Looking After Pets
Best Free Advice For Looking After Your Pets-
May 2nd, 2010Pets AdviceCanine Lyme Disease is brought on by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by deer ticks (or associated ticks).In areas wherever the illness is prevalent around 75% of dogs will test positive for exposure. Dog Barking Problems can bring about difficulties in a number of parts of your dog’s system.
Canine Lyme sickness is generally transmitted by the deer tick or black-legged tick. It’s one of the most properly known of the tick diseases in dogs. Canine lyme disease is one of the numerous troubles that owners face with their dogs. Actually, owners may possibly nicely think that this is usually a behavioral trouble in dogs.
Lyme sickness is most typically spread by ticks, but can also be transmitted by fleas, mosquitos, and mites. Evidence has suggested these insects don’t truly need to bite you for you to become infected. Lyme sickness must be diagnosed with a physical check-up and medical history.
This clinical diagnosis may in most cases be sustained by laboratory testing. Lyme sickness was first described in 1975 when an unusual outbreak of rheumatoid arthritis occurring in kids was reported in Lyme, Connecticut. In 1982, the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi was determined to be the cause of that outbreak.
Deer ticks are parasites and must take blood to survive. They begin their life as tiny eggs, which hatch into sexually immature six-legged larvae which are about the size of a sand grain.
Deer Tick Symptoms Although the indicators vary deer tick bites are usually painless in reality you may never even see the tick that bites you due to the fact there generally as small as the period at the end of this sentence.
Following being bitten most with the signs and symptoms typically occur immediately after the tick that bites you drops off. Deer ticks, which feed on the blood of animals and humans, can harbor the condition and spread it when feeding.
Preventing canine Lyme sickness is less difficult than treating the condition. Most veterinarians provide Lyme sickness vaccines that will prevent a dog from contracting Lyme’s illness from ticks.
Prevention of Lyme ailment in the canine may possibly occur at two levels: prevention of tick bites and inoculation against Borrelia burgdorferi with a commercial vaccine.
Prevention of tick bites includes the daily grooming of dogs to remove ticks and use of repellents or insecticides in the form of collars, dips, sprays or creams.
Vaccine safety, prevalence of Lyme in your area, chance of contracting Lyme ailment based on a dog’s individual activities, and chance of Lyme-related kidney sickness are all several factors your veterinarian considers in their recommendations.
This factor need to be also considered concerning the choice to vaccinate. Vaccinations might be started out soon after 12 weeks with two doses given 3 weeks apart after which yearly boosters.
Vaccination need to be discussed with your veterinarian. Vaccinating your canine will protect it from a number of deadly illnesses and viruses. It really is greatest to not take your puppy to locations other dogs visit until it has most of its vaccinations.
Vaccinations can be began soon after 12 weeks with two doses given 3 weeks apart and then yearly boosters. It can be also suggested that the vaccine be only given where Canine Kidney Disease is really a issue.
Tags: canine allergies, canine cushings disease, canine kidney disease, canine lyme disease, dog lethargic -
April 30th, 2010Pets AdviceDog health problems just like pet skin allergies and pet skin allergies with scabs can arrive from several various sources. If you’ve been feeding your canine with healthy pet food and healthful treats then it’s wise to get your pet checked by a professional vet.
Dog Medical Problems are either hereditary/congenital or acquired by means of injury or environmental conditions. This article is about inherited dog disorders and is intended to aid you realize some with the popular canine health and fitness disorders.
Dog health problems at this time of their lives might be cataracts, hearing loss, cancer, and joint pain associated with arthritis. The signs to look for are licking from the joints, slow walking particularly up stairs, and cannot seem to hear you when you call or bumps into furniture as they walk by way of the room.
Dog health problems can also include heart murmurs. This problem occurs when heart valves don’t function appropriately and results in irregular blood flow within the organ.
Dog health problems can vary between bodily complications and skin problems. Within this article, I am going to discuss how to stay clear of particular dog health problems.
Dog health problems might be diagnosed simply with a Vet around. Otherwise, your senior dog’s wellness could deteriorate far rapidly. Dog health problems abound, but some are so simple to treat its child’s play. And better still, it may well not cost you a cent.
Parasitic worms come in all shapes and sizes. Every produces specific signs and symptoms, but for one of the most part, most worms might be quickly treated. Parasitic worms dehydrate puppies rapidly and often lead to anemia. They affect dog wellness in all breeds and stages of life.
Infected, but otherwise healthy pets is usually carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any affected items and is experiencing any of these indicators, please contact your veterinarian.
Infectious diseases are one from the major dog health problems that pet lovers face. These are significant not just from a veterinary standpoint but also mainly because with the risk to human wellbeing.
Ear infections, if left untreated, can lead to disorientation and vomiting, bloat can make a puppy “dry heave”. Diarrhea and vomiting could be symptomatic of internal parasites.
Early diagnosis and remedy of any heart defect or issue the canine may have could stay away from serious complications as the dog ages thus ensuring the animal could have a nutritious lifespan. It is believed that over three million dogs in the United States are under remedy for heart condition troubles.
Diarrhea and vomiting are two in the most typical reasons a canine will visit a vet. Frequently brought on by eating either a poor quality diet causing a chronic trouble, being fed a diet that they are allergic to or sneaking an inappropriate treat just like chocolate, rat poison or garbage. Diarrhea is typically caused in this trouble. Bleeding in the inflammation or ulcers and production of pus can also be seen.
Veterinarians remain divided regarding the significance of canine overly expressed behaviors. Some feel it may well be our attempt to humanize our pets, yet others are not so sure.
Vets can diagnose heart murmurs initially by listening to your dog’s heart using a stethoscope, and may possibly follow-up with a selection of tests to find out the reason of the murmur.
Some with the signs or symptoms to look at for consist of exercise intolerance and coughing (particularly when the pet is sleeping). Vets are specially trained to see Dog Health Problems.
Normal vaccination also keeps trouble away and permits you to cherish the presence of one’s pet without the fear that the dog health problem may well pass on to you or very sensible members in the family such as children.
Hygiene and perfect cleanness on the place where the doggy lives or eats are the finest method to keep trouble away. Regular grooming and correct hygiene can help a lot. Provided you know the way to take care of your pets appropriately, infections and all kinds of conditions shouldn’t be a concern for you.
Tags: canine allergies, canine kidney disease, dog health problems, dog medical problems, dog training problems -
April 26th, 2010Pets AdviceCanine kidney disease will bring about the kidneys to function improperly leading for the buildup of toxins inside the blood. Canine kidney disease is tough and if detected early, is usually managed but you require an expert veterinary nutritionist or holistic veterinarian to assist you make sure you’re feeding the appropriate diet.
Canine kidney disease is really a devastating and aggressive condition. Though it’s commonly seen in elderly dogs and thought to become part in the aging procedure, a lot more and a lot more we are seeing younger dogs getting affected.
Canine Kidney Disease can also deprive your pet in the nourishment it requirements to survive. Canine kidney disease entails malfunctioning of kidneys due to numerous factors.
Some of these reasons are trauma, toxins, and infections. Canine kidney disease has numerous types. A thorough veterinary exam can diagnose whether the canine is suffering from acute (sudden) or chronic (ongoing) kidney failure.
Signs of kidney situation which result from glomerulonephritis vary depending on the result in and also the severity about the ailment. Some dogs may well possibly appear being normal and healthy, though others may well be lethargic and suffer from weight loss.
Symptoms of illness begin to appear at around 5. mg/dl, so the goal is usually to maintain these levels below 4.5mg/dl to maintain the dog feeling his ideal.
Other blood tests will examine the levels of potassium and phosphorus inside body. There will commonly be no signs or symptoms in the early stages of kidney disease. As the ailment progresses, your dog will start to show signs and symptoms for instance coughing, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.
Dog kidney illness is usually brought on by a variety of various factors or triggers. The sudden form of this situation, acute kidney disease, is usually triggered by several forms of trauma and blood loss.
Dogs are afflicted with lymphoma, fibrosarcoma, melanomas, leukemias and plasmacytomas amongst a number of other cancers.
Early warning signs of cancer include abnormal swellings that persist or grow, sores that don’t heal, weight loss, loss of appetite, bleeding or discharge from any body opening, offensive odor, difficulty in eating or swallowing, hesitation in exercising and becoming active or reduction of stamina, persistent lameness or stiffness, difficulty in breathing, urinating, or defecation.
Dogs’ nutritional requirements may possibly differ from ours. What we deem as wholesome for us might not be sufficient or suitable for them.
Treatments – There is no cure for chronic kidney ailment. Consequently, the treatment objective is to stop or slow the progression from the sickness to prevent canine kidney failure.
Treatment for ehrlichiosis entails the use of antibiotics just like tetracycline or doxycycline for a period of a minimum of six to eight weeks; response into the drugs may perhaps possibly take a single month.
In addition, steroids may properly be suggested for severe scenarios in which the level of platelets is so low that the situation is life threatening.
Cure of Canine Incontinence in most cases, isn’t only challenging in terms of ensuring a complete recovery, but also is too pricey to continue for a long time.
Remedy for ehrlichiosis requires the use of antibiotics for instance tetracycline or doxycycline for a period of at least six to eight weeks; response towards the drugs may well take one month.
Tags: canine allergies, canine incontinence, canine kidney disease, canine lyme disease, canine mange -
April 25th, 2010Pets AdviceCanine kidney disease has quite a few forms. A thorough veterinary exam can diagnose whether the canine is suffering from acute (sudden) or chronic (ongoing) kidney failure. Canine kidney disease may be deadly and significant, any signs of urine signs or symptoms, vomiting, lethargic or depressed inside your pet treat this as a warning sign and alert your vet straight away.
If caught rapidly it may be achievable to gain control over the condition.Canine allergies can result in difficulties in different parts of your dog’s physique. It can affect his kidneys, heart, and joints if it is left untreated.
Canine kidney disease in canines is practically continually attributable to poor well being with the canine or unsanitary living conditions. Canine kidney disease in canines is pretty much generally attributable to poor wellness through the canine or unsanitary living complications. Canine kidney disease is usually deadly and severe, any indicators of urine signs, vomiting, lethargic or depressed inside your pet treat this as a warning sign and alert your vet straight away. If caught quickly it may perhaps be achievable to gain control over the sickness.
Signs of canine kidney disease can include excessive thirst, excessive urination, lethargy, inappetance, nausea, etc. So to keep your pet’s phosphorous and BUN levels as regulated as possible, the diet needs to regulated too. Indicators of kidney condition which result from glomerulonephritis vary depending on the lead to and the severity from the illness. Some dogs may well appear to be normal and healthy, while others may be lethargic and suffer from weight loss.
Toxins gradually assemble up from the pet’s bloodstream due to the fact the kidneys are no longer ready to filter them out. Old age could be the number 1 lead to, but it can also be genetic or precipitate in the giving of specific drugs that work the kidneys hard, like diuretics. Toxins could also bring about significant damage towards the kidneys in the canine. This can even contain substances which might be found inside property, for example cleaning products and anti-freeze.
Toxins gradually construct up inside the pet’s bloodstream mainly because the kidneys are no longer able to filter them out. Old age is the number a single lead to, but it can also be genetic or precipitate from your giving of particular drugs that work the kidneys tough, like diuretics. Toxins may also bring about considerable harm for the kidneys on the canine. This can even include things like substances which have been discovered in the household, just like cleaning goods and anti-freeze.
Dogs with kidney failure aren’t in a position to get rid of this urea normally. Damaged kidneys may perhaps not be capable to remove phosphorus from your blood. Dogs with canine mange problem, need a quite low protein diet. I have been investigating this on behalf of a friend.
Dogs are afflicted with lymphoma, fibrosarcoma, melanomas, leukemias and plasmacytomas amongst a number of other cancers. Early warning indicators of cancer include things like abnormal swellings that persist or grow, sores that do not heal, weight loss, loss of appetite, bleeding or discharge from any body opening, offensive odor, difficulty in eating or swallowing, hesitation in exercising and being active or loss of stamina, persistent lameness or stiffness, difficulty in breathing, urinating, or defecation.
Treatment is aimed at relieving signs so your canine can have a better quality of life. ACE inhibitors will relieve stress on the heart by reducing blood pressure and volume. Treatment of kidney stones may vary depending on the type of stone involved. It truly is also importa . Treatment is quite tough, involving injectable anthelminthics including ivermectin. Given the wide variety of intermediate hosts (vectors) of the parasite that may well infect dogs, it truly is practically impossible to design efficient prophylaxis.
Tags: canine allergies, canine kidney disease, canine mange, dog dry skin, dog hair loss -
April 18th, 2010Pets AdviceCanine Cushings ailment could be determine by specific warning signs. Canine Cushings disease is usually a degenerative ailment and brain-endocrine disorder that’s known to affect much more than half a million dogs.
This is regarded a medical complex disorder and it is caused by an excess in the normally developed steroid known as cortisol or glucocoticoid.
Canine Cushings illness symptoms are elevated appetite and thirst, improved urination, patchy hair loss, high blood pressure, and panting.
The puppies skin is affected by Cushings sickness. Canine cushings disease can also be a lot more widespread in overweight spayed females and dogs on high-fat diets. An attack may perhaps possibly be triggered by eating fatty table scraps or a fatty meal.
Canine Allergies is also significantly additional widespread in overweight spayed females and puppies on high-fat diets. An attack may possibly possibly be triggered by eating fatty table scraps or perhaps a fatty meal.
Unfortunately Cushings disease in dogs is blamed on an adrenal gland tumor only fifteen percent of the time, so a good eighty five percent of instances are due to pituitary gland tumors.
Within the case that cushings disease in puppies has manifested itself in your animal’s pituitary gland, then a mechanical removal becomes out of the question since risk of damage to the gland is too higher to become regarded practical.
Tumors and hyperplasia (enhanced number of normal cells) with the pituitary gland results in elevated secretions of ACTH, that causes overproduction of glucocorticoids by the adrenal gland.
It is proven now that 82% of all reported Cushing’s disease circumstances in puppies are pituitary dependent. Tumors are the most widespread reasons of dysfunction of adrenal glands or pituitary gland. In situation of adrenal gland, the tumor may possibly be present just on one gland or both.
Anipryl or Lysodren are synthetic drugs that are often used as treatments for Cushings Sickness . Drugs such as prednisone for dogs are typically prescribed. Anipryl also comes in handy simple to administer 30 packs.
Vets have to turn to utilizing hormones and decongestants when they cannot pinpoint factors behind incontinence. DES (diethylstilbestrol) a man-made form of estrogen is generally prescribed for spayed female puppies.
Vetoryl is currently undergoing FDA approval for animals, but Anipryl is fully approved in the United States for treating cushings condition in puppies. Anipryl takes longer to take effect in animals, but has a incredibly great effectiveness within the long run.
Veterinarians can discover dogs with Dog Behavior Problems by administering a conclusive blood test. Additionally they use other medical tests to determine if it was cause by an adrenal gland tumor or perhaps a pituitary gland tumor. Vets are running a business after all. They’re not there to save you money.
Puppies have grown being such a component of our houses that men and women today truly are eager to invest within the comparable meds that helped them throughout their diseases.
Puppies Cushing’s disease is usually a popular issue that affects senior pets, and is caused by overactive adrenal glands. This condition can easily be confused with premature signs of aging in dogs.
Tags: canine allergies, canine cushings disease, canine kidney disease, canine lyme disease, dog skin diseases -
April 14th, 2010Pets AdviceCanine Allergies is one from the several complications that owners confront with their dogs. Actually, owners might believe that this is a behavioral issue in dogs.
Canine incontinence is categorized by urine leaking uncontrollably in the bladder. In a dog who isn’t afflicted by incontinence, he is effortlessly able to manage the leakage of urine from the bladder via the application of muscular tissue at the base with the bladder.
Canine incontinence can be treated once its lead to is identified. The moment signs of incontinence are observed, a veterinarian must be consulted and appropriate treatment must be administered.
Canine incontinence is neither of these things; rather, it truly is a medical problem that may be diagnosed and treated accordingly.
Prior to you and your veterinarian can work to handle your dog’s incontinence, nevertheless, you ought to first learn to recognize the symptoms.
Symptoms include leaking urine, typically in the course of sleep or rest, as the dog is barking or throughout other activities that lead to increased pressure on the bladder. Pet owners may possibly also notice the smell of urine and staining around the dog’s bed or puddles around the floor.
Bladder infections in dogs are more frequent in female puppies anyway, mainly because the urethra in females is shorter as well as wider, that makes it less complicated for disease-causing bacteria to enter into the urinary system.
A canine with female canine incontinence might also have a relaxed urinary sphincter, that makes it actually simpler for pathogens to go in.
Female puppies are additional prone to possess this birth defect compared to males. Some research has also shown that large breed puppies are much much more prone to incontinence. Female Husky are usually born with birth defects, and need to be corrected with surgery in most cases.
Sometimes puppies are born with a ureter, which connects rather than their vagina or urethrathe bladder, to ensure that constantly dribble urine. Female puppy UTI could cause plenty of discomfort to the puppy. It’s significant that as a dog owner, you take the necessary precautions to keep your puppy free from infection.
Vets have to resort to utilizing hormones and decongestants when they cannot pinpoint causes of incontinence. DES (diethylstilbestrol) a man-made form of estrogen is typically prescribed for spayed female dogs.
DES (diethylstilbestrol) a man-made form of estrogen is generally prescribed for spayed female dogs. DES has been incredibly productive in treating female canine incontinence stemming from poor sphincter manage.
DES has been incredibly productive in treating female canine incontinence stemming from poor sphincter control. It is still out there from compounding pharmacies, and at the low (1mg) dose, does not have the carcinogenic properties that were so problematic in humans.
Estrogen deficiency is the most widespread trigger of incontinence in spayed female dogs and may well result in weakened muscles inside the bladder and sphincter causing urine leakage.
Bovine ovary powder nutritionally offers natural estrogens and works synergistically with the phytoestrogens provided by licorice, wild yam and other ingredients.
Dog Problems is typical in older dogs simply because their sphincter muscles loosen with age, but additionally , it may be the symptom of a bladder stone or struvite crystal which makes urination tough and even painful.
Fortunately, homeopathic remedies are made to treat both of these difficulties.
Tags: canine allergies, canine cushings disease, canine incontinence, canine kidney disease, canine lyme disease -
March 23rd, 2010Pets AdviceCushings Ailment Dog is also extra widespread in fat spayed females and dogs on high-fat diet programs. An attack may possibly possibly be triggered by eating fatty table scraps or perhaps a fatty meal. Cushings Illness Dog causes the dogs body to produce excessive amounts of corticosteroids.
A widespread cause of Cushings Sickness Dog is really a tumor on the adrenal or pituitary gland. Cushings Ailment Dog is really a degenerative sickness and brain-endocrine disorder which is identified to affect additional than half a million puppies.
This is considered a medical complex disorder and is attributed to an excess from the naturally produced steroid called cortisol or glucocoticoid.
Cushings Condition Dog symptoms are elevated appetite and thirst, elevated urination, patchy hair loss, large blood pressure, and panting. The puppies skin is affected by Cushings disease.
Cushings Disease Canine is also much a lot more popular in overweight spayed females and puppies on high-fat diets. An attack may possibly be triggered by eating fatty table scraps or perhaps a fatty meal.
Dogs display some with the same indicators as humans do. You may well not notice any indicators during the earlier stages in the illness since it progresses relatively slowly.
Puppies can be affected by this condition for two reasons. It usually occurs due to the fact of some immune system problem that causes damage to the adrenal glands. Dogs can experience either schemic or hemorrhagic strokes. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel breaks.
Dogs have grown to become such a component of our houses that people today actually are eager to invest inside the comparable meds that helped them throughout their diseases.
Cushings Disease Dog is really a common disorder among puppies. If prompt attention just isn't given, it can turn fatal. Dogs might be provided this medicine by mouth or by injection. Your canine may well also have to receive other hormone supplements given that the adrenal glands won’t be producing them either.
Dog lovers will need to have being sensitive when making a decision. Prednisone medications have validated their effectiveness in people over and above.
Puppies with this form of Cushing’s tend to have two quite small, atrophied adrenal glands. Nonetheless, if iatrogenic (veterinary-induced) hyperadrenocorticism develops, it's fully reversible.
Cure, of course, is aimed at reducing the overproduction of cortisol, typically with medications that attack the adrenal glands. Patients with PDH may use one of two medications.
Treatment involves the use of diverse adrenolytic agents, enzyme inhibitors and ketaconazole. Surgery is indicated in some cases.
Medications or surgery to remove any tumors may be suggested for medication with the ailment. Medication doesn't necessarily lengthen the dogs life, but may perhaps increase the quality of the dogs life. Medical personnel the world over are gradually becoming swayed towards applying alternative medicine like Aromatherapy. To complement traditional medicine practices for example utilizing Aromatherapy, replacing conventional medicine isn't far fetched.
Therapy with homeopathic remedies is usually a viable choice. As the owner of your furry friend, you have a responsibility to make the proper choice in regarding the best Canine Kidney Disease medication.
Therapy is stopped once the water consumption or appetite starts to decrease. An ACTH test should be performed when these end-points are reached, or before if the dog becomes unwell.
Tags: canine allergies, canine kidney disease, cushings disease dog, dog dry skin, dog medical problems -
Canine Allergies — Searching Out The Contributing Factor As Well As A Remedy To Your Dog’s Suffering
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March 15th, 2010Pets AdviceCanine allergies acquire after exposure to an ingredient, and the much more exposure, the more likely an allergy will develop. Canine allergies also can be caused by bacteria. Dogs have various species of bacteria within their bodies that normally brings about no damages. Dog anemia disease can manifest themselves in a variety of ways such as eye diseases, ear infections and foodstuff intolerance. Skin color complications are just one in the methods in which allergies can take their toll on a dog’s health.
Dogs, like humans, also can have problems with allergies. Itching in the skin is the most widespread symptom of a dog allergy. Puppies can react to contact with an allergen, inhalation of an allergen, or to eating meals which contains an allergen.
While eliminating the cause on the allergy could be the best approach, sometimes this is impossible. Dogs who are suffering from seasonal canine allergies may possibly have to have a variety of topical anti-itch shampoos or sprays to be used during the time when the allergy symptoms flair up. They may also be given antihistamine medications which may be prescribed through the dog’s veterinarian.
Skin color issues are the most frequent reaction to allergens but it can also affect their respiratory and digestive systems. The dog may well develop, round, raised hives and could produce face swelling(normally injected).
Pores and skin allergies have been linked to vaccinations, atmosphere, meals, and other pets all over them. Sneezing, runny eyes, rough patches of skin color and refusal to eat or play, could all be additional indications of a canine allergic reaction. Skin or serum (blood) testing for several allergens may well then be performed to help pinpoint the exact cause.
Dogs today eat a range of processed foods, often containing junk ingredients which could trigger allergic reactions. Proteins found in beef, chicken, chicken eggs, wheat and dairy products are frequent brings about of allergy symptoms in dogs. Dogs with atopic dermatitis normally start showing indicators with the disease between the ages of 6 months and 3 years old, but some will show signs later due to changes in their atmosphere. Dogs will normally scratch, shake their head, rub their ears or muzzle, or lick their feet.
Signs of meals allergy symptoms in dogs can appear within a short time of eating a specific meals, or take weeks, months or even years to produce. Contrary to popular belief, most dog foods allergy symptoms occur as a reaction with a familiar foods that your pooch has been eating quite happily for years, rather than to some new foodstuff that you’ve just introduced him to.
Signs or symptoms may perhaps also include things like hair loss, excessive scratching, and miliary dermatitis. Signs and symptoms consist of fever, vomiting, trembling/shaking, lethargy, anorexia, tenderness of joints and muscles, and increased water intake. Should you suspect your dog has lepto, get him to some vet correct away, an emergency vet if need be.
Flea allergic reactions tend to concentrate close to the tail base and stomach in puppies and often cats as well. Finally, with foods allergic reactions, you see year round troubles which might show indications predominantly all around the mouth, ears and anus.
Flea season can last anywhere from 6 months to year round, based on where you live. Flea allergy brings about the affected areas become hairless, thickened, and dark in color. Controlling flea population is mandatory to minimize the risk.
Dog behavior allergies are responses to a vast array of outside influences about the dog which the dog becomes unable to cope with, resulting in foodstuff or skin allergy symptoms. Obviously stings and flee bites do not come under this category. Canine allergies cannot be cured but allergy signs or symptoms may be treated and controlled. This may possibly require making changes in your environment or behavior to avoid or reduce your exposure to particular allergens. Allergic signals may well be seasonal, depending on the bring about in the allergy.
Tags: canine allergies, canine lyme disease, constipated dog, dog skin disease, dog training problems -
May 28th, 2009Pets AdviceUs humans are not the only ones who suffer from allergies, dog allergies are very common and can be very debilitating for your dog. Dogs may be allergic to food, fleas, airborne pollutants as well as their own fur. Finding out what is causing the allergy is better than simply giving medication, which may have side effects. This may not be easy however, especially if your dog has multiple allergies.
Dog allergy symptoms include wheezing, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, a patchy coat, runny eyes or nose and tiredness or lethargy. How do we determine what is causing your particular dog’s allergy? And, more importantly, how do we det rid of it?
One of the main causes of allergies in dogs is fleas. However this is simple to eliminate. Simply buy one of the products on the market that eliminates fleas or ask your vet to recommend one. Make sure you apply it regularly as fleas can’t be eliminated by just one application.
Another common allergy in dogs can be found in their food. Dogs can be sensitive to chemicals in their food or to one or more of the ingredients. Foods that most commonly trigger allergies are corn, fish, eggs, wheat, beef or chicken. Please note that corn is a serial offender and is often used in cheaper brands of dog food as a filler. Hypoallergenic dog food is available which omits most of the common allergens or you may choose to talk to your vet to see what he recommends.
Environmental allergies – your dog may even be allergic to his own coat, especially if he has thick or long hairs. When your dog cleans himself his swallows a lot of hair and this can make the situation worse. Washing your dog once or twice a month and brushing him daily will go a long way to combat a hair and dander allergy.
Do you use chemical cleaners in your home? Dogs may be quite sensitive to these. Using chemical-free natural cleaners such as soda bicarbonate and lemon juice will improve the health of yourself and your dog and save money too. Mold can affect your home without you knowing it. Testing for and removing mold will improve the health of your entire family including your dog.
A natural way of providing fast relief from dog allergy symptoms such as itchy or flaky skin is to bathe your dog in water that has oatmeal dissolved in it. Natural shampoos containing eucalyptus, tea tree oil or aloe vera can also provide quick, temporary relief.
Give your dog some omega 3 and/or primrose oils. These are known to improve most skin conditions in both humans and dogs.
For severe allergies, anti-histamines can provide immediate relief. However there may be side effects such as lethargy.
If your dog has allergy symptoms, it means that something in his environment is upsetting him. Finding the cause of the allergy is the hard part, but taking care of an allergic dog is relatively easy once you have identified the problem. If in doubt where to begin, a call to your vet will start you in the right direction.
Tags: canine allergies, dog allergy symptoms, dog food allergies
