overgrowth to occur. The symptoms can be shaking of the ears, scratching, itching and recurring ear infections.

 Learn more about how to stop dog itching. Moreover, there are many pet owners whose pets already have chronic allergies and skin problems who carefully watch their diets using hypoallergenic foods and yet their pets continue to scratch and itch because they are coating the dog’s pills with peanut butter to administer them. Their dogs continue to have chronic yeast infections in the ears and scratch and itch. It only takes a small amount (e.g. a teaspoon) to result in a week-long allergic episode.  Using K9 Yeast Defense as a preventative, especially during the hot summer will really help.

Peanut butter is also very high in fat, and many times, contains sugar, again–neither is good for a dog’s health. If you have been using peanut butter or peanut butter-flavored dog biscuits (wheat is also a potential allergen and should be avoided) in your pet’s diet, we urge you to discontinue and use lower fat, hypoallergenic treats such as Wildside Salmon treats (if no kidney issues are present), baby carrots or sliced apples. If your dog has chronic skin and coat problems, itching, scratching, hair loss, most likely it is due to the food you are feeding and poor digestion. A high carbohydrate diet, paired with specific allergies to various proteins, can result in a very allergic pet. Please see our discussion on the holistic care for pets with allergies on AskAriel.com for more information.

Dog allergies help with diet?

Ok, so I have a dog of four years, five months since she has always been very healthy skin, long hair and all. One day, when I took her to the clinic to become familiar with shower (always does) I forgot to take your shampoo, which he always carried, so just used regular shampoo on the day (which was very fast), he returned to hair around his brown eyes and all around the mouth, and his back red.the next day, when I saw about half the hair on the back was gone and I was like WTF? So I took her to the vet and they said they had an allergic reaction to shampoo (and since that day five months ago, has just gone down) was prescribed a steroid treatment for a dog of medicine that I do not really I know what it is, but it is courageous and one tablet of vitamin E per day.I I finished reading, and she lost the rear on his face red, but brown hair and has always been the redness, then came back so I went up and they said it had issued any food allergies or what they inhaled (she had never seen them) and they said, many dogs develop allergies and things began her shampoo and it is obviously very sensitive and we have exactly the same treatment again but now with the diet (she Turkey / lamb with rice for lunch, and she has her dog food called “special regime” and is hypoallergenic lambskin seat and turkey they toobut it is not really a dog food a lot) ok I went to the States for two weeks (I live in Venezuela) and left with my mother, who told me blush came back and she had red spots and they took her to the vet again and gave him a 21 days 2 times a day from this anti-allergic, what (is in Spanish, and I do not know how I say it in English ) with a greasy material (problem. myself This is a http://comandinasacom/Imagenes/Mirrapel 20Oleoso%% 20 236% 20mL.jpg) and E vitamin.I 21 days of treatment (one week ago) supplemented with anti-allergic (CLORO TRIM Eton, which is the name I know just not what it says), but kept things oil and vitamin because it is supposed to last for 60 days. Ok so redness is gone but it’s been five months and her hair is not coming back, her face all brown, and I live on a diet, but the question is that I had to give Turkey / lamb for dinner, and they are just very stubborn and will not eat dog food! so they just eat all day and I do not think it is sufficient to meet its needs. Can provide one kind of food you know that some of this and that or any other tips for a dog with an allergy treated? Vets here (and I’ll take her to the best) just say the same thing over and over again. This is her before allergy http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x266/joa297/before.j This is a http://comandinasacom/Imagenes/Mirrapel 20Oleoso%% 20 236% 20mL.jpg) and E vitamin.I 21 days of treatment (one week ago) supplemented with anti-allergic (CLORO TRIM Eton, which is the name I know just not what it says), but kept things oil and vitamin because it is supposed to last for 60 days. Ok so redness is gone but it’s been five months and her hair is not coming back, her face all brown, and I live on a diet, but the question is that I had to give Turkey / lamb for dinner, and they are just very stubborn and will not eat dog food! so they just eat all day and I do not think it is sufficient to meet its needs. Can provide one kind of food you know that some of this and that or any other tips for a dog with an allergy treated? Vets here (and I’ll take her to the best) just say the same thing over and over again. This is her before allergy http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x266/joa297/before.j This is a http://comandinasacom/Imagenes/Mirrapel 20Oleoso%% 20 236% 20mL.jpg) and E vitamin.I 21 days of treatment (one week ago) supplemented with anti-allergic (CLORO TRIM Eton, which is the name I know just not what it says), but kept things oil and vitamin because it is supposed to last for 60 days. Ok so redness is gone but it’s been five months and her hair is not coming back, her face all brown, and I live on a diet, but the question is that I had to give Turkey / lamb for dinner, and they are just very stubborn and will not eat dog food! so they just eat all day and I do not think it is sufficient to meet its needs. Can provide one kind of food you know that some of this and that or any other tips for a dog with an allergy treated? Vets here (and I’ll take her to the best) just say the same thing over and over again. This is her before allergy http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x266/joa297/before.j This is a http://comandinasacom/Imagenes/Mirrapel 20Oleoso%% 20 236% 20mL.jpg) and E vitamin.I 21 days of treatment (one week ago) supplemented with anti-allergic (CLORO TRIM Eton, which is the name I know just not what it says), but kept things oil and vitamin because it is supposed to last for 60 days. Ok so redness is gone but it’s been five months and her hair is not coming back, her face all brown, and I live on a diet, but the question is that I had to give Turkey / lamb for dinner, and they are just very stubborn and will not eat dog food! so they just eat all day and I do not think it is sufficient to meet its needs. Can provide one kind of food you know that some of this and that or any other tips for a dog with an allergy treated? Vets here (and I’ll take her to the best) just say the same thing over and over again. This is her before allergy http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x266/joa297/before.j

All About Dog Allergies

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a professional veterinarian, dog trainer, or other pet care professional.

Like humans, dogs can have allergies that come in many different forms. There are five basic dog allergies that can be caused by several different things. The five basic allergies that a dog can have are flea allergies, food allergies, bacterial allergies, contact allergies, and atopy allergies. There are a multitude of different options that can be used as dog allergy remedies.

In most families, the dog is considered to be a member. It is very important that you find help for your pet. You don’t want to see your dog suffering from allergies any more than you want to see one of your own children suffering from an ailment. I suggest looking for medications online. It can be much cheaper to buy a product online then it will be upfront at the veterinary clinic.

The first allergy that your dog might be suffering from is a allergic reaction to food. Hot spots, hair loss, over excessive itching, and skin irritation are the primary symptoms experienced by a dog with a food allergy. Food allergies can develop over time. Even if your dog has never shown an allergy in the past doesn’t mean that it isn’t suffering from one now. It is isn’t uncommon for a dog to develop a sensitivity to certain ingredients common in dog food even late in its life. The ingredients that dogs are usually intolerant to are beef, dairy products, chicken, corn, and soy. These are all common ingredients in dry dog food. Treatment for this type of allergy is very easy, you simply switch the dog to a hypoallergenic kind of dog food. To find a food that will be compatible with your dog, do research and talk to a your vet. If the symptoms persist then your dog may suffer from a different form of allergy.

An allergy to flea saliva is also very common for dogs. When a flea feeds it leaves behind a small amount of saliva. They are not very much different from mosquitoes and generally cause the same amount of irritation, unless of course the dog has a hypersensitivity to flea saliva. Even if your dog isn’t allergic to fleas having an infestation of them on the dog can be very uncomfortable and is also worth treating. Flea allergies have many similar symptoms. Redness of the skin, scratching, and biting of areas are common. It may even get bad enough that the dog actually bites through the skin and causes bleeding open wounds. If the dog breaks the skin antibiotics will be needed for the treatment. If the dog has yet to break the skin then washing the dog in a cold bath with a shampoo designed to kill fleas should do the trick. Afterward consider preventative measures to make sure it doesn’t get them again.

When a dog actually touches an allergen to its skin it is called a contact allergy. All dogs may be different to many different things. Humans, and all other creatures, are the same way. There are many different potential allergens that a dog will come in contact with on a day to day basis. Bedding is one of the first things your dog may be allergic to. Some dogs are allergic to certain fibers and other textile products. Allergic reactions may also be caused by certain plants. Even plants that are usually not considered poisonous can cause allergic reactions. House plants, plants in your yard and other places you may take your pet are likely the problem. Chemicals and household cleanings products are also commonly known to give dogs allergies. The usually symptoms of a contact allergy include redness on the skin, blotches, puss pockets, and itchiness of the skin. The treatment for this kind of allergy can be very confusing. They can change according to what the dog has come in contact with. Removing the allergen is always an effective cure, but this isn’t always an option. Do further research or contact your vet for help.

Bacterial infections can also cause allergic reactions in dogs. The symptoms almost always appear to be very similar to either a flea or contact allergy. This makes them much harder to identify, however a bacterial infection usually makes the symptoms far more severe. A bacterial infection is usually caused by another health problem however. Something like parsitism or a hormone disorder can cause an allergic reaction to bacterias. Parasitism is caused when a parasitic entity steals nutrients from the dog. The symptoms common to bacterial allergies include red blotches, hair loss, formations that look similar to ringworms on the skin, and pus pockets. Antibiotics are an effective way to treat a dog allergy like this.

When a dog inhales an allergen and shows a reaction it is called an atopy allergy. This is considered to the most common type of allergy most dogs suffer from. If the problem isn’t very severe then than the symptoms will only include biting, itchy, face rubbing, and some minor hair loss. This can also lead to papules, small red uncomfortable bumps on the skin, and pustules. Pustules are lesions that are similar to pimples, which are also uncomfortable. The things a dog can inhale can be found in and outside the house. You should watch out for fleas, dust mites, molds, dust, human dander, pollen, and feathers. A dog can have seasonal allergies to plants or trees just like humans. Chemical products in the house like perfume and cleaning products can also cause an allergy like this. The methods of curing this allergy will vary from dog to dog. Shots of a steroid can often cure this type of allergy. Some sources claim it can even be done with a special shampoo.

Jim Salingzer is an author who often writes about topics such as men’s health, hobbies, and pets. For some of his recent work, please visit Nose Studs and Wooden Chests
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Salingzer

How To Treat Allergies in Dogs Perfectly

How To Treat Allergies in Dogs  Perfectly

Do notalways thinkdogs that areallergic toanything becausemany people areallergicto dogs!However,it is common fordogs to haveallergiesto certain substances,and it is importantto keeplooking forsymptoms.

The most common symptomsof allergiesin dogs are:
•Knitthe ear
•chewing orlickingthe feetor body
•feet andreddishhair betweenyour fingers or
•rubbinghis head againstobjects
•Open woundsrashes, bumpsand pimpleson the skin
• Redor eyes
•recurrentear infections
•sneezingor runny noseand the line
•vomitingor diarrhea
•coughingor wheezing

Of all these symptoms of allergies in dogs, scratching is the most common.

Dogs can suffer from allergies fly, flea, food, or contact.

If you have allergies in the air, may be sensitive to pollen, trees, grass and weeds, as well as dust mites, mold and home. Just as in humans, and this can occur seasonally or all year round.

Allergic reactions can cause severe flea, which leads to the dog biting her skin. Fleas become sensitive to even a dog, so it is important to control.

Common food allergies in dogs include beef, pork, chicken, turkey, eggs, soy, corn and wheat.

It can occur at any age and can cause itching and increased bowel movements.

Contact allergies are less common type, caused by something that the dog comes into contact with, such as carpets, blankets, plastics, detergents, disinfectants and chemicals, grass, herbs, etc. ..
The treatment will be different for each type of allergy.

For all of them, and have limited or no exposure to allergens to help.
Airborne Allergies:
When it comes to flight allergies, veterinarians may recommend allergy shots if it had been identified a certain sensitivity.
Flea allergies:
With regard to the sensitivity of the fleas, and treatment includes strict control of fleas.

Must ensure that your dog is not exposed through the use of flea medications and home remedies.
Food Allergies:
In the case of dogs who suffer from food allergy-free diet food, which are sensitive.

Seameal supports the immune system, and can help prevent chewing at the feet of the base of the tail, two of the first signs of an allergic reaction.
Contact allergy:
If he has a feeling of communication, and the only treatment is to remove allergens from the house.
Other treatments for allergies are dog with the shampoo and anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and allergies.

Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of allergies your dog.
The sensitivity can be diagnosed in dogs to be difficult.

First of all, the veterinarian will probably make a preliminary diagnosis based on the time of year when your dog has the most symptoms, which are the sites itchiest and respond to the desire for drugs.

However, if the sensitivity does not subside, and worse, it can be to the vet to make a more specific assay sensitivity. 

This may include a blood test or an intradermal skin test.

Remember not to self-diagnose your pet, if you are suffering from the symptoms mentioned above should certainly take them to the vet because it may indicate the existence of a state different from other allergies.

So You Think Your Dog Has Allergies, Part 3: Treatment

So your dog has allergies. Not only does he show the classic signs and symptoms, but you’ve also done some work to determine what he’s allergic to. But what do you do with that information? And how can you give the poor guy some relief? Today’s post will discuss just that.

My go-to treatments.

Don’t Touch!
One of the easiest ways to treat allergies is to avoid the allergens. This is especially easy if your dog has a food allergy- just don’t feed him that food! This will mean that you will read labels like a hawk- on everything. One of Maisy’s allergies is to eggs, and let me tell you, they are everywhere. Nothing goes in her mouth unless I’ve read the label or made it myself. Treats at the pet store or drive through are turned down, much to Maisy’s disappointment.

But other things are harder to avoid. You can’t exactly keep your dog in a bubble, but for a dog allergic to grass and trees, you might be tempted to do just that. However, you can help reduce your dog’s exposure to environmental allergies simply by keeping clean. Dust regularly, wash your pup’s bedding more than usual, and if he’s especially sensitive, invest in some HEPA filters.

Don’t forget to keep your dog clean, either- wiping down his feet and belly after he’s been outside can help cut down on his itchiness. During peak allergy season, Maisy gets a weekly bath to catch the rest. If you do this, be sure to use a gentle shampoo (I like Cloud Star’s Buddy Wash, although I could do without the scent).

Treat the Symptoms
No matter how hard you try, though, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to prevent all exposure. Maisy is allergic to human dander, and I just don’t know a way to protect her from me. As a result, she receives a daily antihistamine. Medications like Benadryl, Claritin, and Zyrtec are generally considered safe for dogs, but you should talk to your vet to get the correct dosage and make sure the medicine is right for your dog. This is especially important if your dog takes another medication (like Maisy does); sometimes there are weird interactions to be aware of.

Corticosteroids can be helpful for dogs with more serious allergies, or during an especially bad allergy season. According to the April 2011 issue of the Whole Dog Journal, corticosteroids tend to be the most effective. That said, there are also some dangers associated with them; in the article, Nancy Kerns points out that they can leave dogs vulnerable to infections and metabolic imbalances, and long-term use can result in more serious problems like liver disease, diabetes, and adrenal suppression. Personally, I prefer to avoid steroid use; I’ve taken them for my asthma, and boy did they make me cranky. Maisy, with her reactivity, does not need that.

Allergy Shots
Allergy shots- also known as immunotherapy- can go a long way to helping reduce your dog’s allergies. Nancy Kerns’ article Itching to Be Well confirmed that most dogs who receive this therapy improve. Some even recover completely. Immunotherapy does need to be customized to your dog’s specific allergies, though, which requires that you do the skin tests instead of the cheaper and easier blood tests. It also requires you to give your dog a small shot once or twice a week for months, and possibly longer. This can be costly, and it’s definitely more invasive than either avoidance or symptomatic treatment.

Holistic Options
The least controversial holistic option is to supplement your dog’s diet with fatty acid supplements, like fish oil. In Itching to be Well, Nancy Kerns quotes a veterinarian who shares that the fatty acids will go into the skin layers, which helps improve the barrier and decrease inflammatory cells. These tend to work best for mildly allergic dogs, or in conjunction with other treatment. Other options include the use of probiotics, acupuncture, homeopathy, and glandular supplements, all of which I know very little about.

Personally, I manage Maisy’s allergies through avoidance to the foods she’s allergic to, regular baths in the summer, wiping off her feet, legs, and belly when some comes inside, and a daily antihistamine (Claritin). Maisy also gets fish oil daily. This has been very successful so far, although this year looks like it will be a doozy of an allergy season, so we may be changing things up soon…

What about you? What do you do to treat your dog’s allergies? I know there are a lot of holistic treatments, although I haven’t used any myself. I’d love to hear from others about their experiences!