How to Identify Dog Allergy Symptoms

You may not ever have heard of dog allergies, or you may have noticed something strange with your dog lately. If you’re a new dog owner, or have never encountered a dog with allergies before, you may not be aware of the common dog allergy symptoms.

However, with as many as twenty percent of dogs thought to have some form of allergy, it’s a good idea to learn what they look like, just in case! Here are a few of the common dog allergy symptoms to look for:

* Hair loss – unexplained hair loss on large areas of the body.

* Skin problems – an allergy may be present if your dog suffers from a dry, flaky, itchy skin. You might even notice hives or swellings, or sometimes even areas that look like ringworm. A trip to the vet should allow you to distinguish between other diseases or conditions and an allergy related skin disorder.

* Ear inflammations – excessive redness, shaking of the head, or constant scratching at the ears may also be a symptom of an allergy.

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* Chronic hot spots – raw, inflamed areas of skin, usually caused by your dog licking excessively.

* Excessive scratching, biting or chewing on itself. Some dogs become almost obsessed, to the extent that they injure themselves!

* Poor coat – dull, dry or excessive shedding hair may all be a result of an allergy, rather than seasonal change or other factors. If your dog is looking shabby, with no good reason, there’s a good chance you’ve got an allergic pooch on your hands.

* An upset stomach – usually a symptom of a food allergy. Loose stools and vomiting are typical examples of allergic reactions to foods.

If any or all of these are present in your dog, and you have noticed them over some time, chances are you’re looking at dog allergy symptoms. It’s also worth noting that sometimes, dogs that were not allergic to something before, suddenly (or gradually) develop an allergy to it.

Unlike diseases, allergies cannot be cured, but they can be treated, simply by removing the irritant that is causing the dog allergy symptoms. While that may sound simple, it’s not always. Your dog cannot speak to you to tell you what’s causing irritation. He probably doesn’t even know himself. In fact, many dogs with food allergies will gratefully wolf down the very things that are causing their allergy.

For this reason, it’s important to keep a close eye out for dog allergy symptoms, and if you do notice them, to begin the long, and sometimes arduous, process of elimination that will help you identify the allergen. Then it’s simply a case of removing it from the dog’s environment.

Again, an allergy is not curable, but it can usually be treated by removing the allergen. Sometimes, your veterinarian may suggest treatments of another kind, for example cortisone. Whatever the treatment is though, you can rest assured that your dog will feel much better without the often pesky dog allergy symptoms he’s been living with!

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Dog Allergies — Effective Home Remedies For Dog Allergies You Can Rely On

Dog allergies can cause many pets to experience seasonal or periodic discomfort.  Even the toughest dogs can be sensitive to various food or environmental elements that result in bouts of distress.  And many dog owners rely on home remedies for dog allergies to relieve allergy-related distress.

Similar to humans, dogs can experience allergies brought about by what they eat as well as their surroundings or seasonal changes.

Allergic reactions can show up in a number of ways.  The most common allergic responses are itching and scratching; another is excessive sneezing.  Some dogs scratch and itch themselves so vigorously that it causes them to rub away patches of their fur.

A very effective home remedy for skin-related dog allergies is to give your dog a colloidal oatmeal bath.  Colloidal oatmeal is made of oats ground into an extremely fine powder.  When added to bathwater, the oatmeal in this form doesn’t sink to the bottom of the bath.

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A dog suffering from excessive scratching and itching can benefit greatly from such a bath because it will do much to ease these symptoms.  The colloidal bath works best when combined with cool water.

Perhaps your dog has been scratching or licking his paws excessively.  Such activity could also be the result of allergies.  A good home remedy for skin irritation on your dog’s paws is to soak them in a cool solution of water and Epsom salts.

But after bathing your dog’s paws in this solution, make sure you dry them thoroughly and see that he does not drink the water.  It will make him sick.

Depending, exactly, on what is causing your dog’s allergic reaction, it is quite possible you will have to regulate your dog’s diet or give him a different type of bedding.  A bedding change would be the way to go if your pet is allergic to wool or cotton.  You could provide him with bedding made of a synthetic, non-allergenic fabric.

Through simple observation, it is usually possible for you to identify the areas of your pet’s environment that are causing a specific allergic reaction.  And by making a few basic changes, you can rid him of allergy symptoms.

Consider natural remedies as your first line of defense when treating dog allergies.  They’re effective, practical and easy to apply right away.

Learn what you can do at home to maintain your dog’s good health.  Learn what your pets need, what they do not need and how you can keep them healthy and happy

Get a wealth of veterinarian-backed home remedies for dog allergies and learn how you can care for and heal your pet safely, naturally and effectively.  Go to http://PetCareNaturally.info

Ok, so you have had your pet tested, changed their diet but he/she is still itchy…now what? Allergy treatment consists of small, controlled, amounts of the offending (reacting) allergen injected just under the skin (subcutaneously). As a pet owner myself, I was apprehensive to give shots for fear that it would hurt my dog. Once I began paying attention however, I notice that my high-strung guy (a Weimaraner) actually reacted more to me pinching the skin than the needle actually going in. With Spectrum Labs we include 20 allergens in a single treatment set, which is 5-8 allergens more than many other labs. These additional allergens allow us to treat for more allergens without increasing the number of allergy sets a patient needs, keeping pet parent’s cost down. It is also important to know that many treatment sets between 60-100 days, but with Spectrum their treatment sets last 283 days, or approximately 9 months. Treating more, longer, allow us to create a long-term solution rooted in success for your pet.Feel free to review other videos here at vetallergyspot to acquaint yourself further with Spectrum Labs and the valuable services we offer. If you have any questions about your specific pet’s health please contact your Veterinarian directly. If they aren’t currently affiliated with Spectrum Labs we’d be happy to discuss your pets situation with them and the advantages working with Spectrum provides them as the Veterinarian, as well as you, as the pet parent. Ask your …

Dog Allergies Treatments – 3 Sure-Fire Ways To Get Rid Of Your Dogs Allergies

So, you think your dog has allergies? And you want him to get better? Good. You’re in the right place. In this article I’m going to give you three ways to get rid of your dogs allergies.

The first, in no order of recommendation, is prescription drugs such as steroids and antihistamines. Steroids are a very short-term solution to your dog’s problem and should be used with caution.

One of the most common steroids used for dogs is cortisone. Cortisone’s uses involve immune system irregularities, inflammation, allergies, and itching. As stated before, this is a temporary solution to the problem but if you do decide to go this route please consult a doctor first.

Next is the addition of Fish Oil, which primary ingredients are omega-3 fatty acids, to your dog’s diet. This is a very popular and useful addition for a number of reasons, one of which being a dog allergies treatment. Fish oil supplements help against inflammatory diseases such as allergies, heart disease, cancer, and kidney disease.

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It is important to note that you should make sure you’re getting omega-3 fatty acids and not omega-6 fatty acids because omega-6 fatty acids are ‘inactive’ and can’t be used in dogs. One last thing to note is to talk to your doctor first if your dog is taking other supplements because omega-3 fatty acids have blood thinning properties and shouldn’t be used with other blood thinners.

Finally is the addition of multivitamin and antioxidant supplements to your dog’s diet. I am a promoter of natural health and PREVENTING diseases rather than medicines that help get rid of the symptoms. Antioxidants, such as OPCs (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins), are natural antihistamines which have anti-inflammatory agents. What does this mean it English? It naturally prevents allergies – without medicine!

Regarding a multivitamin for your pet, some might ask why it’s necessary or what it’s used for. The simple fact is that vitamins are needed to correctly perform every function in your body (or your dog’s body); if you don’t have the necessary vitamins, your body won’t run efficiently. In this case, it could mean that your immune system is not at its full effectiveness and that could be the reason why your pet has allergy problems.

www.dermagic.com – This video will educate you on the causes of dog allergies and some effective treatments.

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Green Ways to Reduce Seasonal Allergies

An allergy is the body’s immune system reacting aggressively to substances that are normally harmless to other people. These substances might be pollen, animal hair, food, dust and insect bites.

If you find yourself sneezing for no apparent reason or your eyes start streaming and are itchy and sore, or your skin breaks out in a rash you may be allergic to something in the environment or something that you are eating. Common seasonal allergies are hayfever, asthma and eczema and these are triggered by allergens such as airborne pollen. Symptoms of hayfever include coughing, sneezing, a runny nose and nasal congestion, red eyes and headaches.

The best treatment for any kind of allergy is to avoid the allergen. This is often easier said than done especially for those suffering from a seasonal allergy. It is hard enough to stay away from dogs, horses or cats for those allergic to animal hair but even harder, during the spring and summer, for hayfever sufferers to avoid pollen!

There are medical treatments for allergic reactions including eye drops, nasal sprays, inhalers and antihistamine tablets, depending on the allergy, but these sometimes cause drowsiness and now more people are turning to alternative forms of therapy to treat their allergy.

Foods that may help allergies include foods that contain Vitamins C, A and E and Zinc, fresh Garlic, Cayenne pepper and  dark green vegetables. Vitamin C for instance will help the immune system cope better with seasonal allergies; it also helps to reduce inflammation in the body.

Herbal medicine ~ Chinese herbal tea has been found to help ease the allergic reactions of those suffering from atopic eczema and Butterbur is said to help ease hay fever symptoms.

Acupuncture ~ An ancient Chinese health treatment that involves inserting needles into specific areas of the body. Acupuncture has been found to ease allergic symptoms although there have been no extensive clinical trials.

Homeopathy ~The principles of homeopathy is ‘like cures like’.  Homeopathic remedies for allergic reactions to:

* Bee, wasp and hornet stings: Apis, Arnica, Cantharis, Hypericum, Ledum, Utica Urena

* Jellyfish stings: Apis, Hypericum, Ledum, Medusa

* Pollen: Take Allium Cepa 6 for frequent sneezing and watery eyes pr belladonna 6 for a sudden, pounding headache.

When choosing a practitioner of alternative therapies in order to seek a way of alleviating seasonal allergies, it is worth checking first that they are qualified, they have a good reputation and their premises are clean and hygienic. Herbal and homeopathic remedies should not be taken without supervision as although most are harmless some can cause poisoning and liver damage if taken in large quantities.

Ionization ~ Ionizing machines release electric charges into the air and are thought to help alleviate the symptoms of people who suffer from hayfever and asthma.

Lifestyle ~ Although seasonal allergies cannot be avoided altogether, there are ways a person might help ease the symptoms. After being out in the open, they should wash their hands and face and any exposed skin so as to rinse away the allergens (pollen.) Saline nasal sprays help rinse out the pollen and rubbing a small amount of Vaseline into the skin around the nostrils will help ease the discomfort and itchiness around the nose.

Keep doors and windows closed when the pollen count is high and wash clothes and bedding regularly to avoid breathing in the pollen that has been brought in from outside.

There is nothing more discomforting than suffering from an allergy during those seasons when most people are out appreciating and making the most of the beauties of nature. It is ironical therefore that there are ways however to help alleviate this suffering by tapping into and at least finding some relief through the alternatives nature (the root cause of the allergy) has to offer

Understanding Different Kinds of Allergies

Allergies can come from various sources. There are various types of allergies in the world. there is therefore the need to learn about them and better be informed, so as not to be deformed by allergies. There are many people that suffer from more than one type of allergy.  It is necessary to understand the various type of allergy, so as to be able to get the fastest medical attention possible when the case arises.
1. Respiratory Allergies. Most people think of allergies as respiratory allergies. These can be caused by many different allergens, including dust, mold, mildew, pollen, and more.
a.  Pollen from trees, grass, and weeds are found indoors and outdoors. Other common indoor and outdoor allergies triggers are going to be mold spores, dust mites, and cockroach pollens. The most common symptoms of a respiratory allergy are sneezing, coughing, runny nose, dry and itchy throat, and watery eyes.

2. Cosmetic Allergies
This is allergic due tothe use or misuse of beauty products.  As a matter of fact, more and more manufacturers are coming up with hypoallergenic products. Your make-up and other beauty products may contain allergens which cause allergies to attack.

3. Skin Allergies  Hay fever and plant allergies fall here.Skin allergies are going to be a very common form of allergy. The most common cause of skin allergies are plants like the poison oak, ivy and sumac. Allergic reactions are going to be caused also by the skin contacting with latex, cockroach and dust mites and also some foods. This type of allergy can be due to many different sources, including foods, drugs, pollen, stress, and insect stings. The skin allergies that are a main allergy or over seven percent of the allergy suffer.  Skin allergic symptoms show up as reactions on your skin with hives, redness, a rash, swellings, or itchiness.

4. Drug Allergies. There are a lot of drug allergies that you will need to look out for.  There are going to be about 6% of allergy sufferers out there. The most common drug allergies that people have include allergies to codeine, penicillin, and sulfa drugs. The common allergic reaction to these medications is hives, digestive problems, or a rash. Avoiding the rush for self medication of of utmost help in being able to prevent allergy due to drugs. So, always consult a physician for your prescription when need arises.

5. Food Allergies.  Food allergies are going to be most common in children today. Peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs and soy are some of the leading allergic foods. Others include shellfish, wheat, berries and some fruits and vegetables contain allergens. Food allergy symptoms include diarrhea and bloating, as minor symptoms to severe type as death.

6 Pet and Animal Allergies.  Dog and cat are pet allerg and can be poisonous. Their fur can cause hives to appear and cause itching and so for that many people are allergic to domesticated animals like cats and dogs.  Insect sting takes place when a bee, wasp, hornet, yellow jacket, fire ant, or any other insect gives you a sting and releases its poison into your body system, resulting in pain, itching and swelling at the spot where you got the insect sting. Insect sting could be fatal if severe.

7. Asthma Allergy. This can be caused by dust, mold, etc. The allergy causes imflammation of the nasal passages, resulting to difficulty in breathing and may result in death.

Always keep a record of your observations as to what types of allergies that you think you have and to confirm with your doctor for possible solution or treatment.

To your healthy living.

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Chigger Dog

                                                                 CHIGGER DOG

Chigger dogis common infestation that is found in dogs. Chiggers are present in grassy area and get stuck to the body of dog if they cross the infested area. Chiggers are present around legs, abdomen and head in dogs. They also infest cats.

Chigger is not only the creature that attaches themselves to dog. Ticks are also seen commonly in dogs. If dog goes on hiking with us then it is more prone to get attacked by ticks. Tick dog are usually found in woody region. There are many types of ticks and they transmit different disease. But dogs are usually gets attacked by deer tick and seed tick. When attacked by deer tick dog get transmitted by Lyme disease which is fatal to dogs life. It is not necessary that every tick transmit disease. Seed tick dog does not transmit disease but it depends on treatment and intensity of ticks that are attacked. If care is not taken it may prove fatal to the life of dog. 

Flea is a parasites that always clung to the body of four footed warm blooded animal. Fleas are big enough to see with naked eye. Affected by bite of flea dog shows symptoms like skin rash, irritation on skin. The other kind of insect we discover is mites dog. Because of mite bite dogs develops allergy on skin.

Because of scabies dog spreads disease to other if one gets in contact with them as scabies is communicable disease. Many times all the bites from mites look like mosquito bite and people do get confused with it. But mosquito bites dog do not cause any disease.

Many times it happens that though our dog is not infested by any of the mites that we discussed above but still there are some boils and redness on the skin. This may be caused by poison ivy dog has come in contact with. This poison ivy is very harmful plant which causes boils and rashes in skin when comes in contact to anyone.

So proper care and watch must be kept on dogs to save them from any disease and dangers.

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What Are Dog Hot Spots And Ways To Treat Them

Hairless areas on your dog that seem sensitive, and perhaps ooze a clear fluid or pus may be dog hot spots. Inflamed skin has allowed an infection to take hold, and the resulting area becomes extremely sensitive, perhaps painful or itchy. Properly called pyotraumatic dermatitis by veterinarians, these bacterial infections of the skin have several causes, including allergies, improper or insufficient grooming, and behavioral issues.

Irritation of the skin is necessary before an infection can take hold in a dog with a normal immune system. This irritation can result from allergies to parasites, food, or environment, matting or fur that creates a buildup of moisture and debris, or excessive licking or scratching caused by allergies, boredom, anxiety, or other behavioral issues.

It’s always recommended to take your dog to the veterinarian, just in case the issue is more serious than it appears. After clipping the fur around the affected area, you or the vet will wash it regularly with a gentle antiseptic or other cleanser until it heals. Sores that were created by scratching or licking may require the use of an e-collar for a short period of time while the area heals.

The issue behind the skin infection must be addressed if the problem is to be completely resolved. Treating the infection itself is important, but will not prevent the recurrence of the same issue. Successfully treating the root of the problem can help keep it from coming back.

Dogs that suffer from lesions associated with poor grooming obviously need to be groomed more often, or perhaps, more carefully. Removal of all mats from the coat on a regular basis, such as twice as week or more, is necessary to avoid development of skin infections. Clipping out the mats is an acceptable alternative to detangling them, if necessary. Sometimes, going to the groomer will be necessary if the owner cannot provide the necessary care.

Unfortunately, allergies that manifest as skin irritation can be to almost anything in the household. Cleaning up any fleas and other parasites and treating the dog with an anti-parasitic medication are usually indicated, as is changing the diet to a low-allergen one and vacuuming and otherwise removing dust and pollen. Sometimes, treatment with an antihistamine medication is necessary as well.

Behavioral issues can be complicated, both to understand and to resolve. Dogs that lick excessively are usually bored or anxious, and both of these problems can clear up with more exercise and mental stimulation, if the situation is mild. Dogs that are more strongly affected can benefit from a consult with a behaviorist, and extremely anxious dogs might require an anti-anxiety medication of some sort.

Dog hot spots serve as an indication that there is a greater problem with your pet. Treating the issue itself is, of course, very important, but the underlying cause needs to be addressed, too. Proper treatment for the real issue can make your dog more comfortable as well as less susceptible to skin infections, and a happier canine as well.
 

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Food Intolerance and Allergies in Dogs – A Solution

Just as in people, food intolerance and allergies are becoming much more prevalent in dogs. Most pet owners are at a loss when they first realize that their dog may be allergic to certain foods. After numerous bouts of dog diarrhea, vomit, and costly trips to the vet, there may just be one simple solution – home cooked food.

How do you know if your dog is allergic or intolerant to a certain food he or she may be eating? Typical signs of food allergies include: skin problems, itching, and scratching – this can result in some patchy hair loss. Other symptoms can include diarrhea and vomiting. So what do you do?

The first step is to rule out other causes. In the case of diarrhea and vomiting a stool sample can be performed to make sure that the dog does not have any parasites or worms. Sometimes vets will give your dog an antibiotic as a precaution or a deworming medication. If nothing is found in the stool sample and other potential causes such as intestinal blockages are ruled out, most likely your dog is intolerant to something in its diet.

There are prescription and hypoallergenic diets available for pets that you can get from your vet, however, these diets can be very costly. Alternatively, there are dog foods available in pet stores that cater to dogs with allergies. As an example, Natural Balance is a great food which offers various novel sources of protein and carbohydrates that your dog may not have been exposed to. Moreover, their limited ingredient diets make the product more digestible and are all grain free with the exception of the vegetarian formula.

Another option is preparing your dogs meals at home. Although this is a time consuming task, it can be a very rewarding experience for both you and your pet. After my dog began to show signs of food intolerance I started cooking some basic meals for her and her diarrhea immediately disappeared.

The challenge in creating home cooked meals is ensuring that they are nutritionally balanced. Dogs need lots of protein, some carbohydrates, some fat, as well as vitamins and minerals. Making a food at home that has everything they need can be a daunting task. I started by looking at the ingredients in quality dog food and putting the same ingredients into her home cooked meals. A great way to determine whether the food you are feeding is nutritionally balanced is by visiting the following website: http://balanceit.com/adevaluator/p02_select.php

This website offers an excellent calculator which breaks down the types of food you are feeding your dog into carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also determines possible mineral and vitamin deficiencies in the food you are feeding. Once you find out what potential vitamins are deficient and if you need to change contents – e.g., more fat, less carbohydrates you can play around with your home cooked recipes to create the ultimate dog food. Not only will your dog thank you, but your wallet will too. Despite the higher cost of home cooked meals and work put into them, you will definitely be saving on vet bills. So the next time you’re at the grocery store buying ground beef for your spaghetti think about making a doggy side dish for Rover – he’ll thank you for it.

Everything You Wanted To Know About Allergies

The term “Allergies” is used to refer to a disorder that affects a major portion of the world population.  Apart from the Americans, allergies also affect a large number of the rest of the  population in Asia and other continents – close to 45 per cent, in fact, will, at one time, or another, suffer the annoying and sometimes debilitating results of this ailment. The main symptoms of allergies are sneezing, coughing, itching of eyes and stuffed nose. They may even be one of the main causes of asthma and right through, to the sometimes deadly, anaphylactic reactions.

The main causes of allergies are varied and many. Among the more common are mold, dust mites and it in the springtime, pollen. Genetics may also play a part and nothing can be done about that. Both good and bad is passed down to you, through your parents. A low immune system is another principal cause of allergies. Boosting the immune system with health drinks such as Green Tree might help, but balancing the immune system is far more preferable, as boosting the immune system can cause complications in other areas.

What causes allergies? Basically, the body is merely reacting to a perceived threat and fights the allergens in the same way as a bacteriological invasion.

Allergies, caused by some of the food products, are not as common as most people think, but can be severe causing several hundreds of deaths annually. Whilst millions of people are allergic to animals, especially cats and dogs, we should seek relief, rather than do without the company of our precious and loyal, four-footed friends.

There may be many varied cures for allergy. Asthma attacks, for instance, may be alleviated by the use of Chinese herbal formula named, Minor Blue Dragon, or XQLT, or Xiao-Qing – long tang. These remedies have been successfully used for centuries in China. It is a most effective bronchodilator and often more effective than prescribed drugs.

Acupuncture has also been found to be an effective alternative, for allergies in general. Vitamins and supplements may also help, to a great extent and improve the immune system, together with a healthy lifestyle. Vitamins A, C, E, selenium and carotenoids, antioxidants, MSM, magnesium and zinc may also help. Many of us, are more obsessive about cleanliness and buy any product which promises to be “99 per cent effective against all bad germs”, or some such nonsense. Children, particularly the very young, might benefit from a “little dirt” in their surroundings, to strengthen their immune systems, from an earlier age.

Eating foods “in season” can also be very beneficial. People used to eat seasonal fruits and vegetables, but with refrigeration and shipping, from around the world, but may not receive temporary relief from this problem.

This has necessarily been a very short article on allergies. You can also seek further information from people practicing alternative health and medicine, such as acupuncturists, herbalists, holistic practitioners and aroma therapists. You’ll find that there is much free and interesting information in on the web and even in your local library.

Home remedies for dog allergies first requires getting a diagnosis of the type of allergies, as contact allergies can be treated by eliminating the source, food allergies can be cured by switching the food, and environmental allergies require a change of environment. Take care of various types of dog allergies at home withhelpful information from an experienced veterinarian in this free video on pet health. Expert: James Talbott Bio: Dr. James R. Talbott is a staff veterinarian at Belle Forest Animal Hospital and Kennel in Nashville, Tenn. Filmmaker: Dimitri LaBarge

How to Care for Your Pets Seasonal Allergies

Keeping your pet comfortable during allergy season is very similar to how we as humans stay comfortable. Dogs are more prone to seasonal allergies than any other type of pet. Not to say that cats, horses and even rabbits are not affected by them.

While there are five types of allergies that an animal can suffer from seasonal allergies fall under the category of an inhalant allergy.

Which includes but is not limited to; all sorts of pollen, ragweed, hay and even the grass they love to roll around in.

These allergens are airborne and cannot be avoided. You could keep your pet in the house with all the windows and door closed, invest several hundred dollars in HEPA air cleansing systems and buy little masks for your pet. Then there allergies may be a little better however there quality of life would be nil!

SYMPTOMS OF SEASONAL PET ALLERGIES

The first and most important step in treating your pet’s allergies is to recognize them as allergies. Many animals will sneeze or have watery eyes caused from a temporary irritation or even a cold. Itching is the main symptom to look for if you suspect your pet has allergies. Your pet will scratch almost constantly or rub its body on the floor to relieve the itching. Dogs will also rub there ears with their paws or use the floor to scratch them. Allergies and ear infections go hand and hand in dogs. If you are unsure, you should always bring your pet to the veterinarian for diagnosis.

TREATMENTS FOR YOUR PETS SEASONAL ALLERGIES

According to veterinarian Dr. Debby Turner, over the counter antihistamines such as, Claritin and Benadryl are very effective in relieving your pet’s symptoms. Do NOT give them the recommended human dosage; always call your vet for the correct dosage.
To help with the itching an oatmeal bath is soothing as is a bath using Epsom salts or a hypoallergenic shampoo.

If these methods do not help your pet then another options is allergy shots. Once your veterinarian has tested your pet and determined which allergen is causing the problem. A small amount of the allergen will be injected into the pet to help build up an immunity to that allergen. It works the same way as it does with humans. A weekly allergy shot is to 0. It is well worth the cost to keep your pet comfortable and compared to the vet bills for ear infections (in dogs) and other issues that can arise from allergies it’s a small price to pay for the season.

Another option is Cortisone shots, which should only be considered as a last resort. Steroids are not healthy for humans or animals. In animals, it causes a sedative state and it slows down every organ of their little bodies. Side effects can vary from vomiting to seizures and in some cases death. Cortisone should be used as a last resort and only for a very brief time.

Most pets will respond to the over the counter meds and maintain a happy healthy allergy season with a few sneezes and occasional runny nose and watery eyes.

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