Dogs
- Does Your Pet Have Allergies?
By Ruthie Bently Did you know that dogs and cats can have allergies? Many people don’t realize that, just like people, their pets can be allergic to numerous things. Does your dog scratch at its ears a lot, even after you’ve ascertained they don’t...
- How To Deal Effectively With Common Health Problems In Pet Dogs
Dogs sometimes get ill and like their human masters they need proper attention and medical care. Here are three common illnesses affecting dogs and a few useful guidelines for dog owners who are looking out after them.Food allergiesA food allergy manifests...
- Canine Skin Diseases
Skin diseases are one of the most common ailments in dogs. In most cases, skin disorders are caused due to infections and allergic reactions. Dog allergies affect the skin, rather than the respiratory tract observed in humans. The immune system of...
- Milk Allergy Symptoms
Milk allergy symptoms can show up in humans at almost any time in our lives. They can be there from birth and can appear, and subsequently disappear, at almost any age. How bad would it be if you discovered that on giving birth to one of your children...
- Cat Allergy Cure
Many people are living with animals they are allergic to. Whether you are allergic to a dog or even your cat you are likely seeking actively seeking out a method to deal with this. Cats produce five different allergens that may effect humans. These allergens...
Dogs
Help Your Dog Cope from Allergies
People are not the only ones who experience allergies. Even dogs can have allergies too. Just like humans, dogs can become allergic to different things such as food, dust mites, pollen, fleas, ticks and bacteria. A dog can also get contact allergies from things such as dog collars, food bowls, plants, beddings, and other surfaces. To understand better, let’s briefly discuss how allergies are acquired.
What causes allergic reactions?
Allergic reactions are triggered when a substance or an “allergen” enters the dog’s immune system. The dog’s immune system will treat a substance as harmful (even if it’s not) and will attempt to fight it to protect the body.
The immune system will produce antibodies which attach themselves in the blood cells. The cells will release chemicals including “histamines” which causes the symptoms we see in allergic dogs. (The same explanation applies to humans with allergies.)
What are the symptoms of allergy in dogs?
Since your pet won’t be able to tell you how he’s feeling, it’s important to observe your dog closely whenever he’s introduced to a new food or a new environment. Symptoms in dogs include:
- sneezing
- coughing
- loss of appetite
- a discharge in eyes or nose
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- difficulty in breathing
- itching
- rashes or red patches
- constant chewing and licking
- hair loss
How do you know if your dog is allergic?
If you notice any of the above allergy symptoms in your dog, take him to the vet for check up. Your vet would need to do some allergy tests (such as skin test or blood test) on your dog to find out exactly what kind of substance he is allergic to.
Remember that the “allergen” or the substance your dog is allergic to may be found in several types of food or things. Once the cause of allergy is confirmed, your vet may prescribe an anti-histamine, a special shampoo, or allergy shots for your dog. Hypoallergenic dog treats are best.
Some dogs are allergic to beef, chicken, pork, eggs, wheat or dairy products which are the same ingredients used in most brands of dog food found in the market. If your dog has a food allergy, it is not advisable to buy processed dog food. To be sure, ask your veterinarian about a recommended food suitable for your dog.
- Does Your Pet Have Allergies?
By Ruthie Bently Did you know that dogs and cats can have allergies? Many people don’t realize that, just like people, their pets can be allergic to numerous things. Does your dog scratch at its ears a lot, even after you’ve ascertained they don’t...
- How To Deal Effectively With Common Health Problems In Pet Dogs
Dogs sometimes get ill and like their human masters they need proper attention and medical care. Here are three common illnesses affecting dogs and a few useful guidelines for dog owners who are looking out after them.Food allergiesA food allergy manifests...
- Canine Skin Diseases
Skin diseases are one of the most common ailments in dogs. In most cases, skin disorders are caused due to infections and allergic reactions. Dog allergies affect the skin, rather than the respiratory tract observed in humans. The immune system of...
- Milk Allergy Symptoms
Milk allergy symptoms can show up in humans at almost any time in our lives. They can be there from birth and can appear, and subsequently disappear, at almost any age. How bad would it be if you discovered that on giving birth to one of your children...
- Cat Allergy Cure
Many people are living with animals they are allergic to. Whether you are allergic to a dog or even your cat you are likely seeking actively seeking out a method to deal with this. Cats produce five different allergens that may effect humans. These allergens...