How to Prevent and Cure Dog Calluses

Dog Skin Allergies

Allergies, skin conditions, and zinc deficiencies can be some of the causes of calluses forming on dogs. To know why your dog has a callous you should consult a veterinarian. Having the right diagnoses is the first step in correcting any callus problem.

Dog Skin Allergies

A fairly common place for a dog to form calluses is on its elbows. Elbow calluses do not generally pose a threat to your dog's health. Calluses appear as a round, bald area of grayish looking skin on the elbow. The size of the callus may vary from small and barely noticeable to encompassing a large and visible area of the elbow. Medium to larger, short-haired breeds tend to be the most prone to these calluses as well as older dogs and dogs that are overweight.

Dog Skin Allergies

What typically causes these calluses to form is when your dog's elbow makes contact with the floor. Hard surfaces such as concrete, tile, hardwood flooring, and even carpets can with time cause the skin on the elbow to callus. When your dog is lying down or getting up, his body weight is resting on his elbows. This weight causes pressure to be placed on the elbows. Your dog's elbows do not have much in the way of fat or muscle to act as padding between the bone and the skin, so any movement combined with the pressure of his body weight on the elbows against a hard floor will cause the skin to form a callus over time.

Dog Skin Allergies

Once your dog has a callus it can be hard to get rid of. A common home remedy is to rub vitamin E in liquid form on the callus. This can help soften the callused skin. Make sure to rub it in until it is almost completely dry. You do not want your dog licking the vitamin E. keep him distracted until the vitamin E has had time to dry.

Providing your dog with a bed to rest on is a good way to help stop a callus from getting worse and can also aid in the healing process. There are numerous types of beds that can meet the needs and comfort preferences of your dog from orthopedic beds to fashionable beds that can match the decor of your room. There are even outdoor beds in case the offending floor happens to be an outside one. You can also use a throw in places where a dog bed might not be practical.

Having the right setup early on is one of the best ways to prevent your dog from forming calluses. If you have floors in your house that may lead to your dog forming calluses, or if your dog is of a size or age that makes him prone to forming calluses, providing him with the right bed that meets his needs both in comfort and padding for his elbows can reduce the chance of your dog forming any unsightly calluses.

How to Prevent and Cure Dog Calluses

Dog Skin Allergies

Taking Care of Labrador Allergies

Dog Skin Allergies

Labrador allergies related to food need some detective work on your part. If your Labrador starts to scratch constantly then you know it is suffering from an allergy. Labradors do shed a lot but if hair starts to fall out in clumps and you see red or exposed skin then you know it has an allergy. The only problem is that all allergies, whether food or contact, manifest in itchy skin. The same way a human might have a runny nose when they are allergic to pollen a dog will have itchy skin when it is allergic to something.

Dog Skin Allergies

If you vet thinks that it is a food allergy then you should to feed your dog proteins and carbohydrates it has never had and see if the condition improves. If it does then your dog has definitely been suffering from a food allergy. Your vet will then advise you about what foods to avoid and what diet to put your dog on. During the food elimination test you should not give your dog any treats that you usually give it.

Dog Skin Allergies

One of the common results of Labrador allergies is ear infection. Ear infections will make your poor Labrador miserable. This is because, just like humans, ear infections are very painful for dogs. What makes this worse is that dogs have a heightened sense of hearing and an untreated ear infection can cause hearing loss. It would be a shame to let an ear infection go untreated as they are easily remedied.

Dog Skin Allergies

A tell tale sign that your dog has an ear infection is constant head shaking and rubbing of the ear on the floor and furniture. Once the infection gets worse your pet will be whining and in constant pain. Before it gets to this stage you should see a vet immediately to determine the cause of the ear infection. Certain allergens that cause ear infections can be easily avoided and others may not be, in the latter case your pet may need regular injections to help fight ear infections and other allergies.

The best way to avoid Labrador allergies that result in ear infections is to dry your dog's ears after bathing and regularly clean it's ears. To clean a dog's ears ask your vet for a cleaning solution that you can use and consult your vet for the proper way to administer the cleaning solution. Labrador care of the ear means cleaning your pet's ears about once a week.

The only way to avoid ear infections that stem from Labrador allergies is to avoid the allergen. In some cases this is a seasonal thing, for example if your Labrador is allergic to pollen. In other cases it might mean a lifestyle change on your part, as some Labradors can be allergic to tobacco smoke. Other allergens such as molds, grass, trees and sometimes other animals, are not so easy to avoid. In this case your pet will need regular injections to boost its immune system to fight the allergies.

Taking Care of Labrador Allergies

Dog Skin Allergies

How to Treat and Prevent Chicken Allergies

Dog Skin Allergies

Allergies to meat such as chicken meat are very common nowadays. There are so many people suffering from allergies coming from chicken meat. Chicken allergy is the adverse reaction of the body's immune system to chickens. The common symptoms of chicken allergy are ear infection, frequent colds or vomiting after eating.

Dog Skin Allergies

There are so many treatments against chicken allergy. According to research, allowing our body to heat up is one way of removing the allergies. The sweat will remove the allergies from our skin. Allergies are not curable. They can be prevented and treated but they cannot be cured. The best prevention for chicken allergy is not to eat any food with chicken meat.

Dog Skin Allergies

Here are some treatments that can help you when you have chicken allergy.

Dog Skin Allergies

First, wait it out. If you have a mild allergy, you can just wait until it is gone. Drink a lot of water and rest. Keep your body warm because sweat can really help remove your allergies.

Second, intake a lot of vitamin C when you accidentally eat chicken. It is proven that high amount of vitamin C can help remove the allergies in your skin. It is advisable to take 2000mg of vitamin C to lessen the symptoms of allergy.

Third, consult your doctor. It is best if you consult your doctor immediately once you have an allergy attack. The doctor can give you some advice and medication that can help you when you have an allergy attack. If the allergy is severe the doctor may give you allergy shots to remove the allergies in your body.

Aside from these treatments, you will also need some tips on how to prevent accidental ingestion of chicken products.

Before you buy products in the market, be sure to look at the ingredients. You have to make sure that there are no chicken products added in the food that you will buy. Any kind of chicken product can trigger your allergy. When you are going to eat in a restaurant, inform the waiter about your allergy. They must be aware of your allergy so they will not serve food that has chicken products.

Prevention is still the best medication for chicken allergies.

How to Treat and Prevent Chicken Allergies

Dog Skin Allergies

Canine Antibiotic Treatments - Curing Skin Infections

Dog Skin Allergies

Antibiotics for dogs are used in cases of canine atopic dermatitis to cure dog skin infections caused by intense scratching of their skin. In medicine this is called pruritus which is Latin for itching. Unfortunately, dogs will often lick and bite irritated skin which only serves to spread the infection. So infections can take hold and spread fairly quickly in dogs.

Dog Skin Allergies

Constant Itching

Dog Skin Allergies

Itching and scratching is the most common complaint family veterinarians hear. This is logical because unlike humans, the primary symptom of a wide range of serious conditions and even diseases in dogs is itching. There is a physiological reason for this. When sick, humans will primarily "feel sick to their stomach" and they sneeze and cough. Dogs will primarily have itchy skin.

Dog Skin Allergies

Curing a canine skin infection is important because they can develop into serious problems. A serious dog skin infection is called Chronic Dermatitis. When this develops a family vet will often refer the dog to a veterinary dermatologist. These are experts in the field of dog skin infections and they can be a superb resource.

A bacterial skin infection is called pyoderma and the bacteria that cause them are not contagious to humans.

Canine Antibiotics

A veterinary dermatologist may take a culture, which will be grown in the lab in order to determine which antibiotic would be most effective in treatment. In some cases other tests may be necessary.

When the antibiotic is selected, an oral antibiotic will be prescribed to cover a period of 3-4 weeks. Occasionally a dog owner will discontinue a dog antibiotic as soon as he/she thinks the lesions have cleared up. This can be a mistake. If stopped too early, the lesions will return; in that event the bacteria may be more difficult to treat as it will be resistant to the canine antibiotic that was first used.

In addition to an oral dog antibiotic, your family vet or vet dermatologist may:

1) Instruct you to bathe or shower your dog often (sometimes daily or twice a week) and to use an antibiotic shampoo, usually one with benzoyl peroxide,
2) Instruct you to dry your dog's coat very carefully after bathing or showering,
3) Instruct you to use an antibiotic ointment on the lesions, and to bandage them, or
4) Have you use a protective collar on the dog's head to prevent your dog from biting the lesions.

Many owners are less than vigilant in making sure their dog receives his/her canine antibiotics and using the treatments listed above, so recurrences of pyoderma are common. To prevent a relapse, the wise dog owner will make sure their dog receives the entire antibiotic medication regiment, and follow the instructions of his/her vet dermatologist.

Canine Antibiotic Treatments - Curing Skin Infections

Dog Skin Allergies

Caring For Aging Boxer Dogs

Dog Skin Allergies

Boxer dogs do grow old of course! Starting from birth, animals, just like humans grow old everyday, right? However, signs of aging are only noticeable after several years. Is Stitch not as active as he is eight years ago? Change in behavior and appearance, decrease in activity level and health deterioration are the first few signs you will notice in aging dogs. Listed below are the signs to determine if your dog is not a young and active dog he used to be.

Dog Skin Allergies

Change in Weight. Weight gain is usually seen in older dogs because of the slowing down of metabolism and decrease in activity. Determine if your dog is overweight by performing a rib check and if indeed he is overweight, seek out your veterinarian for advice and further examinations.

Dog Skin Allergies

Skin and Coat. When a dog grows old, the skin thickens and becomes less pliable. The wounds tend to heal more slowly and allergies often worsen. Infestation of intestinal parasite may occur as well as non-malignant tumors in the mouth or under the skin.

Dog Skin Allergies

Hearing Loss. Just like in humans, loss of hearing also occurs in older dogs. So if your dog doesn't respond to your call immediately, don't think that he is being stubborn or disobedient. He might be suffering from loss of hearing.

Changes in Vision. An aging dog may develop cataract that could lead to partial or even total blindness.

Decrease in Activity. An aging dog becomes tired more easily and would rather take a nap. Stiffness in legs, hip and shoulder joints may also be experienced.

Here is what you are going to do to keep oldie doggie comfortable:

- Feed him with foods specially created for older dogs. Foods for older dogs must be lower in fat and calories and some may even contain glucosamine and chondroitin that are beneficial to the joints.

- Give him a bed or rug of his own and as much as possible, this should be placed in an area where he doesn't need to go up or down steps.

- Pay close attention to his health. Various diseases may occur as the dog grows old. Your veterinarian must examine your dog thoroughly for signs of health problems such as arthritis, cataracts and others. Dental health is also a major concern. Gum diseases, tartar build up and tooth loss as well as other oral cancers and infections can be seen in aging dogs.

Caring For Aging Boxer Dogs

Dog Skin Allergies

Allergies and Your Health - What Are Allergies?

Dog Skin Allergies

You know how they make you feel (runny nose, itchy eyes, tired and cranky), but what are allergies? An allergy is your immune system's reaction to certain plants, animals, and even foods. When your immune system confuses something in your environment (the allergen) with a bacteria or virus that could make you sick, it attacks! The allergy symptoms you experience are your body's way of handling your immune systems over jealousness in protecting your body from harm.

Dog Skin Allergies

The most common allergic reaction people experience are sneezing and wheezing. It is usually caused by these common allergens:

Dog Skin Allergies

-Dust mites (tiny insects that live in dust).

Dog Skin Allergies

-Protein found in the dander (dry skin), saliva (spit), urine (pee), or other things from some animals.

-Grass, flower, and tree pollen (the fine dust from plants).

-Mold and mildew (small living things that grow in damp places).

-Foods, such as milk, wheat, soy, eggs, nuts, seafood, and legumes which include peas, beans, and peanuts.

-Latex (stretchy stuff that some of the gloves doctors and dentists use are made of)

Some of these allergens can cause sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes and ears, and a sore throat. Allergies to foods, however, can be more serious, causing hives. Vomiting and even breathing difficulties.

Some people suffer with allergies year round, while others experience more seasonal symptoms when the pollen from certain plants and trees are released in the air during the spring and fall.

Most people who experience allergic reactions to the things around them are born with this tendency. Many allergies are hereditary, so if others in your family are allergic to certain substances, the odds are you will be too.

How do you know if you really are allergic to certain things? Only a doctor who specializes in allergies and asthma can tell you for sure. There are a number of stick and blood tests that can be performed to determine exactly what substances your body reacts to, and how dangerous they may be.

Treatment may vary depending on the severity of your symptoms. Some people with seasonal allergies simply begin taking prescribed anti-histamine a few weeks before the time when their allergens will bud. Those with more severe yearlong allergies may have to take medications on a daily basis to control their symptoms. Those suffering from food allergies can't really take any medication to prevent a reaction, so they must be ever vigilant to stay away from dangerous ingredients.

No matter what you're allergic too, there is help available. The key is finding the right doctor who can help you better deal with your allergies and find a treatment plan that can help you avoid any symptoms.

Allergies and Your Health - What Are Allergies?

Dog Skin Allergies

The Itchy Dog: is it an Allergy?

Dog Skin Allergies

Scratching is a very common symptom in dogs, and you as an owner should aim to nip it in the bud early before self trauma causes secondary injuries to your dog. However, before wondering whether your dog could have an allergy, you must rule out the common parasitic (fleas and mites), bacterial (hot spots) and fungal (ringworm and yeast) infections. See my article Is your Dog Scratching to explore these in greater detail.

Dog Skin Allergies

Just as allergies have become more common in children these days compared to several generations ago, veterinarians are seeing far more allergies in pets too. It is difficult to explain this phenomenon, theories range from alterations in the content of pet foods to the use of modern day household cleaning products or simply genetic evolution. One thing is certain, whatever the cause, allergic dogs benefit hugely from avoiding the offending allergen or, if that is impossible, appropriate treatment to minimize the itchiness.

Dog Skin Allergies

Lets start with the presenting signs of an allergy in dogs. Itchiness can manifest itself not only as obvious scratching at the neck and flanks, but also as face rubbing, foot licking or chewing and over grooming. Foot licking, for example, is often perceived by owners as normal, when in fact the dog is responding to itchy feet in the only way it can, by licking them. The skin between the toes may turn red and sore due to the compulsive licking, and in white dogs such as West Highland White Terriers and Bichon Frises, the fur is stained brown by saliva.

Dog Skin Allergies

Ear infections are another common sign of an underlying allergy. Though general waxiness, hair in the ear canals, lack of ventilation, bacteria and yeast may trigger the infection, an underlying allergy is often the root cause of the itchiness. If your dog gets recurrent ear infections, by eliminating an underlying allergy you may prevent your dog from going over the itchiness threshold and developing full blown ear infections.

So, what are the common allergies in dogs?

For convenience they are best separated into 4 categories.

1) Flea bite hypersensitivity

2) Adverse food reaction

3) Atopic dermatitis

4) Contact dermatitis

Flea bite hypersensitivity is relatively straight forward to cure. It is a simple case of eliminating every single flea on the dog and, crucially, in his/her environment. The itchiness is caused by an allergic reaction to the flea saliva, and so even a solitary flea can trigger a scratching frenzy. To rule out flea bite hypersensitivity, all animals in the house (dogs and cats) should be treated with a reputable veterinary spot on medication monthly without fail, and the house should be thoroughly sprayed with an insecticidal spray.

Adverse food reactions are more difficult to treat as it can be difficult to isolate the precise ingredient responsible for causing itchiness in your dog. Not only that, treating adverse food reactions requires owners to be exceptionally disciplined and motivated in preventing their pet having even a single treat unless the exact ingredients are known to be safe.

There are two ways of diagnosing an adverse food reaction (also known as a food allergy). For those readers for whom cost is not an issue, a blood test can be done to measure for ingredient specific antibodies in the bloodstream. The blood test is quite costly, and if combined with a blood test for environmental allergens is usually upwards of 0 (?200). The company performing the blood test then provides a list of ingredients (chicken, beef, pork, rice, wheat etc) and a score next to them, suggesting which ingredients are best avoided. The owner then picks a commercial diet which does not include any of these ingredients, or indeed a special home cooked diet. The second way to diagnose an adverse food reaction is to conduct a dietary trial. This involves picking a very bland hypoallergenic diet and feeding your dog exclusively that for at least a month, preferably 6 weeks. The author usually suggests turkey and rice, as less dogs are allergic to turkey than chicken. Of course if your dog happened to be allergic to rice or turkey, which is rare but nevertheless possible, you would be none the wiser as the itchiness would continue and you would assume you had ruled out a food allergy having done the turkey and rice dietary trial. Remember if you are doing one of these trials, then your dog must not be given any treats, especially not pigs ears, chews, boneos, dental sticks or any rawhide products. Literally nothing must be swallowed other than turkey and rice (and water!) for the entire trial period.

If you have ruled out flea bite hypersensitivity and ruled out an adverse food reaction, the next step is to consider an environmental allergy, also known as atopic dermatitis. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis usually begin between 1 and 3 years of age, though any age is possible. The itchiness is often seasonal, which is consistent with a pollen allergy, though some dogs are itchy all year round. There are certain breeds which are predisposed to this condition: Boxers, Bull Terriers, Dalmations, English Bulldogs, German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Shar Peis, Shih Tzus and West Highland White Terriers being the most commonly affected. Diagnosis is usually made based on the history and ruling out all the other causes of itchiness, and many vets will treat the condition on these presumptions. However, definitive diagnosis can be achieved via a panel of injections into a patch of skin, or blood tests. Neither of these are particularly effective and generally not performed unless the owner is prepared to attempt a desensitization programme. This involves a long term course of injections given by your vet on, say, a monthly basis to desensitize your dog to the offending allergen, and so make the allergic reaction much smaller when he/she does come into contact with it.

Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction caused by your dog coming into contact with a chemical that is an irritant. It therefore only tends to affect the stomach, groin and feet of the dog, and is characterized by reddening and drying of the skin in these areas. It can also be seen when owners shampoo their dogs with a product that is not intended for use in dogs. Contact dermatitis is rare, but easily ruled out by careful use of cleaning products around the household. Just think, did the itchiness coincide with the introduction of a new carpet cleaner, washing powder or fabric softener?

By far the best treatment for any allergy is avoidance of the cause. By careful investigation and following the steps above this is often possible, especially for flea bite hypersensitivity, adverse food reactions and contact dermatitis. If avoidance is impossible though, as is the case for many cases of atopic dermatitis, then seasonal or lifelong treatment may be indicated. Steroids are very effective at stopping itchiness caused by allergies, but long term use can lead to undesirable side effects, such as adrenal gland disease. Long term steroid use should only be used as a last resort, when other medications have been tried and failed. These other medications include antihistamines, essential fatty acids and medicated shampoos.

The Itchy Dog: is it an Allergy?

Dog Skin Allergies

Hypoallergenic Dog Food to Keep Your Dog Healthy

Dog Skin Allergies

If your dog is suffering from food allergies, you should consider switching from your normal brand to a hypoallergenic dog food. These types of foods are less likely to cause intestinal distress or skin allergies, which will allow your pet to live a happier and healthier life.

Dog Skin Allergies

Symptoms of dog food allergies include digestive issues, such as diarrhea and vomiting, and skin irritations. Your dog could be allergic to one or more ingredients, such as beef, dairy products, chicken, corn, eggs, soy, wheat, and yeast. Unlike hypoallergenic dog food manufacturers, most common pet food companies make their foods with chemicals, preservatives, dyes, and flavorings.

Dog Skin Allergies

Unfortunately, to find the hypoallergenic dog food that works best for your pet, you will probably have to go through a trial-and-error process to find out which ingredient your dog is allergic to. You will have to start by eliminating items one by one to see which ingredient is triggering an allergic reaction.

Dog Skin Allergies

Beef, soy, and corn are common causes of allergies, so it is best to start eliminating these ingredients from your pet's diet first. If the symptoms do not go away, you should try foods without the other common ingredients that pets are allergic to, such as soy and artificial flavorings and preservatives.

In order to make sure that your food experiment works, you should keep a diary to track how the changes are affecting your dog and make sure your pet is not eating table scraps or other food items. It may be that your dog might be allergic to more than one thing, so you may have to experiment by adding or removing more than one ingredient.

Once you have determined what your dog is allergic to, you will have a wide variety of hypoallergenic dog foods to choose from. Hypoallergenic pet food is usually made with better quality ingredients and does not have the fillers used in regular pet foods. Many of these companies use lamb, bison, or venison and rice or oats instead of corn, which are deemed gentler on your dog's stomach.

You can purchase your new hypoallergenic dog food from your vet or pet specialty shops, but if you want the largest variety to select from then look online. The other advantage to shopping online is that you get to examine the ingredients and compare between many other brands. And most online pet food companies provide free shipping when buying these types of foods.

If you do not like the hypoallergenic dog food choices available, you can choose to make your own. There is a variety of recipes available on the internet or in specialty pet books. Making your own hypoallergenic pet food allows you more quality control with the ingredients used. Whether you choose to make your own hypoallergenic dog food or buy it from the store, these types of foods can help your pet live a normal, healthy, allergy-free life.

Hypoallergenic Dog Food to Keep Your Dog Healthy

Dog Skin Allergies

The Best Treatment for Dog Allergies

Dog Skin Allergies

Allergies in your dog are much like the allergies in humans. Your dog can have a reaction to airborne allergens, foods or things on their skin. By learning the symptoms you can provide relief.

Dog Skin Allergies

Fleas and inhalants will cause itching, licking, chewing and scratching. These can occur on the paws, forelegs, around the rectum and on the tail. Sneezing and runny eyes can also occur with inhalant allergens. Allergies to food are usually vomiting and diarrhea. There are a number of allergies that can cause hives and other rashes. The object with any of these is to find dog allergies treatment.

Dog Skin Allergies

Seasonal allergies are prominent in the spring and fall. Fleas are common during the summer or flea season. Dog allergies treatment for seasonal allergies is primarily seasonal as well. A continuous flea allergy protection regimen will alleviate the issues created by fleas.

Dog Skin Allergies

If your dog has any of these symptoms it is advisable to consult with your vet. Some of them can be indicative of other medical problems.

Allergies to inhalants in your home can be treated by frequent dusting, vacuuming and removal of spores, dust, chemicals and air fresheners. Your veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines to help while the skin heals and the allergens decrease. A warm soothing bath with an oatmeal shampoo is effective dog allergies treatment in many instances.

If fleas are the culprit, grooming and examination can help. You will see flea droppings and fleas. Bathe your dog with a flea shampoo and rinse with a soothing rinse.

Dog food allergies can present some other issues. It is difficult to determine the exact allergen in the foods. it must be done before successful dog allergies treatment is begun. Often the veterinarian will suggest hypoallergenic diets for your dog. A home cooked diet is also an option. You will be required to careful observe your dog for symptoms and relief of those symptoms.

The Best Treatment for Dog Allergies

Dog Skin Allergies

Dogs, Cats and Asthma - Do Pets Cause or Trigger Asthma?

Dog Skin Allergies

It is firstly important to be aware of the difference between a cause and a trigger. You may have heard that dogs and cats can cause asthma. But this is not really correct. Pets are not the CAUSE of asthma, but they are certainly a common TRIGGER.

Dog Skin Allergies

Unfortunately for all animal lovers with asthma, pets can and do trigger asthmatic symptoms. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the animal or pet hair that is the trigger, rather animal dander or dead flaking skin. Animal dander is easily airborne and being microscopic in size, it is impossible to see. It sticks to everything so if you have animals, your carpets, rugs, curtains, even your bedding and sofas are probably full of animal dander.

Dog Skin Allergies

However this doesn't mean its curtains for Benji or Felix. There are a number of things that you can do in order to prevent animal dander triggering your asthma or somebody you love. Regularly cleaning is paramount to reduce the amount of dander present within your home. That includes vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum, steam cleaning and washing of all fibrous type materials which harbors animal dander. Use an air filter to filter airborne contaminants. Wash your pets regularly too, to keep dander levels at a minimum. Also, it's probably not a good idea for the asthma sufferer to sleep with pets whilst ever symptoms are present.

Dog Skin Allergies

Living with pets doesn't automatically mean bad respiratory health for asthmatics. It is important to know the facts and know what can be done to reduce or eliminate the possible asthma attack triggers.

Dogs, Cats and Asthma - Do Pets Cause or Trigger Asthma?

Dog Skin Allergies

Jack Russell Allergies

Dog Skin Allergies

There is no doubt that caring for your dog is one of the most important responsibilities you have as his owner. More serious matters such as health, grooming and Jack Russell allergies should top your priority. Knowing what to do in case this happens is vital towards having a healthy and active dog.

Dog Skin Allergies

The causes of dog allergies are pretty much the same with humans. This condition may already be part of his genetic makeup. In this case, it is best to consult your veterinarian on what you can do. External factors may also influence your dog's overall health. This includes exposure to outside elements, his diet and common household chemicals among others.

Dog Skin Allergies

Allergies may also be the result of pests that you have missed. Fleas, ticks and other parasites will surely cause harm on your dog's health. It is best to check for these critters every time you give your dog his bath. Certain medications and dietary supplements may also be at fault here.

Dog Skin Allergies

Remarkably, reactions are also similar to Jack Russell allergies. The most common irritants often result in red skin under the coat. Your dog may also start sneezing and coughing all over the place. His eyes may also start to water and he may begin to become inactive. If your dog is showing any of these, he may already have some form of allergy.

Unless you are an expert, it is best to leave this problem to a licensed veterinarian. For the best results, bring your dog once you suspect that he has allergies. Give as much detail as possible so the vet knows what he is dealing with. He needs all the information he can get to prescribe the proper medication for this condition.

Depending on his findings, a veterinarian may recommend one of many treatments for Jack Russell allergies. Testing may be done to determine the exact cause of the said condition. Steroids are used to stifle the immune system to make the reactions less severe. Regular vaccination may also be explored as a viable alternative solution.

Of course prevention goes a long way in solving this kind of problem. Be sure to check your dog's shampoo for any ingredient that may cause irritation. Proper and regular bathing must also be observed. A balanced diet is also an important thing to consider. Like humans, dogs need vitamins and minerals for a healthy body and immune system as well.

The key to having a healthy dog is to give him everything he needs for a strong immune system. This is where proper diet, good grooming and exercise come in. Better yet, preventing Jack Russell allergies from ever happening is perhaps the best solution of all.

Jack Russell Allergies

Dog Skin Allergies

Symptoms and Treatments For Dog Skin Diseases

Dog Skin Allergies

Skin diseases on dogs are one of the most common health problems all dogs have. And, this can be a big headache for owners if these diseases are not treated properly and immediately. They will not only affect the appearance of your dog, but also create nuisance to the dog itself and also humans. There are several types of skin disease that are prone to happen to your dogs. Skin diseases might due to allergy, hygiene, weak immune system or attack from mites. Some of the symptoms can be easily detected especially when your dog experience itchiness at a particular area and keep on scratching it. Fool smell and hair loss are some of the other common symptoms. In this article, you can find out some of the common skin disease, each of the symptoms and general treatment methods. The skin diseases are categorized into 3 sub-categories: Flea Allergy Dermatitis, Immune-mediated Skin Disease and Infectious Skin Disease.

Dog Skin Allergies

Flea Allergy Dermatitis is the allergy of dogs towards the saliva of fleas. The bite area will become slightly swollen and itchy. Your dog will tend to always scratch and bite on that area and resulting hair loss. Identify the problem due to flea by checking on the fur of your pet. If you can find lots of small black dots on the fur, those are the flea feces. Immediate treatment is to select flea repellent products with Etofenprox, Pyrethrin or Permethrin. They not only kill the fleas but also repel them. Bathe your dog regularly with flea repellant shampoo. Fleas tend to infest moist and shady areas. Clean and spray insecticide with Pyriproxyfen or Methoprene to your dog' corner to kill of fleas and destroy their eggs and larva. Keep the infected dogs away from other. Repeat the above procedures until your dog is flea-free.

Dog Skin Allergies

Immune-mediated Skin Diseases are maladies result from irregular activity of immune system. These diseases are not contagious. Canine Atopic Dermatitis which is caused by hypersensitive to certain allergens such as mites, dust, pollen, mold, certain types of food, weather and etc. Symptoms of the disease are itchiness especially around the eyes, abdomen and paws, hair loss and skin darkening. Identify the allergen and keep away it from your dog. Steroids, fatty acid ailments (fish oil) and anti-bacteria shampoo can be used to relieve the itchiness. Canine Follicular Dysplasia is a genetic disease that causes the dog to lose hair. Parts on the neck area, back, hind legs and tails are placed this symptoms normally appear. Treatment for this disease is rarely successful. It happens to a dog when it is around 2-4 years old.

Dog Skin Allergies

Infectious Skin Diseases are some of the more worrisome maladies. They are contagious to both your dogs and you. Commonly know infectious skin diseases are caused by mites which are called Manges. Depending on the types of mites, there are 3 types of them: Demodectic Mange, Sarcoptic Mange and Cheyletiella Mange (dandruff symptom). Symptoms for Manges are itchiness, sore and hair loss. Initial control by using anti-bacterial shampoo and anti-itch shampoo will help. However, it is recommended to bring your dogs to veterinarian once the above symptoms appear because they may have been infected by more severe Sarcoptic Mange.

Symptoms and Treatments For Dog Skin Diseases

Dog Skin Allergies

All About Pet Dogs and Dog Allergy

Dog Skin Allergies

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology or AAAAI estimates that about 10 million pet lovers or pet owners in the United States are allergic to animals' fur.

Dog Skin Allergies

More and more households in the country are adopting or sheltering a pet dog, which is considered man's best friend even from the time of the ancient civilization.

Dog Skin Allergies

Dogs are canines that are perceived as intelligent and trainable among all other animals. We see dogs everywhere, in the movies, in cartoons, in the television (remember Lassie?), and even in high-security areas like malls. In the latter case, dogs are trained to sniff bombs, drugs and other illegal substances in the surroundings.

Dog Skin Allergies

The world is a 'dog eat dog world' and it can be even found truthful if you are allergic to dogs.

Dog allergies and cat allergies in similarities and contrast

However, there are more reported or diagnosed cases of cat allergies than dog allergies all throughout the world because cats are more inclined to spread their danders through their habitual and constant grooming or bathing session by rubbing saliva all throughout their body.

Dog allergy can be found in people with specific allergies to dog furs and those who have history of asthma. Asthma is another reaction triggered by exposure to allergens or allergy-causing substances.

Modern science and recent findings indicate that people who were exposed to either cats and dogs while they were infants will unlikely develop cat or dog allergy. It is because their immune system will get accustomed to the two animals' danders at an early stage.

Also take notice that people who have developed cat or dog allergy grew up in households where there were no cats or dogs around. Start asking now, or likely, begin by looking at yourself or somebody you know. The assumption is accurate, right?

Symptoms of dog allergy

Just like in any other form of allergy, symptoms or manifestation of dog allergy include wheezing, coughing, itchy and/ or teary or watery eyes and constant sneezing.

Severe dog allergy attacks can be indicated by difficulty in breathing, which is similar to a severe asthma attack. If left untreated, the person's life could be in danger.

But remember, treatments for asthma and other allergies, including dog allergy are only treatments or relievers. They are not meant and they can not ensure long term cures.

Allergies are not curable, they are only treatable. Hence, dog allergy if successfully treated will reoccur if the person or the patient exposes himself again to dog fur or danders.

Treatment and avoidance

The best treatment is always prevention. As they say, an ounce of prevention is far better than pounds of cure. So it is in the case of dog allergies.

To treat dog allergies, the patient will have to be advised that he should avoid getting near or cuddling dogs. Through that, dog allergy can be successfully controlled or curtailed.

But if that basic prevention measure is ineffective, the patient will have to take either antihistamines, decongestants or corticosteroids. Antihistamines are the common drugs taken during asthma or other allergy attacks.

Decongestants decongest breathing areas or tubes in the body by reducing swellness of nasal tissues thus relieving breathing.

Corticosteroids on the other hand, are drugs that reduce or eliminate inflammation of organs or tissues in the body that may have resulted from the onset of the dog allergy.

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All About Pet Dogs and Dog Allergy

Dog Skin Allergies

Dog Bacteria Allergies - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Dog Skin Allergies

Bacterial allergy in dogs is related to skin diseases in dogs. It is a very type of bacteria exiting everywhere, but in small amounts. If your dog is allergic to bacteria, you need to take certain care. For that you must find out whether the dog is suffering from bacterial allergy.

Dog Skin Allergies

The symptoms of bacterial allergy are as follows:-
1. The dog will rub his face or body on the carpet or furniture or it will constantly rub his body.
2. His eyes will appear watery, red and itchy.
3. You will observe considerable hair loss and red blotches all over the body which will result in an unpleasant odor.

Dog Skin Allergies

Some of the symptoms of the bacterial allergy are explained above. Apart from these, you will also find recurrent ear infections, chewing or licking of paws. You might wonder How to take care of this men's best friend? This is a common health problem found in dogs. But the good news for you is that you can cure this disease. After taking a short treatment, the dog will be back to normal. There may be n number of reasons why the dog has this allergy. When the master or owner is going through a crisis, dogs may face emotional stress which may result in skin problems. It is a general misunderstanding that long haired dogs tend to get more allergic problems. But it's not the issue.

Dog Skin Allergies

To check whether your dog is going through any skin disease take him to a doctor. He will do the necessary skin tests or blood tests of your dog and will find out if he has some allergies. Often it takes sometime to get to the level of danger. The dog may be allergic to certain tree or house dust mites, as well.

The first step to save your dog from bacterial allergy is avoidance therapy. The offending agent should be avoided completely or if not possible, it should be reduced as minimal as possible. Use of shampoos and rinses once in two weeks will help dogs and give them short-term relief. It will give 80% success. Treatment for skin diseases is time consuming. Once the allergy is identified dog is injected with altered antigens. They are given on monthly or weekly basis. This proves good for the young dogs. It is a good treatment option. There is another dosing program arranged for individual dog in the form of a tablet, which is simpler than ejaculating.

Every dog will respond differently to the treatment. So before finding the effective treatment, your dog needs to go through some other treatments too. Antihistamines are one of the best skin treatments for dog, which is effective in controlling 30% of allergic dogs. Some of the common side effects are dry mouth, decreased appetite; hyperactivity is seen in some dogs. It will decrease as the treatment is stopped.

Dog Bacteria Allergies - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Dog Skin Allergies

Itchy Pug - Itching Scratching Series

Dog Skin Allergies

The itchy Pug may suffer from allergic skin disease. Allergic skin disease in the Pug may be caused by an adverse food reaction to a food allergy. Allergic skin disease in the Pug may be caused by canine atopic dermatitis.

Dog Skin Allergies

Flea allergy dermatitis is common and easy to treat. Flea allergy dermatitis usually involves the dog scratching or rubbing its back and the base of the tail. Flea dirt which looks like black specks will be seen against the skin deep in the dogs' hair coat.

Dog Skin Allergies

Food allergy the Pug may start very early in life. If your Pug had skin and ear problems from the day you brought it home as a puppy, your Pug may well have a food allergy. Food allergy causes chronic ear infection, itchy rashes and an itchy bottom which causes scooting (rubbing the anus along the floor).

Dog Skin Allergies

The itchy Pug may have canine atopic dermatitis. Canine atopic dermatitis is an allergy to pollen, dust mites and household spores. The allergens can be inhaled or breathed in, ingested by licking the skin or can pass transdermally. Until recently, it was thought that canine atopic dermatitis was caused by inhaled allergens. This is still partly true but the vast majority of allergen passes transdermally across the skin. This is because the dog with canine atopic dermatitis has a faulty skin barrier. The protective skin barrier is deficient in a protein called sphingosine. The skin loses moisture and dries out and pollens come in causing an allergic reaction which manifests as an itchy rash.

There are some natural treatments that really work. It is best to seek a qualified opinion on natural treatment. There is a lot of uninformed opinion that is promoting treatments that are unsatisfactory.

Itchy Pug - Itching Scratching Series

Dog Skin Allergies

Canine Allergies - Discount Pet Meds Treat Hot Spots, Flea Allergy Dermatitis and More

Dog Skin Allergies

Most dog owners are familiar with hot spots but not all realize the irritated patch just above the base of their pet's tail is due to canine allergies. Fleas love to gather in that location and as they bite the dog chews at the base of his tail.

Dog Skin Allergies

He chews because he can't reach that area with a paw for a good scratch. The incessant chewing further inflames the skin and the result is a round area of irritation that is often furless and may appear swollen and feel hot to the touch.

Dog Skin Allergies

Dogs with flea allergy dermatitis frequently suffer from hot spots. Even a few fleas on a dog with allergies to the pest can lead to a severe skin reaction. The allergy is to the saliva deposited on the animal by the flea as the pest bites and draws blood. The discomfort is not from the saliva itself but form the dog's immune system which is overreacting to the allergen.

Dog Skin Allergies

In people, bites by mosquitoes and biting gnats leave bumps that itch to distraction for a few minute at least. For a dog with flea allergies, the itch is constant as the fleas continue to crawl over his skin and bite again and again. Canine allergies may be reaction to ingredients in food, to seasonal pollen and grasses, to cleaning products and even to certain materials or plastics.

Atopic dermatitis is the term used to describe the reaction when a sensitive dog inhales or comes into contact with an allergen such as dust mites, seasonal pollens or mold. The main symptom is itching and dogs will rub faces against furniture, rub against fences and chew at their skin. The attempt to relieve the itch causes the skin to become more inflamed. Dry, flaky patches of skin may appear and hot spots may form and become hairless lesions.

Atopica has shown to be highly effective in three-fourths of the dogs treated with this pet medicine. Given daily, side effects of Atopica are minor digestive problems that are short term for most dogs. The one drawback to Atopica for pet owners may be the cost. With a prescription from your vet you can obtain Atopica at discount pet med sites online for a considerable cost savings.

Triamcinolone is a corticosteroid pet med that is usually reserved for treatment of serious skin disease that has not responded to other treatments. There is the possibility of side effects when using corticosteroids that must be balanced with consideration of quality of life for an animal with severe skin problems.

Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic glucocorticoid steroid drug that acts as an anti-inflammatory and suppresses the immune system. This is the pet medicine your vet will administer should your dog suffer from an allergic reaction causing anaphylactic shock or trauma to the spinal cord. Dexamethasone is often prescribed for a variety of eye and skin problems in canines. Side effects are common with long term use and vets often prescribe dosages given every other day to minimize the risk.

Temeril-P is a safe pet med used to address the problem if itching without regard to what allergen is the cause. Termeril-P is also used to treat "kennel cough" which is a form of bronchitis in dogs. If the cause of your dog's itching skin is a mystery, Termeril-P may well be what your vet prescribes as it relieves canine allergies caused by internal and external triggers. Temeril-P is available by prescription only but can be purchased from discount pet med sites online.

Canine Allergies - Discount Pet Meds Treat Hot Spots, Flea Allergy Dermatitis and More

Dog Skin Allergies

Canine Allergies - Five Types of Allergies in Dogs

Dog Skin Allergies

Humans aren't the only ones that can develop allergies because dogs can too. There are five common types of canine allergies. They include flea, food, contact, inhalant, and bacterial. Let's take a look at these different types of allergies in dogs.

Dog Skin Allergies

Food

Dog Skin Allergies

One of the first things that your dog can be allergic to is food. Most allergic reactions to food cause diarrhea and vomiting. However, skin reactions can occur in some cases. Some of the common foods that dogs can be allergic to include wheat, corn, dairy, beef, lamb, and oats. This type of allergy can take a while to become a problem.

Dog Skin Allergies

Fleas

One of the most common types of canine allergies is to fleas. Instead of being allergic to the flea itself, your dog will be allergic to the flea's saliva when bitten. The affected area will swell, itch, and turn red. This will prompt your dog to scratch at the area constantly which causes hot spots and hair loss. As most dog owners know, controlling fleas in the environment can be extremely difficult, so this type of allergy can be very troublesome.

Contact

Allergies in dogs can also occur when something touches their skin. Common culprits include topical medications, carpet, and bedding. Some dogs can also have a reaction to flea collars. This type of allergy usually causes redness and pus-filled welts. It can be prevented by recognizing the problem material and keeping your dog away from it.

Bacterial

Canine allergies can also be caused by bacteria. Dogs have various species of bacteria present in their bodies that normally causes no harm. However, some dogs can develop an allergy to this bacteria and be prone to infections. The main symptom is hair loss that looks very similar to canine ringworm. Treatment involves giving your dog antibiotics.

Inhalant

One of the final types of allergies in dogs is the inhalant variety. It is characterized by a reaction to something that your dog breathes in. Common substances include mold, dust mites, and pollen. Since some of these substances only occur seasonally, your dog will only have problems at certain times of the year. Other substances are present throughout the year, so they can cause problems anytime.

Canine Allergies - Five Types of Allergies in Dogs

Dog Skin Allergies

Skin Allergies in Dogs - Why Natural Remedies Are Better

Dog Skin Allergies

When you see skin allergies in dogs, feeling sympathy is the first thing that comes to mind. They're might be in pain, roll around in irritation, or mope around because no one is helping them. Families will take their dog to the vet, but if the medicine doesn't work, continuous trips become expensive.

Dog Skin Allergies

It's also important to consider the type of medications your dog is given. Skin allergies in dogs require traditional meds, which come with side effects. If these are not taken care of appropriately, it could lead to other problems in their body. After all, dealing with allergies is a stressful issue for most dogs.

Dog Skin Allergies

We've scoured the Internet for various vitamin supplements designed for skin allergies in dogs. After extensive research, we found Nuvet was offering more benefits than any other option. Take a look at some of the ingredients Nuvet uses to alleviate dog allergies:

Dog Skin Allergies

* Alfalfa - This Nuvet supplement ingredient offers several benefits. Alfalfa offers vitamin D, E, and K, as well as beta carotene. You can also find plenty of chlorophyll, calcium, and fats. When dog skin allergies are present, Alfalfa is known to eliminate and control them.

* Amino Acids - Dogs need amino acids as much as humans do. Most people associate this ingredient with build muscle, but it also helps with skin allergies in dogs. There 28 different amino acids, but some of them are specifically designed to help with skin and coat problems. Healthier skin for your dog will reduce the chance of allergies.

* Vitamin B-Complex - We hear about Vitamin B in regards to keeping the skin looking young, but it can also help with skin allergies in dogs. Nuvet supplements offer an ample dose, so the skin will stay healthy and continue to be maintained.

* Zinc - When a dog skin allergies are present, it's possible for them to itch the infected area. Zinc is used in Nuvet supplements for a variety of reasons. One of them is to increase the ability to heal wounds faster.

When you really think about skin issues in dogs, it all comes back to being healthy from the inside-out. Nuvet offers a natural remedy to help all areas of concern. We recommend reading more about all the ingredients associated with these products.

Here is a list of some other ingredients found in Nuvet supplements:

* Alpha Amylase
* Blue Green Algae
* Brewer's Yeast
* Cat's Claw
* Chicken Liver
* Copper
* Evening Primrose Oil
* L Methionine
* And many others

Allergies in dogs develop because of something else in their bodies along with allergens. When the proper supplements are used, dog skin allergies can be eliminated and maintained. We found Nuvet to offer the best solution.

Skin Allergies in Dogs - Why Natural Remedies Are Better

Dog Skin Allergies

My Dog is Itching - Why is He Scratching, Licking, Chewing and Biting Himself?

Dog Skin Allergies

Why is my dog scratching, licking, chewing and biting himself?

Dog Skin Allergies

There are lots of different skin diseases which will cause itching in dogs, including flea allergy, flea bites, air-borne allergies, hot spots, food allergies, mite infections and hormone imbalances.

Dog Skin Allergies

To find out what the problem is you will probably need a visit to your veterinarian, but you can get a clue from which parts of the body your dog is attacking and when the itchiness started.

Dog Skin Allergies

Different skin problems tend to affect dogs in different areas of the body and start at different ages.

In temperate climates, the commonest causes of itching in dogs are flea bites and flea allergy. Affected dogs usually bite and chew the top of the rump and the base of the tail. This problem is usually seen in warm, humid seasons. Dogs can be affected as early as six months of age. If your dog has flea bites or flea allergy you will usually - but not always - be able to find fleas or flea dirt on his skin or in his coat.

The second most common cause of itching in dogs is atopic dermatitis. This is an allergic reaction to things floating in the air, such as dust mites, pollens and moulds. This problem usually starts when a dog is between one and three years of age. Affected dogs are usually chewing, biting, licking or scratching at their feet, ears, armpits, lips or eyelids. Some dogs with atopic dermatitis will also be sneezing.

At any age, dogs can develop sensitivities to foods which will cause them to itch. The itching tends to occur around the face, the ears and the perineum (below the tail). Some dogs with food sensitivity will also vomit or have diarrhea.

Demodectic mange is a mite infection which usually occurs in young dogs. Hair loss and itching usually occur around the lips and eyelids, on the head, inside the ear flaps or between the toes.

Scabies, also called sarcoptic mange, typically affects the edges of the ear flaps, the elbows, the hocks and the underside of the belly.

A dog which develops a skin disease in later life may have a hormonal imbalance or, more rarely, skin cancer.

Itching can also be caused by other parasites, ringworm, bacterial skin infections, contact dermatitis, hot spots and problems with the immune system.

Some dogs can have more than one skin problem at the same time. Dogs with flea allergy dermatitis often develop atopic dermatitis, and vice versa.

Diagnosing a skin problem can be difficult and should be done by a veterinarian. He or she will make a diagnosis based on the dog's age and breed, the dog's age when the problem began, any signs or history of other diseases, diet, examination of the dog's skin, checking for fleas or other parasites, skin tests and possibly blood tests or allergy testing.

If a dog is itching, scratching, chewing, biting or licking at itself it will be suffering a lot of discomfort, and needs to be taken to a veterinarian to have the problem diagnosed and treated.

My Dog is Itching - Why is He Scratching, Licking, Chewing and Biting Himself?

Dog Skin Allergies

Dogs and Allergies

Dog Skin Allergies

We as humans can have a variety of allergies, allergies to food, pollution, dust and just about anything else imaginable. Well, our wonderful family dog can be allergic to things too and it may take us a while to finally figure it out.

Dog Skin Allergies

Pets that scratch a lot may be allergic to something, sometimes you may find that your pet scratches significantly only at certain times of the year. It is possible that your dog, like you, can have seasonal allergies. Dogs can be allergic not only to food, but to pollen, grasses, trees, dust, fleas, wool, tobacco smoke and even, believe it or not, to other pets.

Dog Skin Allergies

A dog can have an allergic reaction simply by coming into contact with whatever substance it is allergic to (wool/fleas), by inhaling the substance (smoke/pollen), and from food.

Dog Skin Allergies

Any dog that spends most of its time scratching and possibly chewing on itself is showing signs of a possible allergy or at least a condition that requires some type of treatment. Constant scratching and chewing leads to skin disruptions and ultimately bacterial infections. Most people think the constant scratching is a problem with fleas (possible), but more than likely it is an inhalant allergy.

Another sign of a dog with an allergy problem is a respiratory condition; coughing, sneezing/wheezing, runny nose or even runny eyes, and a third symptom may show up in the digestive system, as diarrhea or vomiting.

There are certain breeds that are more predisposed to respiratory allergic conditions than others, these dogs can suffer the same as their humans when the air is filled with grass and tree pollen, dust, mildew, ragweed and mold. Such breeds as Schnauzers, Irish Setters, Boston Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Cairn Terriers, West Highland Terriers and wire-haired Terriers are among the most common affected with air type allergies.

Females for some reason are affected more so than males and it usually occurs between the ages of one to three years.

How are dogs tested for inhalant allergies?

Diagnosing an allergy suffered by a dog is not really an easy matter. Much is done on a hit and miss basis. To complicate matters a thyroid condition could even enter into the picture. In order to find the culprit and if the allergy is not fairly evident, like a flea problem or even or a new food, a dog will have to go through a fairly lengthy and systematic diagnosis. There is no magic way to figure out the problem.

The last and most costly thing that can be done is the hyposensitization testing procedure using specific antigen injections. The cost is extremely high, the age of the dog needs to be considered as re-testing may be necessary in the future and the success rate runs about 50 percent, which is just about the success rate found when testing humans.

What kind of treatment can be given to help the problem?

The dog may be given Omega-3 fatty acids, gamma linoleic acid and/or certain vitamins and natural anti-inflammatories. Natural anti-inflammatory drugs and along with the vitamins and Omega-3 is usually a good first try in helping to alleviate the symptoms.

Antihistamines and other therapies do work, but often times make the dog a wee bit groggy. Any type of steroid drug should be used only as a last resort. The use of steroids, along with supplements and antihistamines will control the allergy, but will not come up with an overall treatment of the condition and it will return.

Corticosteroids reduce itching by calming the inflammation, however, there are side effects that can cause problems. Not only does it cause thirst and increased appetite, increased need to urinate and behavioral problems; it can cause diabetes, lack of resistance to infection and a susceptibility to seizures. It should be used as a last resort and only for a short time.

Shampoo therapy will work in some cases as bathing with hypoallergenic shampoos has helped many dogs. It seems that some allergens can be absorbed through the skin and frequent bathing reduces the exposure.

Bathing the dog with Epsom salts or colloidal oatmeal with also give temporary relief and will have to be done frequently. Be careful using sprays and ointments that are not recommended by your vet, they could contain harmful substances.

Antibiotics can be used when the dog has been biting, scratching and chewing on its skin. The constant irritation creates opportunities for bacteria to cause infection and the antibiotics should be used to control it.

There are vaccines available for dogs, just as there are for people, they do work, but they are slow to work and can be costly. It is said they work about 70 to 75 percent of the time.

Environmental allergies can be handled as best you can; air conditioning in the house can reduce the chance of outside airborne allergens coning in. Dehumidifiers can reduce the problem of mold. An air cleaner with a HEPA filter will reduce dust and pollens within the household.

One important thing to keep in mind if you have a dog with serious allergies and you are considering breeding it, please Do Not. You will just be adding to a situation that will cause not only other dogs' a problem, the owners who love them too.

How can you handle the common allergy problems?

Fleas are not the earth shattering problem they were a few years ago, thank heaven, the invention of the flea spot on products have reduced the headaches of banishing fleas. We have for the most part rid ourselves and our pets of fleas, just check with your vet to see which product is the best for you to use on your pet.

Food is a common allergy for dogs, however, believe it or not, it is only a 10 to 20 percent common problem. A food allergy is rarely ever fatal, but it can be most annoying. The constant itching can lead to serious bacterial or fungal infection. If the allergy causes gastrointestinal problems you are faced with vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.

An allergy to the food your dog is eating will not cause both; it will cause an itching problem or a gastrointestinal problem. The most common problem is the itching, which in turn, not only makes your dog and you miserable, it creates a very unsightly looking dog.

Certain breeds such as golden retrievers, schnauzers, and West Highland White Terriers are thought of by some vets, to be the most at risk for food allergies, though this has not been proven conclusively.

Protein is generally the biggest culprit in causing food allergies in dogs. The most common sources of protein are, beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, and eggs. Since we all need protein as part of our everyday diet, it is hard to eliminate it from your dog's diet. A food allergy takes time to show its ugly face, unless it is a new food that was recently added to your pet's diet.

Determining what food is causing the problem, especially if you are like me, and offer a mixed variety of foods to your pet, it will take time, patience and due diligence. It is important for the dog to be on a hypoallergenic diet for at least 4 to 6 weeks. A hypoallergenic diet consists of protein that has been predigested into very tiny bits, so the immune system does not recognize that it is there. This food can only be purchased at your vet's and is fairly expensive. Along with the special food, the whole family must be aware that the dog is not to have any other food or treats while the 4 to 6 week period is in progress. Now, this can really be a challenge, when looking into those big brown eyes.

The itching should gradually disappear while the dog is on the diet, once the itching is gone and the dog has recovered. Next comes what is considered the challenge and requires patience, you restore the dog to its original diet and watch what happens. If the itching starts again, it is back on to the special food until the itching is gone again and then you begin to add your dog's other foods, one by one.

This means that whatever your dog normally has been eating, you add it one food at a time and watch for a reaction. It will take several weeks for a reaction to show up and during that time, you do not feed the dog anything else, but the current food (no treats or table food). If it does not cause a problem, if is fairly safe to think that food is okay, then you add another of your dog's foods and go through the same process. Your vet will advise you as to the best way to do this, you also will be feeding the hypoallergenic food, too.

Allergies in dogs can also be tricky, as your dog cannot only suffer from a food allergy, but from an inhalant allergy also. The secret here is to find the culprit that is causing the problem for your dog and ultimately and hopefully end it forever. This is not a problem that you alone can solve; allergy problems need the help of your vet, so at the first sign of an itching problem, see your vet at once. Your dog will appreciate it and so will you.

Dogs and Allergies

Dog Skin Allergies