Posts Tagged ‘dog’
Monday, June 22nd, 2009
Cutting your dog’s nails is probably the one part of your dog’s grooming routine that you often overlook. It’s such a struggle to get your dog to stay put while you cut his nails that most of the time, you just don’t bother with it anymore. However, clipping your dog’s nails is more important than you think. Not only does it prevent your dog from hurting you and your family when he only means to scratch playfully, but it can also save your dog from a lot of potential pain. Long nails can lead to a nail bed infection and ingrown nails. Trust me, you’ll find that the hassle you are putting up with now is well worth it. And besides, clipping your dog’s nails isn’t all that difficult. You only need to know how.
- As with most things, you should clip your dog’s nails regularly from when he is a pup. If you do it as early in his lifetime as possible, you will grow up with a dog who is used to it and will consider it as part of his regular grooming schedule.
- Dogs usually hate getting their nails clipped because they are uncomfortable with having their paws touched. Before you cut your dog’s nails, why don’t you try and teach him to relax as you hold his paws? Once he gets used to this, try gently squeezing his paws and nails one at a time. Reward him after so he won’t mind the next time you do it. Also use a lot of positive reinforcement. Tell him, “Good dog” as you keep on stroking his paws.
- To avoid hurting your dog while you clip his nails, you should also learn what each nail is made of. Each nail consists of a hard outer cover, which is what you clip off, and the quick, which is the soft inner part comprised of blood vessels and nerve endings. If you are not careful and cut into the quick, you will be subjecting your dog to a lot of pain and bleeding. As a general rule, it is better to clip off a little bit of the tips at a time.
- Some dogs have light-colored nails, which makes it easier to detect where the outer cover ends and where the quick starts. The pinkish part should indicate where the quick is. However, most dogs will have black nails, which make this more difficult. One way to detect the quick is to look out for a dark area in the middle of a newly clipped part. But again, it is important to cut off a little bit at the tip at a time to ensure that there are no accidents.
- But what to do if there has indeed been an accident and you’ve clipped off too much thereby hurting the quick? Well, firstly do not panic at the sight of blood. Most of the time it’s really not as big a deal as most people make it out to be. Just calm down your dog, soothe his nerves with kind words and a treat or two, and hold a tissue against his paw until it stops bleeding. The bleeding should last for about 5-7 minutes. If it persists for longer than this, then take your dog to see a vet.
- One last word about clipping your dog’s nails- If you’ve tried the abovementioned steps and are still uncomfortable and unsuccessful at clipping your dog’s nails, then don’t force the issue. Take your dog to a professional groomer instead. There’s no shame in it! With some pet owners, this is just a better – and also, safer – option!
Tags: clip dog's nails, clipping dog's nails, components of a dog's nail, cut dog's nails, cutting dog's nails, dog, dog care, dog grooming, dog health, dogs, how to clip your dog's nails, outer cover, parts of a dog's nail, quick, techniques for how to clip your dog's nails, what does a dog's nail consist of, what is a dog's nail made of
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Monday, June 22nd, 2009
Almost all dogs go through a shedding cycle, which is perfectly normal especially during warmer months. They shed off their winter coat and grow a thinner coat for higher temperatures. Your dog’s shedding cycle could be very inconvenient. You soon find yourself rolling around their shedded fur on your bed and on your couch. You wake up with their fur sticking to the sides of your mouth or end up going to work with hair (that’s not yours) all over your work clothes. How do you deal with it?
- Firstly, there is no way to prevent or stop it completely. Shedding is going to be a regular occurrence in your pet’s life so for the most part, you just have to deal with it. Make your lint brush your best friend
- Secondly, although all dogs shed you have to be observant and find out if your dog is shedding as much as he usually does or if he is shedding more than usual. If it is the latter, it might be a good idea to take him to the vet. Excess shedding can be symptoms of skin parasites, allergies, or malnutrition.
- To minimize the chances of your dog leaving excess hair around the house, groom him regularly. Do it at least once a week and make it a routine for both your dog and you.
- Find the right brush for your dog. Different brushes work for different dogs. For example, a fine comb will work well with short hair, while brushes with long bristles and wide-toothed combs are best for thicker coats.
Shedding is unavoidable, but these tips ought to lessen the inconvenience and help you better deal with your dog’s shedding cycle.
Tags: correct grooming brush for your dog, dealing with your dog's shedding, dog, dog care, dog grooming, dog health, dog shedding, dog's shedding cycle, dogs, excess shedding, excessive shedding, how to deal with your dog shedding, regular grooming, right comb for your dog, right grooming brush for your dog, shedding fur
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Saturday, June 20th, 2009
Dogs can be very sneaky especially when it comes to food. You may be at the table having a nice, quiet dinner when suddenly he jumps up from the floor, pounces on your plate, runs off and eats the chicken bones he has stolen. Although usually chewing on bones is good for them, chicken bones are an exception. They are potentially dangerous because they are very brittle, may splinter off and damage your dog’s intestines and internal organs. If your dog has eaten some chicken bones, here are some tips that will hopefully help you deal with the situation:
1. As with all emergency cases, do not panic. The first thing to do is to find out whether the chicken bones were raw or cooked. Raw chicken bones are not as brittle as cooked ones and in most cases, raw chicken bones should give you no cause to worry.
2. If, however, your dog has eaten cooked chicken bones, what you should do first is observe his behavior. Does he seem to be in pain? Is he choking? If yes, immediately call a veterinarian.
3. If your dog seems fine, it still won’t hurt to observe extra caution. Many vets will advise you to feed him canned pumpkin. This stuffs them up and induces vomiting, which will hopefully get rid of the bone. Also look at his stool and see if the bone is there or if there is any sign of blood. Blood will probably mean that he has hurt his stomach. Take him to a vet immediately if this is the case.
Tags: bloody stool, canned pumpkin for chicken bones, cooked chicken bones, danger of chicken bones, dog, dog and chicken bones, dog care, dog health, dogs, induce vomiting, raw chicken bones, what to do if you dog eats chicken bones
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Saturday, June 20th, 2009
We have two dogs in our house- a German Shepherd and a Dachshund. Whenever there is a thunderstorm, our German Shepherd is perfectly calm and going about her usual business, while our Dachshund becomes absolutely terrified, hiding and cowering under our bed. Our Dachshund also reacts similarly to other loud noises such as fireworks and the sound of a vacuum cleaner running. One explanation offered for why some dogs are afraid of these sounds is because they have extremely sensitive ears that are easily affected by extremes- both by high-pitched and low-pitched sounds. Here are a few tips to help your pet deal with this anxiety:
1. One way is to distract your dog from the fearful sound by playing music or turning up the volume on the TV. He can then turn his attention towards a sound that may be louder but less threatening to him.
2. Another way is by providing your dog with a safe hiding place that can muffle the sound. Perhaps you can keep him company in the powder room or in another equally enclosed space.
3. One effective way is by turning a usually terrifying experience into an enjoyable one. Whenever there is thunder, give your dog his favorite treat or play toy. This way, he will start associating the sound of thunder to something fun!
4. If none of these tips help, you can try a process called desensitization. The key is to expose your dog’s ears to lower quantities of the sound that he is afraid of. You can use a recording of thunder and play it in the house, initially starting with a lower volume and gradually progressing to a higher volume once your dog has gotten used to it. This should allow him to get accustomed to the sound. Anything that is more familiar becomes less scary
We hope these tips will help you and your dog the next time a thunderstorm comes your way!
Tags: assuaging your dog's fears, calming your dog's fears, dealign with your dog's fears, desensitization, dog, dog anxiety, dog care, dog fears, dog's fear of fireworks, dog's fear of thunder, dogs, sensitive ears
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Saturday, June 20th, 2009
One of the biggest concerns that pet owners have is how to introduce their dog to a newborn baby. Before the newborn infant came, your dog was probably considered the “baby” of the house and might not be too happy to have someone take his or her place. With all the horror stories you see in the news about dogs hurting infants, it’s understandable why many pet owners and new fathers or mothers are nervous about introducing the baby to their dog. But what you have to remember is that the statistics are few and far in between. Still, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Here are a few tips to ensure that your baby remains safe without making your pet dog feel left out in the process:
1. One of the most obvious precautions to take is to never leave your dog with your baby unattended especially if the baby is asleep. Even if your dog does not mean any harm, he will naturally be curious and poke or nuzzle the extremely delicate newborn. Set the baby’s nursery as a prohibited place for your dog.
2. While you establish boundaries (i.e. not letting your dog in the nursery), you should also make sure that you give your pet ample opportunity to familiarize himself with the baby. The more familiar he is with the baby, the less threatening it will seem to him and vice versa. You can have your pet go near the baby but with your supervision of course. You can also let your pet smell the baby’s belongings so that eventually he will also associate that smell with the house and with family.
3. Just as an added precaution, you should also take extra care to groom your pet. Make sure that their coat is brushed regularly so they’re shedding less frequently and thus not posing too big of a risk for allergies. Also make sure that their nails are clipped.
4. A helpful tip that many pet owners recommend is to have the mother come into the house first by herself and then spend a bit of time with the dog. Afterwards, she can then bring the baby in the house. This way the dog will know that he still has a personal relationship with his “mom”.
5. Finally, it might be a good idea to give your pet some new toys and treats on the same day that you are bringing the baby home. Not only will these keep him busy, it will also let him know that he is still loved. And that is really the bottom line- letting your pet feel that your love for your new baby does not, in any way, diminish your love for him. Once your dog realizes that the newborn baby is not a replacement for him, but rather a happy addition to the family, then you will find that he will actually begin to care for your new baby in the same way that he cares and looks out for you!
Tags: dealing with dog and newborn baby, dog, dog and baby, dog and infant, dog and newborn, dogs, how to deal with a new baby, introducing dog to new baby, keeping baby safe with dog, making your dog and baby get along, supervising dog with baby
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Tuesday, June 16th, 2009
Nothing is more terrifying than seeing your dog on the floor having a seizure for the first time. They can twitch, shake, paddle their legs, drool, lose bowel control and vocalize.
This traumatizing ordeal can be as short as 30 seconds and can last as long as several minutes. In more severe cases dogs can have horrible seizures that do not stop without medical intervention, and that can lead to death if not treated immediately.
Seizure activity in dogs can be the result of many different causes, including but not limited to epilepsy, cancer, infection, toxins, trauma, and metabolic disturbances. Of these, the most common cause of seizures in dogs is epilepsy.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy in pets can be due to several reasons. The main cause of the condition is the garbling of the messages coming from the brain down to the body. Usually messages from the brain come in an orderly pattern that the body muscles recognize and then co-ordinate accordingly to perform functions. But sometimes, changes to the brain or the neural pathways cause electrical message impulses to malfunction in several ways resulting in a loss of physical, sensory and motor functions.
What are the different types of epilepsy?
1. Primary epilepsy is also called idiopathic or genetic epilepsy. There is no exact method by which doctors can diagnose idiopathic epilepsy. Primary epilepsy typically occurs at an early age between 6 months to about 4 years. There are several breeds that are predisposed to epilepsy due to a genetic component. The most common breeds that may be at risk of seizures are Beagles, Dachshunds, German Shepherds, Keeshonds, Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Irish Setters, Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, Siberian Huskies, and Wire-Haired Terriers.
2. Secondary epilepsy occurs due to underlying medical conditions that can be diagnosed. Pets that get epileptic seizures after the age of four are more likely to have secondary epilepsy. This type of epilepsy be caused by the following:
• Trauma to the brain and the head
• Degenerative diseases of the body and brain
• Developmental defects like Hydrocephalus
• Metabolic conditions like low blood sugar and liver failure
• Kidney disorders
• Tumors
• Certain medications
• Low calcium levels in lactating females
• Severe body infections like Canine distemper
• Toxins like lead, arsenic, insecticide and metaldehyde poisoning
• Low blood oxygen levels that affect functioning of the brain
• Nutritional defects like thiamine deficiencies and parasites
Types of seizures:
If you know that your pet is susceptible to fits or seizures, it is helpful if you note the symptoms properly before you take your pet to the veterinarian. A veterinarian may be able to diagnose the cause of your pet’s seizure and prescribe the ideal medication for it only after you give a detailed medical history of your pet. The main types of seizures are described below.
Generalized Seizure: These seizures are also called Tonic-clonic, Grand Mal or Mild seizures and they can be really scary for the pet owner who experiences them for the first time. This type of seizure has 2 phases. Initially the pet in the tonic phase may faint and all his limbs will extend rapidly into different directions. There is a strong possibility that respiration may stop for a few seconds. After all the limbs have extended, they then start flexing for about 10-30 seconds.
Symptoms that indicate a clonic phase include:
1. Paddling of the limbs
2. Dilation of pupils
3. Excessive salivation
4. Uncontrolled defecation and urination
5. A mild attack will show nothing except for a loss of temporary consciousness but a prolonged attack may be a sign of primary seizures
6. Seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes have the potential to cause lasting brain damage and can result in death if left untreated.
Petit Mal Seizures or Focal Seizures: This is also called Absence Seizures. The main problem with this type of seizure is that it sometimes goes totally unnoticed simply because the symptoms are so mild. A typical Petit Mal Seizure lasts for only a few seconds and pet owners may think nothing of it. Symptoms of a typical petit mal seizure are:
1. Temporary unconsciousness
2. Blank stare by your dog that can last anywhere from a minute to a few seconds. Many pet owners regard this condition as nothing but a temporary distraction.
3. Lax muscles for a few minutes
4. Decreased eye movement or even a temporary rolling upward of your dog’s eyes
Partial Seizures: Partial seizures occur when only a part of your pet’s body gets affected. The symptoms of a partial seizure sometimes mimic tonic-clonic seizure and it might be difficult for pet owners to differentiate both. A few of the more common symptoms include:
1. Frequent head turns toward a particular direction
2. Limb bends which may look involuntary and painful to the dog
3. Most partial seizures may progress into complete tonic-clonic seizures if left unattended
Complex Partial Seizures: Complex Partial Seizures are also called Psychomotor or Behavioral Seizures and are extremely difficult to diagnose. Even in humans this type of seizure is characterized by peculiar and highly complex behavior. The same odd (abnormal) behavior is also seen in pets with visual, auditory, olfactory and gustatory hallucinations. Abnormal aggression and unexplained snapping are also signs. Other symptoms observed are:
1. Salivation
2. Diarrhea
3. Vomiting
4. Blindness
5. Excessive thirst
6. Sometimes unwary pet owners are frightened of their pet’s odd behavior and leave them unattended until the behavior subsides. Ignoring it, however, can result in the seizure progressing into generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
Cluster Seizures: Cluster Seizures are several seizures of a shorter duration that can affect your pet multiple times in a short period of time with periods of unconsciousness in between.
Status Epilepticus: Status Epilepticus occurs as a single continuous seizure, which lasts 30 minutes or more. Status Epilepticus can also occur as a sequence of multiple seizures within a small time interval with periods of unconsciousness. Any pet in status epilepticus requires prompt veterinary care and medical intervention to avoid permanent damage.
I hope this short article has educated you about epilepsy and how to detect its signs. If, at any time, you feel that your pet could be suffering from epilepsy, get in touch with a veterinarian immediately.
Tags: absence seizure, behavioral seizure, causes of epilepsy, causes of seizures, cluster seizure, complex partial seizure, diagnose, dog, dog care, dog epilepsy, dog health, dog seizure, dog seizures, dogs, focal seizure, generalized seizure, genetic epilepsy, grand mal seizure, idiopathic epilepsy, kinds of epilepsy, kinds of seizure, mild seizure, partial seizure, pet, pet care, pet health, petit mal seizure, pets, primary epilepsy, psychomotor seizure, secondary epilepsy, status epilepticus, tonic-clonic seizure, treatment, types of epilepsy, types of seizure
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Sunday, June 14th, 2009
Who said that dogs don’t get cavities? They do and it can be just as serious and painful as it is for us humans. Compared to humans, however, dogs get cavities pretty rarely because their diet is not as rich in high-sugar and processed food as ours. But that does not mean you can get away with not brushing your pet’s teeth! Apart from cavities, the main dental problems you have to watch out for are gum disease and foul odor. Gum disease can cause severe pain and loss of teeth. Bad oral hygiene can also cause severe heart and kidney disease in your pet later on in their lifetime. Take care of your pet’s teeth early on by developing a routine of brushing and good oral hygiene. It might be inconvenient for you at times, but you will save your pet a world of pain later on.
The right way to brush your pet’s teeth is to start small and slow. Dogs don’t really like anyone putting their hands inside their mouth, even if it is their master. Just start a little bit each day and gradually work up to full mouth brushing.
Step #1- Try dipping your hands in something tasty like beef bouillon so that your dog gets accustomed to your hands inside his mouth.
Step #2- Let your pet lick your fingers as a treat for good behavior. Repeat this several times and your dog should get accustomed to the taste as well as the experience of having your fingers in his mouth. This will also teach him not to bite your fingers.
Steps #3- Gradually rub the bouillon on his gums and teeth while he’s licking your fingers. Once he’s accustomed to your fingers in his mouth, cover your fingers with a piece of gauze. Dip the gauze in bouillon and then use it to rub on his gums and teeth. Once he gets used to the gauze you can start using toothbrushes and a dental sponge. There are several different varieties of toothbrushes for pets that are available in the market. Just be sure that the bristles are soft enough so as not to hurt your pet’s gums.
Step # 4- Once your dog is used to the cleaning gauze, you should start using a teeth cleaning solution and a toothpaste. Dental toothpastes for pets are different in formulations with flavors like poultry and malt. Get your dog used to the flavor by rubbing the toothpaste on his gums. If he takes to it well, then try letting him lick it off your fingers and the toothbrush that you have bought for him. If he reacts positively to it, praise him for his good behavior and repeat this same process for several days.
Step #5- By following the abovementioned steps, your dog should eventually get accustomed to the toothbrush and toothpaste. Approach the tooth brushing session just like a play session. Teach your pet that brushing can be enjoyable and that it doesn’t have to be a chore. Start by rubbing the toothpaste on to his gums. Chat with your pet as you carry out the process and constantly praise him for being cooperative. Once he seems comfortable with the process, start brushing his canine teeth in both upper and lower jaws. Clean two teeth at a time.
Step #6- Once your pet is accustomed to having his teeth brushed two teeth at a time, you can proceed to cleaning all his teeth in a single session. Make each tooth cleaning session a playful and fun experience that gives you the opportunity to bond with your pet. If you approach it with this mindset, it won’t seem like so much of a struggle!
Tags: bouillon, dental care, dental problems, dog, dog bad breath, dog cavities, dogs, foul odor, gum disease, oral hygiene, teeth brushing, teeth care, tip for teeth brushing, tooth brush, tooth care, toothpaste
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Thursday, June 11th, 2009
The term arthritis simply translates into inflammation of the joints. For pets who are accustomed to being enthusiastic and energetic, the disease can be hard to bear. Although there is no complete cure for the disease, there are several alternatives that you can try to make your pet’s life easier and more comfortable.
Bedding and food bowls- Adding something soft and warm for your pet to lie on can do wonders for their joints on cold days. You can choose an old mattress, a soft foam mattress or even an old baby mattress that is at least four inches in height. The soft foam or cotton will coddle your pet’s joints as they sleep. Remember to keep the mattress at least four inches to one foot thick, as this is the ideal height to allow your pet to get up and down with the least amount of wear and tear on their joints. Similarly, raise your dog’s food bowl to a comfortable height to decrease any unnecessary bending motions towards the floor.
Exercise- Pets who already have arthritis tend to slow down their daily routines as each movement is painful. Take note, however, that complete rest is not something which will help your pet. Limited gentle exercise, such as walking one or two blocks, is ideal and can also help keep your pet’s weight under control. Nothing too strenuous or energetic, just two or three walks throughout the week and rest on the weekends should be beneficial for your dog. Swimming can also be an enjoyable activity which has the added benefit of having low impact on the joints.
Diet and weight control- Overweight dogs have a greater tendency to develop arthritis as they age. This is due to the fact that the extra weight puts more pressure and demand on joints which can, in turn, lead to premature cartilage damage. As dogs find it more and more difficult to be mobile because of arthritis, they tend to exercise less, leading to an even greater weight gain. This vicious cycle can only be broken if you strictly supervise your pet’s diet and exercise routine. Naturally, maintaining your dog at an appropriate weight from an early age will cause you the least amount of problems, but if your dog is older and overweight, there is no need to despair. Older dogs that need to lose extra weight should be put on reduced calorie diets, treats should be minimized and moderate exercise ought to be a must. Don’t expect to see results overnight, but with time, appropriate diet, and sufficient activity, you should see a noticeable difference in your dog’s weight!
Supplements/nutraceuticals for joint health- There are thousands of products on market shelves that claim to improve joint health. An educated consumer should be advised that not all of them will succeed at doing what they promise. Most supplements contain helpful ingredients like Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and fish oils, which do work especially if taken with the right vitamins and minerals. Get in touch with your holistic veterinary practitioner before you start giving your dog any of these supplements, as not all dogs are the same and what works for one may not work for another. Do not give your pet medicines intended for human use unless you have been specifically instructed by a veterinarian. Although there is no permanent treatment for arthritis, pet owners can take comfort in the fact that researchers are constantly finding newer and better drugs to help affected pets.
Pain relieving medications like Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can be essential for dogs that are suffering from severe discomfort due to arthritis. Please be advised, however, that all medications can have a side effect. Before giving your pets any medication, remember to consult with a trained veterinarian about the potential side effects. In addition to prescription medications, ask your veterinarian about complementary therapies that can improve your dog’s condition, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage, and the use of supplements.
Arthritis is a painful condition but if you arm yourself with knowledge and the right tools, you will be able to alleviate your pet’s discomfort and suffering and enjoy their company for several years more. Arthritis may not be curable but neither is it a hopeless case. Your pet can have arthritis but still have an active, comfortable life. It’s up to you to take an active role in fighting the disease and ensuring your pet’s health and well-being.
Tags: acupuncture, chiropractic care, chondroitin, complementary therapy, diet, dog, dog arthritis, dog care, dog exercise, dog health, dogs, fatty acids, fish oil, glucosamine, joint health, NSAIDs, nutraceuticals, omega 3, pain killers, pet arthritis, pet care, pets, prescription medication, reduced calorie diet, supplements, weight control, weight management
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Thursday, June 4th, 2009
It’s not easy to diagnose allergic reactions in dogs. Not knowing what to do can cause an owner a lot of stress and distress. But with the proper care and medication you can make sure that your pet does not suffer so much. Here are a few alternatives that vets commonly prescribe to treat allergic reactions in pets.
Symptomatic Therapy- Relieving your pet’s discomfort will be your primary concern until medications can start working. One popular treatment used to soothe skin irritation in pets is cool skin baths with non-scented soaps and shampoos, colloidal oatmeal and Epsom salts, and medicated shampoos. You can repeat this as many times as you want but do not use any non-prescription medication. Synthetic creams and OTC sprays may aggravate the condition due to their chemical content. Dermacool and Cortispray are two simple sprays you can use in case your pet is getting really restless.
Diet control- Dogs can be allergic to a single ingredient in dog food. Try to avoid commercial dog food for an entire day and use only homemade ingredients that are available at home. Use a combination of simple proteins and carbs and avoid anything commercially prepared like biscuits, chew toys and any type of pills.
Immunotherapy-Vets may advise giving your pet allergic shots to improve his condition. But do not expect miracles as these injections take time to take effect. The injections take about ten months to produce results and are quite expensive. It may take six to twelve months before signs of improvement are seen. Intra-dermal allergic skin testing is also possible, but the process is also costly. Your dog is sedated and will be tested for over 60 common allergens. The allergens show up as raised patches on the skin and a trained vet is required to read and interpret the skin reactions.
Corticosteroids- Steroids are used to suppress the body’s immune reaction that causes the skin effects of allergy. It is important to note, however, that steroids are powerful drugs and they can have serious long term side effects on the animal. Most vets do not prescribe steroids unless it’s absolutely essential, as there are side effects like increased thirst and appetite, increased urination and even behavioral changes. Continued use of the drugs can cause diabetes, seizures and very frequent infections.
Antihistamines- Antihistamines are one of the most common medications used to control allergic reactions and they work very well in dogs. The only side effect is drowsiness. Common antihistamines used in dogs for allergic skin reaction are Atarax and Seldane.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids- Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega- 6 fatty acids are all great for suppressing the immune reaction in pets. They are not dangerous and definitely help the dog to have a healthier skin and a glossy coat.
Clean your house- If one of the allergens is something similar to plastic or dust then rid your interiors of the material at once. Even if you have already started using allergy shots to control the reactions, it’s a good idea to clean your home of the irritant immediately. This makes the living situation more comfortable for the dog and prevents future breakouts.
No matter what medication you use, do get your pet thoroughly checked by a vet to make absolute sure that they are well cared for!
Tags: allergic reactions, allergies, allergy, allergy symptoms, antihistamine, corticosteroids, diagnose, diet, dog, dog allergens, dog allergies, dog care, dog health, dog itching, dog scratching, dogs, fatty acids, food, immunotherapy, omega 3, omega 6, skin allergies, symptomatic therapy, treatment of allergies
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Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009
Dogs are an adventurous and inquisitive species. They just love to sniff and roll and poke through nearly every little bit of dirt and garbage they find. It’s just the way they are! But just as humans can be allergic to synthetic and natural compounds, dogs can get allergic skin reactions too. The main difference between humans and dogs is the fact that humans can develop a runny nose and itchy eyes- obvious indications of an allergic reaction, while dogs’ symptoms may not be as noticeable and thus, not as quickly treated. The symptoms of allergies in dogs can include poor coat thicknesses, hot spots, itching/scratching, infected ears and self-mutilation. Allergies are difficult to diagnose as the symptoms can resemble other serious medical conditions like thyroid and adrenal gland illness.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Causes of Allergic Skin Reactions
There are many substances that can cause allergic reactions. Some examples include natural and synthetic food ingredients, artificial and natural fibers, creams and soaps used on the animal, medications, plants, flea saliva and even common household dust. Just as every human is unique, every dog is unique too. It’s not possible to predict exactly what type of material can cause allergic reactions and how the allergic reaction will manifest in animals.
How does an animal get allergic to a compound?
Each pet is unique. Each one carries a special genetic print which makes him or her one-of-a-kind. For whatever reason, the pet’s genes decide that there are some materials it just does not like and will not tolerate. It might be a perfectly simple material like cotton or wool. Every time the pet’s body comes in contact with the irritating material, it starts an internal defense mechanism to try and kill or isolate the material or the allergen. This antigen or allergen is permanently recorded in the body defense mechanism cells as a foreign body and every time the dog is exposed to it, the dog’s immune system goes into overdrive to protect him. Flea saliva is a prime example of how the animal’s body attacks the allergen and goes all out to kill the “enemy”. A few of the side effects common with this defense reaction is skin swellings, irritation, severe itching and redness, vesicles, scaly skin, excessively oily skin, inflamed skin, hair loss, and many other problems that can make your dog extremely uncomfortable. Relentless itching and scratching are some of the most common reactions.
Basic Types of Allergies
There are several types of dog allergies but a few of the more common ones you will see are the following:
• Atopic dermatitis- Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common types of allergies seen in dogs. These symptoms are caused by inhaled allergen particles. The most common particles which cause allergic reactions are pollens, molds, dust mites and dander.
• Contact allergies- Several materials may cause contact allergies in your dog. The most common materials are rubber, latex, and plastics. The most regular symptoms are itchy skin, shedding, hives and swelling. Grass allergies are also another very common allergen which can cause irritations.
• Food allergies- Food sources can cause allergic reactions very easily. Dogs can become allergic to various proteins in their diets, not just meat proteins. Common allergic ingredients include beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat, corn, and pork. However, these are not the only possible foods an animal can become allergic to. Other ingredients like coloring, preservatives and chemicals can also cause a breakout.
• Flea bite allergies- Fleas saliva is another ingredient which can drive dogs wild with scratching. If the scratching continues too long, the dog may develop deep skin defects and serious secondary infections.
Diagnosis
A proper physical examination of the dog can do wonders to find out what’s causing the problem. It’s also a good idea to switch the dog over to a special hypoallergenic diet. These diets can help to soothe and diagnose symptoms which arise from food allergies and are good for your dog too. Allergy testing and blood testing are other alternatives that one can use to find out exactly what is causing the problems. Get in touch with an experienced veterinarian to spare your pet the discomfort and to discuss treatment options.
Tags: allergic reactions, allergy, allergy symptoms, atopic dermatitis, causes of itching, causes of scratching, common allergies, contact allergies, dog, dog allergens, dog allergies, dog care, dog health, dogs, flea bite allergies, food allergies, kinds of allergies, skin allergies, treatment of allergies, types of allergies
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