Read Useful Secrets About Potty Training for Dogs

Between 15% to 20% of all dogs in the United States suffer from allergies. As in humans allergies may manifest in different ways producing varied symptoms in your pet. Knowing the signs of allergy suffering will bring your dog faster relief & happier days. As with any pet related medical issue always consult your veterinarian if you suspect a problem.

Food Allergies

Dogs can develop allergies or food sensitivities at any point during their lives. Often dogs eat the same type of food for years so their diet may be overlooked. The most common problem causing foods include

· Soy products
· Beef
· Chicken
· Corn
· Wheat
· Pork
· Milk
· Whey
· Eggs
· Fish
· Lamb
· Chemical Preservatives
· Artificial Sugars

Symptoms of Food Allergies often include

· Itchy Skin
· Ear Inflammations
· Ear Scratching
· Frequent Licking or Biting of Paws
· Anal Itching
· Face Rubbing
· Head Shaking
· Loss of Appetite
· Coughing

Remedy
Once food allergies have been determined to be the cause of your dog’s symptoms eliminating the potential allergens from your pet’s diet is the first course of action. Begin by excluding foods which are known instigators see list above . Look for either a commercial product which contains ingredients your dog has not eaten before or prepare home-made food for your dog consisting of two parts starch to one part protein. Suggested protein alternatives include duck salmon venison or rabbit. Potatoes are suggested as an alternative starch. All ingredients should be served boiled & fed in normal proportions to your dog’s regular diet. Once prepared the food can be individually packaged frozen & then used as needed. Home cooked diets are generally nutritionally incomplete & should only be used temporarily during the test period.

One item at a time begin adding ingredients present in your dog’s former food to his new food. If symptoms reappear the food allergen should be easily identified. During the test period make certain your dog eats only the new food. Eliminate treats dog bones table scraps rawhide chews vitamins etc. Once the offending food has been identified look for a commercial food which does not contain that ingredient.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis or canine atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin disease generally caused by an immune hypersensitivity to environmental substances such as mold spores or dust mites. Indications your dog has this sensitivity generally present themselves by the age of two. Food & flea allergies as well as parasitic infections should be ruled out first as their symptoms are similar to atopic dermatitis.

Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis include:

· Excessive Grooming
· Licking or Chewing of the Paws Stomach or between the Toes
· Change of Stomach Skin Color to an Irritated Red
· Ears which are Red or Hot to the Touch

Remedy:

Skin allergy testing can be conducted by your veterinarian to determine your dog’s specific allergy.

Flea Allergy

Caused by the saliva secreted by the flea a flea allergy is the most common form of dog allergy. Sometimes the bite of a single flea may cause your dog to launch into fits of self-chewing & biting lasting for five to seven days.

Symptoms of Flea Allergy Include Severe Biting & Chewing of:

· The Tail & Surrounding Area
· Stomach
· Inside hind legs

Remedy
A skin test can be performed to confirm your dog is allergic to flea saliva. Once a flea allergy has been confirmed a strict control regimen should be initiated. Flea control products are safer now than they once were with options ranging from topical solutions to pills shampoos & sprays. Garlic & Brewers Yeast have also been touted to keep fleas away as have weekly topical applications of lavender & eucalyptus oils. However these solutions have not been scientifically confirmed.

Whatever remedy you choose consult your veterinarian first. Overly strong flea killing preparations may cause your dog more harm than good. Additionally regular dog grooming through your dog’s coat & down to the skin will help find & eliminate fleas & flea droppings.

Inhalant Allergy

Inhalant allergies are substances in the environment which cause your dog’s immune system to react releasing antibodies containing histamines serotonin & leukotrienes. Pollens from trees grass ragweed as well as mold spores chemicals dust mites & wood chips in pet bedding may cause your dog substantial discomfort.

One clue to diagnosing this allergy is timing. Is your dog’s allergy seasonal or year round? If you know to what your dog is allergic avoidance is the best remedy. To help mitigate possible allergens use dehumidifiers to reduce mold air conditioners during pollen season air cleaners with HEPA filters for dust & pollen residue & vacuum frequently.

Inhalant Allergy Symptoms Include:

· Biting & scratching at the body
· Red or Irritated ear flaps which are hot to the touch
· Head shaking
· Rubbing the face
· Severe scratching or biting of the flank groin paws & armpit regions

Remedy
Providing your dog relief may come in the form of a cool bath with colloidal oatmeal aloe vera eucalyptus or a medicated shampoo. However these will only provide your dog temporary relief & will need to be repeated frequently.

Omega 3 & Omega 6 fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatory agents which have proven successful in approximately 20% of dogs tested. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish oils such as Cod & Omega 6 fatty acids come from plants containing gamma-linolenic acid – such as evening primrose. Antihistamines have also proven effective in dogs with allergies with one short-term effect being lethargy or tiredness.

Corticosteriods steroids are substances which interfere with the function of the immune system & reduce itching by reducing the inflammation. They also affect all the organs in your dog’s body & should be used under medical supervision for short periods of time or in small doses.

Blood tests & intradermal skin testing can also be performed to judge specific reactions to allergens.

Contact Allergies

Contact allergies are the least common of dog allergies. Items such as flea collars grass shampoos plants chemicals & wood chips may cause allergic reactions. By eliminating the irritant symptoms should disappear.

If you think your dog may suffer from allergies keep a journal. Make notes as to the symptoms their severity & when they occur. This will help your veterinarian pinpoint the problem & help your dog achieve a speedier recovery.

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