You are here: Home / Archives for pet allergies / dog allergies

Medicine for Small Dog with Allergies – How to Care for Your Dog

May 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Dogs and humans alike can experience allergies and can be the same types of allergies. There are a lot of allergens that can cause allergies in pets. The most common form of dog allergies can be skin itching. Dog allergies symptoms can range from skin allergies, to respiratory health such as sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge and wheezing. It can lead to your dog having digestive system problems such as diarrhea or vomiting. So knowing the right medicine for small dog with allergies can help you control this medical issue.

Causes of Allergies in Your Dogs

Same with humans, dogs can also be allergic to the same allergens that can be harmful to humans. Though dogs are not born with innate food allergies, dogs can still develop allergies with almost any type of food, over a long period of consumption time. Skin allergies can be cause by a lot of external factors such as shampoos that are those of inadequate types, sprays and other chemicals or substances, food and of course, fleas. Dust mites can also trigger allergies in dogs when inhaled.

Allergies can have symptoms of allergic reactions to inhalants, than can have your dogs sneezing repeatedly, coughing continuously and for them to have watery eyes. Flea infection in dogs can cause frequent biting and chewing, especially scratching on itchy places such as the belly or the stomach, the tail, the paws, and their hind legs’ insides. Rashes can also develop with skin allergies. Diarrhea as well as vomiting can be caused by food allergies.

Caring for Your Dogs with Allergies

Knowing the factors that can cause health problems will allow you to treat them and give the right medicine for small dog with allergies as well as to adult dogs. Because flea allergies in dogs can cause damage to the skin of your pets, as well as other factors such as shampoo, asking your veterinarian’s advice for early indications or advanced skin allergies medications will help you keep your dog’s skin healthy and promote well-being in your pets. Choose a hypoallergenic shampoo to frequently bathe your dogs with.

Anti-inflammatory drugs also helps maintain and keep the overall health of your dogs. These drugs can help with the pain that your dogs might experience while having allergic reactions. Another known medicine for small dog with allergies as well as for adult dogs is antihistamines that are also recommended by dog lovers and veterinarians alike. Antibiotics can also keep your dogs free from allergies, as well as from other forms of diseases and illnesses. These are just some of the ways on how to fight off allergies in dogs.

Over-the-counter Medications for your Dogs

Sometimes, allergic reactions of dogs can be worse than those that a human being can experience. When this happens, knowing what type of over-the-counter medicine you can give your pets can help you in the future if another allergy attack can happen to your dogs. A medicine for small dog with allergies that can also be used in adult dogs is Benadryl. It works by blocking the effects as well as the release of histamine that can cause itchiness and swelling that are allergy-related.

Another kind of medicine that you can give to your dog experiencing allergies is Chlor-Trimeton. This is another kind of antihistamine that can be given to your dogs. Chlor-Trimeton can cause another type of reaction to some breeds, so it is actually better to ask your veterinarian about this type of medicine.

All in all, knowing the causes of allergic reactions in dogs will help you understand and know more about avoidance measures. Though prevention is better than cure, having the right knowledge on the kinds of medicine for your dogs will ultimately help you and your dog live a happy and healthy life.

Filed Under: dog allergies Tagged With: , , , , ,

Dog Eye Allergy Symptoms – Taking Care of Your Dog’s Eyes

May 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Many people of the world’s population suffer from different types of allergies. One of the most common types of allergies that a lot of people suffer from is eye allergies. But, not only one can get eye allergies, dogs are also prone to get eye allergies. Dogs can suffer from different types of allergies as well just like human beings, but one of the most common types of allergies they can get is allergies of the eyes. In taking care of your dog’s overall health, you must be aware of the different dog eye allergy symptoms.

Causes of Allergies in your Dog’s Eyes

Same with eyes of humans, the eyes are one of the most sensitive organs of your pet dogs. Dog eye allergy symptoms can be caused by a lot of allergy-causing factors, also called allergens. These can be environmental factors that can be present almost anywhere. These allergens can come from the food they eat, the water they drink, they can also be found in forms of parasites and fungus, and when a dog comes into contact with these allergy-triggering factors, their immune system can overreact, thus causing your dogs to have an allergic reaction.

Overview of Dog Eye Allergies

When a person who is allergic to something accidentally comes into contact with the allergens, the immune system of that person thinks that this specific factor is harmful to the body. It is actually the same with the immune system of your dogs. These allergens trigger a reaction from the immune system of the dog, thus an allergic reaction occurs. Some dogs that are hypersensitive can show dog eye allergy symptoms ranging from mild to even severe inflammatory reactions, and may cause other parts of their body to give an abnormal response.

All in all, dog eye allergies are the cause of an abnormal response of the dog’s immune system if it perceives danger for the health of the dog. These responses from specific allergens causes the allergic reaction that may be treated easily by your veterinarian, but some allergic reactions can be severe, so knowing what these allergy-causing factors are, and following avoidance strategies, can ultimately help you as well as your dogs to live a worry-free life from dangers that are caused by dog eye allergy symptoms.

Symptoms of Dog Eye Allergy

One of the most common symptoms of allergic reactions of dogs can be found present in their eyes is the dog eye conjunctivitis. This type of allergic reaction is very similar to allergies of the eyes of human beings. This type of dog eye allergy symptoms affects the conjunctiva that causes it to swell or to have an inflammation. Other symptoms of dog eye conjunctivitis may include redness, excessive tear production, swelling and irritation. A mild burning sensation as well as pain can also be felt by your dogs, because of the itchiness that they try to relieve through rubbing or scratching.

These dog eye allergy symptoms should not be taken for granted, and instead should be treated immediately. Scratching and rubbing of the eyes may lead to more serious health conditions, thus, secondary complications may occur such as bacterial eye infections, and trauma to the eyes’ surface of your dogs. Once you have brought your dog to the veterinarian, your vet can differentiate these dog eye allergies from other medical conditions since symptoms of dog eye allergies can be identified through swelling and inflammation of the eye to the tear or abnormal discharge and irritation.

How Dog Eye Allergies are Diagnosed

Your veterinarian is the closest friend you can ask help from with regards to the health of your beloved dogs. Dog eye allergy symptoms can easily be confused with other eye conditions of dogs, so it is better to have him examine your dogs’ eyes. Complications of other eye conditions that dogs can suffer from are very similar to some conditions that a dog can have if it is suffering from dog eye allergies. It is better to bring your lovable pet dogs to a professional rather than risking an incorrect diagnosis that can lead to more serious health conditions of your dogs.

Allergy testing for dog eyes is one of the options that you have and that you can discuss with your veterinarian to eliminate other factors that you think may be causing an allergic reaction in your dogs. This type of process tests the sensitivity of your dogs to known allergens, and therefore is a technique used by most veterinarians for elimination. Most importantly, dog eye allergy symptoms can be relieved through the successful response of your dog from allergy testing.

Treatment of Dog Eye Allergy

Prevention is better than cure. As all doctors say to their patients regarding their allergies, it is better to avoid allergens rather than taking in medication to control these allergies. This is the same for dog eye allergies. Planning an avoidance measure technique to control the symptoms of your dog’s eye allergies will go a long way to help your dogs avoid the suffering they undergo when they have allergic attacks.

In some cases wherein avoidance measures still do not work, there are still medications that you can give to your dog to help relieve them from allergy symptoms. Isotonic solutions, anti-oxidant solutions, decongestants, and anti-histamines are just some of the medications that you can use to relieve and help alleviate dog eye allergy symptoms.

Filed Under: dog allergies Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Treating Flea Allergies

March 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Flea allergy is the most common kind of allergy among dogs. Pet owners should exert effort to learn about flea allergy, its prevention and treatment. Many dogs can suffer because of flea allergy. Treating flea allergies is not very difficult so owners should be familiar with them.

What is flea allergy?

Flea allergy is an allergic reaction of dogs and other animals to flea saliva. When the flea bites the dog, the flea injects its saliva into the dog which will cause a hypersensitivity reaction. Even just one bite of the flea can lead to an allergic reaction. Many dogs suffer from flea allergy during the summer times or warmer climates because this is when fleas are prevalent. The allergy symptoms of flea allergy includes skin itching and inflammation which can be mild or severe. The dog will probably scratch and bit itchy areas which will lead to other skin problems. Too much scratching can lead to the development of hot spots which are red painful sores which usually occur on the back and base of the dog’s tail. Hair loss, crusty sores and broken hairs can also happen as the condition progresses.

The diagnosis of flea allergy will require a meticulous physical examination. The sores and lesions on the dog can also be used to identify whether the dog has flea allergy or other skin problems. Intradermal skin testing and blood testing can also be done to identify flea allergy.

Treatment

The first step in treating flea allergies is removing the fleas from your dog. There are many flea products which can be used to kill the fleas. Examples are shampoos and other products from Revolution and Advantage. There are topical ointments such as the Vectra 3D topical ointment which can be applied on the dog. There are pills such as Comfortis which can be given to the dog which can kill the fleas.  Aside from these products, you can also use natural products in treating flea allergies. You can also buy natural or organic flea control dog shampoos and soaps.

Getting rid of fleas also means that you should clean your house and the surroundings. There are many home remedies for fleas you can do to get rid of fleas in your homes. Vacuum all your furniture and carpet at least twice in a week and you need to empty the vacuum right after you vacuum. Remember that adult fleas can crawl out of the vacuum bag. You also need to wash your floor mats and area rugs with warm water regularly. Make sure that they are completely dry before using them again. Humidity encourages flea production. You can also make your own flea remedy powder which can be sprinkled in areas where fleas are known to breed. For instance you can mix 3 cups of diatomaceous earth (DE) and ½ cup of boric acid. This mixture is proven to be an effective flea remedy. Some people also recommend the use of pennyroyal and lavender because the scents of these flowers can drive away fleas. The mixture of lavender, fennel and basil oils can also be used. These flowers and mixtures do not only get rid of fleas but they can also make your home smell better. Those who do not have the time to clean their houses and surroundings can use the services of pest control or extermination companies.

Medications are also prescribed by a vet depending on the severity of the flea allergy. Medicated shampoos, steroids, antihistamines, fatty acid supplements and topical medications are all used in treating flea allergies. All these medicines are used to treat the different signs and symptoms of flea allergies. Some vets also use allergy shots to treat flea allergies. However, this method is still controversial among vets so this is usually used as a last recourse.

Dog owners should do their part when they suspect that their dog is suffering from flea allergy. You should take your dog to the vet when you suspect dog allergy. Do not let your pet suffer before taking him or her to the vet. Cleaning your homes and the surrounding areas can be a difficult work but you should do this especially during the summer time when fleas usually breed. Even when your dog was successfully treated, you have to remember that he or she can be infested with fleas again. Therefore it is important to observe your dog for any signs and symptoms of flea allergy.

Filed Under: dog allergies Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Best Antihistamine for Dogs Itch

February 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Most households have pets either it is a cat, dog, bird or even reptiles for more exotic loving families. Some families have some allergic reactions with either dogs or cats and sometime to both and so they would decide not to have a pet at home. Dog allergic reactions vary from one person to person. The best antihistamine for dogs itch may be asked from your trusted veterinarian.

Most doctors would conduct a blood allergy test to determine which animal or allergen a person is allergic to and after knowing the result that will be the only time that a medication will be prescribed for best results. It is highly suggested that dog owners and other pet owners should have their pet take allergy shot or blood allergy test because they will never know when their beloved pet will be stricken with itchiness that would even become a serious allergic reaction to something that they are not aware of.

The best antihistamine for dogs itch can either be bought over the counter or the one that is prescribed by a veterinarian. Allergy shots are also given on a larger dosage for adults compared to children. This shot is given a month before allergy season comes and it is usually a month before fall season comes when the wind blows a little bit stronger.

Allergies seems to be stronger during fall season because the wind carries both pollen and hair or feather from animals such as dogs or birds and when inhaled it might even cause asthma which combined with the allergy it makes the condition a little bit more serious. Allergic reactions to dogs should also be given attention by parents so as to prevent serious allergic reaction in a child.

Best antihistamine for dogs itch may work well with cold water to reduce itchiness on a dogs skin. There are certain dog shampoos that will also reduce the itchiness of the dog’s skin and there are also crème that could be applied on the itchy part of the dog’s skin.

The best antihistamines for dogs itch combined with other veterinarian recommended chemicals will relieve the dog’s itching. Pet allergies are a not a rare case but it does not have to be a common things among pets or the pet that you may have. The best antihistamine for dogs itch also works well with cats.

Allergic reaction in dogs should be observed by the owner so an immediate medical attention should be given. There are veterinarians who are available 24/ 7 and then there are those who you could call to come to your house at a very short notice. Pet owners should be careful with what they give pet dog or cat because pet allergies do exists and this is the time that pet owners should be aware of. Allergy shots are also given to dogs especially when they are small because this would help them cope with the allergy a little bit better compared to those without. Thus, best antihistamine for dogs itch is needed to treat the problem accurately.

Filed Under: dog allergies Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

A Natural Treatment for Skin Allergies in Boston Terriers Found

January 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Boston Terriers are one of dogs who are very prone to skin problems and skin allergies. The common sources of pet allergens are pollens, molds and dust mites. Fleas and bacteria can also cause skin allergies to Boston Terriers. Fortunately, there are many available natural treatments for skin allergies in Boston Terriers. These can be available in many pet stores and clinics.

The common allergy symptoms are biting and scratching their bodies, rubbing their face along the carpet and licking their paws. Veterinarians usually recommend the use of some medications such as antihistamines and corticosteroid to relieve the symptoms. There are also commercially prepared dog shampoos which can be used. But for those who do not like shampoos which are usually sold in stores they can always use natural methods to treat their dog’s skin allergies.

Treatment to Boston Terriers skin allergies include the use of homemade shampoo and conditioner and natural flea and tick control. But before doing any treatment, it is necessary to find out the main cause of the skin allergy. If you identified the allergen, remove or eliminate the allergen. Make sure that your Boston terrier is not exposed to the allergens. Do precautionary measures and preventive measures such as cleaning you dog’s house and the surroundings.

For those who want plan to make an all natural dog shampoo, they can use aloe vera, eucalyptus and oatmeal as the main ingredients of the shampoo. These natural ingredients are known to help relieve the itching and other signs and symptoms of skin allergies Another natural treatment for skin allergies in Boston Terriers is diet modification. Food allergy is one of the causes of skin allergies. So you can try changing your dog’s diet. Stop giving him treats. Replace the treats with organic foods. Using plant oil-based sprays to relieve the itching is also another method you can do to help your Boston terrier.

Some manufacturers developed topical sprays which contain oatmeal and omega-6 fatty acids. However, if your dog still continue to manifest signs and symptoms of allergic reaction after trying taking all the natural treatment,  it would be better to consult your veterinarian. Natural treatments are good especially for Boston terriers with sensitive skins but it might not work for all dogs. The good news is there are many skin allergy tests which can determine the main cause of your pet’s skin allergy.

There are also natural treatments and non-artificial ones you can do to treat your dog’s skin allergy. The important thing is, as a pet owner, you should make sure that you are well-informed about skin allergies so that you can identify if your dog is suffering from skin allergy. Know the different signs and symptoms of allergy and know the different homemade treatments you can do to help relieve skin allergy of your Boston terrier. natural treatment for skin allergies in Boston Terriers and and other homemade treatment products can help you save money.  You can also get to know your dog’s health better if they react positively to such treatment.

Filed Under: dog allergies Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Homemade Allergy Dog Shampoo for Your Dog Itch

January 26, 2011 By 1 Comment

Being a responsible dog owner means that you should make sure that your dog receives proper care. Part of taking care of a dog is making sure that your dog has good hygiene, and that involves homemade allergy dog shampoo. Allergy free dogs indicate that their owners take care of them properly. Just like humans, common dog allergies are caused by allergens from food, pollens and other pollutants. Some dogs can also develop allergic reactions to flea bites.

Animal allergies especially in pets such as cats and dogs should be treated as soon as possible because these pets usually interact with humans. Children like playing and kissing their cats and dogs so parents should make sure that their dogs and cats do not have allergies.

Some of the allergy symptoms in dogs are coughing, sneezing and ear infections. When your pet dog’s coat also starts to deteriorate, you can suspect dog allergy. For airborne allergens, frequent licking and biting can be signs that the dog is having allergic reactions to this particular kind of allergens. Perfumes, dust, household pollutants are example of airborne particles that can cause allergic reactions in dogs.

In addition, ear inflammation, anal itching, face rubbing on carpets and head shaking are signs of dog food allergy while the development of skin irritations such as dog hot spots can indicate flea bite allergy. Treatment of dog allergy depends on the allergen and the signs and symptoms the dog has. One inexpensive treatment to dog allergies is coming up with a natural homemade allergy dog shampoo.

Treatments include diet modification, the use of medications such as antihistamines and elimination of the allergen. Since skin irritation and itching are one of the common signs of dog allergy, veterinarians recommend the use of dog shampoos which are specifically made to address the problem of dog allergy. Nowadays, there are many dog shampoos in the market people can buy but for those who want to save money; they can make their own homemade allergy dog shampoo.

An effective homemade allergy dog shampoo should have soothing ingredients that can help relieve the inflammation and itching. Lavender, Aloe Vera, tangerine oil and baking soda are common ingredients which are known to have a soothing and cooling effect on dogs with allergies.

It is also important to add an antibacterial soap in your homemade allergy dog shampoo but all soap residues should be rinsed well to avoid further irritation. Many people recommend adding apple cider vinegar in any homemade allergy dog shampoo mixture because it can thoroughly remove any soap residue. Other people also suggest the use of glycerin when making a homemade dog shampoo to treat allergy.

The homemade allergy dog shampoo should be used regularly until the signs of allergic reactions disappear. Although there are many products such as dog shampoos for itchy skin, it is still better to make your own dog allergy shampoo so that you can add ingredients which can specifically address the problems your dog is having. Besides, you can also save money when you make your own dog shampoo. Using dog shampoos with the right ingredients can make your dog allergy free and these shampoos can greatly improve the skin condition of your dogs.

Filed Under: dog allergies Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Animal Allergies in Dogs- Keeping Your Dogs Free From Allergies

December 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

No matter how much you try to safeguard your beloved dogs, there is an inherently high risk for them to contract animal allergies. Dogs walk with four legs, and sniff as often as they could. While humans rely mainly on eyesight to perform their daily tasks, dogs on the other hand normally depend on their sense of smell. They sniff and snuffle on almost anything that comes their way and specially before chomping any food offered to them.  With this distinctive flair, animal allergies in dogs are widespread.

Like in humans, animal allergies in dogs appear as skin irritations.  You may notice your dog to be coiling and rolling around and scratching here and there. These are primary symptoms of an occurring allergy.

You have to be on your guard once your pet shows some of the simplest forms of allergy symptoms that would indicate animal allergies in dogs. Unsurprisingly, dogs would always want to thrill and gratify its master. They would never show a weak spot or any pain as dogs would sense easily the master’s emotional state and mood. Displeasing its master is a rotten crime for dogs. Thus, you have to tender extra time to notice your pet as it may be too late before severe allergic complications would come into view.

Most animal allergies in dogs are often distinguished based on the cause. It could either be an allergic reaction as a result to flea or insect bites, or an allergic reaction to food, bacteria or anything your pet came in contact with. It might mean dirty linens, chemicals, household cleaning agents, or even as simple as house plants.

The dog will develop small red rashes that cause constant itch and skin irritation that eventually leads to hair loss and skin lesions. The primary action would be preventive measures against secondary complications. For food allergies, you can simply change your pets’ meal plan. Try offering your pet food other than chicken, dairy products, soy or beef as these are the foremost allergy-causing food. For allergy problems regarding fleas, you can use a specific shampoo for fleas and bathe your dog in cool water.

For other forms of animal allergies in dogs, you can simply bathe your pet first to get rid of itchiness and to provide your precious pet a cozy and fresh feeling. There are a number of anti-allergy products with reasonable prices that are very much readily available online.

Animal allergies is one condition of dogs that you should never take for granted. Thus, if you think that your dog is developing this condition, it is also recommended that you consult a veterinarian or pet doctor to have your dog checked, and be given proper dog care treatment.  A vet can recommend an antihistamine or anti-allergy treatment for your dog to treat its allergies.

Providing your pet measures as early as you can to avoid animal allergies in dogs would pretty much make your dog happy and healthy.  A vet can give you advice on how to care for your beloved pet and how to keep them safe from allergies.

Filed Under: dog allergies Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Best Hay Fever Remedy for Dogs: Keeping Your Dogs Healthy and Free From Allergies

December 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Like people, pets may also be allergic to pollen and dust. When dogs develop allergies to these particles,  they suffer from a condition called hay fever–a condition that also affects humans. As soon as your beloved pet manifests the symptoms of hay fever, it is essential to give your dog a proper treatment. You may seek advice from a vet on the best hay fever remedy for dogs.

What is Hay Fever?

Hay fever is not exactly a fever. It is like an allergic reaction to pollen. The symptoms usually flare up during spring, summer or fall seasons when pollen are just everywhere. And while hay fever in humans causes constant coughing and sneezing, hay fever in dogs causes itching and scratching while. Dogs, when suffering from hay fever, also suffer from a weakened immune system due to the buildup of toxins in their blood and tissues.

As soon as your dog manifests the symptoms, you should give your dog proper treatment right away. Here are some hay fever remedies for dogs.

How to Treat a Dog with Hay Fever

1.      Prepare a cool bath for your dog. Keep in mind that it should not be too cold but just cool enough to soothe the pet. Cool water helps relieve the inflammation caused by constant scratching and helps temporarily soothe the itch.

2.      Dogs with hay fever often bite their paws to alleviate the itch. However, this only makes the paws bleed and get irritated. To treat this, prepare a mild salt solution and soak the dog’s paws in it. You can do that by letting the dog stand in a tub filled with a little water and salt solution. If the pet is uncooperative, try soaking a rug in the salt solution and use it to gently clean the pet’s paws.

3.      Consult a veterinarian most especially when your dog’s hay fever symptoms don’t stop.  A vet will give your dog the right antihistamine dose to lessen the effects of allergens on the pet’s skin. Once the pet has taken the medication, watch out for possible side effects like diarrhea.

4.      Do sanitary measures. Vacuum and clean the entire house especially the place where the pet stays. Wash beddings thoroughly to get rid of allergens such as dust mites.

5.      During the seasons, when pollen counts are high, you can let the pet stay inside the house. Make sure that the dog stays on a carpet or rug  free from dust mites and allergens .

It is always better to prevent an illness from occurring than to cure it.  Thus, as much as possible, try to prevent your pet from being exposed to allergens like pollens. Provide a clean and sanitized shelter for your pet especially during seasons when more allergens are in the air. Do regular cleaning and vacuuming so dust mites and allergens cannot accumulate. In cases when the mentioned hay fever remedy for dogs doesn’t work and the pet develops an infection, consult a veterinarian if allergy shots are needed.

Filed Under: dog allergies Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Dog Allergy and Lymph Nodes Swelling: Causes and Treatment

December 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Dogs are among the best living stress-relievers the world has offered to humans. Like humans, dogs are also social beings and they always love playing with or being cuddled by their masters. Many people as well love sharing their beds with these furry pets. This kind of bond, however, increases the risk for humans to get a dog allergy and lymph nodes swelling.

Dog Allergy and Lymph Nodes Swelling

Dog allergy is one of the most pervasive types of allergy in humans. If taken for granted, it can lead to severe allergic conditions that, although not lethal, can significantly affect your life. Untreated dog allergies can cause swelling of lymph nodes, which is medically known as lymphadenopathy—a common allergic reaction that arises from dog allergies.

Humans can get dog allergies from touching the dogs saliva, which is where the major allergens from dogs are found. This allergen from your dog’s saliva is known as Can f 1. Moreover, your dog carries another type of allergen in a form of a protein found in its blood stream which is called a Dog Albumin.

These allergens signal your immune system from a foreign intrusion, and this results in dog allergy and lymph nodes swelling. Some of the most common symptoms that you may experience include hypoxia or breathlessness, frequent flu-like symptoms, headaches, skin irritations, and restlessness.

How To Safeguard Yourself From Dog Allergy

Dog owners can control the spread of these allergens and reduce the possibility of developing a dog allergy and lymph nodes bloating. The core of therapy for combating dog allergy is to keep one’s self away from dogs or even other domestic animals.

Keep your pooch away from bedrooms, closets or any of your personal stuffs. If this doesn’t help much in reducing allergy risks, you can easily purchase dog houses and keep your dog in the garage or outside of the house. In this way, complications brought by a maximized threat of dog allergy and lymph nodes bump will decrease and you can pursue that bond that you and your pooch share.

However, if you still want to hug and cuddle with your furry pet without having to worry about getting dog allergies, here are some tips for reducing allergy risks at home.

Make sure that your pet is neutered. This decreases testosterone production which is the root cause of health issues in dogs. Bathe your dog as infrequently as twice a week. This keeps your pets clean and bacteria-free.

Another way of keeping your dog hale and hearty is to wipe your pet daily with a wet cloth. Also, avoid touching your dog’s mouth and saliva as it contains the allergens.

If all of these options are unsuccessful, the best thing to do is to consult your physician about dog allergy medications you can take to protect you from dog allergy and lymph node swelling. These prescriptive drugs might be ineffective if you are keeping more than two dogs. If you are, worry not, since allergy shots are also by now available.

Filed Under: dog allergies Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Having a Pet with Allergies

August 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Although we already know that humans have allergies, do our pets have allergies as well? The answer is absolutely they do. With millions of people suffering from all kinds of allergies we often do not think that our pets will have them as well. We may see some of the symptoms that we see in ourselves and yet never put it together that they may be suffering as well.

Dogs in particular are the most common animals to suffer from allergies. The only problem is that the dog can’t tell you whether or not he has allergies. You have to deduce it from watching how he acts and behaves. Many of the symptoms are very similar to ours but rather than humans who react with nasal symptoms, dogs react with skin conditions. They may have rashes, itching behind the ears, swelling of the legs and feet, as well as raw skin around the belly area because of the scratching.

If you see your dog itching then you can’t just assume it is fleas or dry skin. Another cause could be allergies and in that case you should take him to the vet right away. It is important to note when he started itching, and what makes the dog itch more often. Did get a new toy or new dog food? Or does the dog only itch outside? Answering all these questions before heading to the vet will allow your vet to get a better idea on what type of allergy your dog has.

There are many medications that the vet can put your pet on that will lessen their allergic reactions. Most pets do need some sort of medication either oral or topical because unlike humans, animals do not have the ability to control their itching. With humans it is more of a mind over matter thing, whereas with pets they will continue to scratch until their skin is raw and bleeding.

Your vet may prescribe an antibiotic to help just with the wound itself, or an antifungal cream for rashes. Also, your vet will describe what you need to do to remove the allergen from your home. You may have to change foods, take out certain plants or weeds, or even just wash their bedding or replace it with new bedding. Having a pet with an allergy can be difficult because of the work you will have to put into it to get rid of the allergen but in time you will find your pet healing and scratching much less often.

Filed Under: dog allergies Tagged With:
« Older Posts