CAT FANCIER ALSO A DOG AND ALLERGY EXPERT

A 27 word Andrew Bolt post on Obama’s new dog draws a 188 word response from cat lover Jeremy, who uses the President’s daughter’s allergy problem as justification for breaking a “campaign promise”:

Those Americans who voted for the Democrat candidate on the basis of his apparently firm and well-publicised (but oddly unquotable) “campaign promise” to adopt a dog directly from a shelter (notwithstanding his daughter’s allergies and Obama’s sensible desire to avoid the difficulties which could therefore arise were they to adopt a mongrel of uncertain heritage) should be entitled to take their votes BACK. A broken “campaign promise” is a broken “campaign promise” and Andy is right to hold the new President to account.

Just ignore that Bolt never mentioned Obama’s “campaign promise” to source the family dog from a “shelter”. Humans allergic to dogs aren’t allergic to dog hair, they’re allergic to skin oils and skin cells sloughed off by the dog. There is no guarantee a low-shedding dog of any breed is not going to cause allergy problems.

I know this from experience as a an owner of many different Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Ridgebacks are, like Portuguese water dogs, low shedding dogs but can, in my experience, cause huge allergy problems.

My wife is not known to be allergic to dogs. She is, however, unable to touch our Ridgeback without risking a reasonably severe reaction: touching the dog causing her to develop urticaria, that is, hives, and asthma. She has no problem being around the dog 24/7 but is at risk when she pets him. Other people petting my various Ridgebacks have experienced similar problems. This probably has something to do with Ridgebacks having rather oily coats.

Regardless, there’s no way Obama could turn down a dog from Edward Kennedy, allergies or no. Spending time with a dog, pedigreed or mongrel, is the only way to know if the mutt causes allergy problems. Another fail for Jeremy.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Out growing pet allergy? – Expert Dr. Pia Fenimore (Archives)

Hi Dr. Fenimore. we are thinking of getting a dog. My son is allergic to dogs and cats. I’m wondering if he spends time around the dog if he would get used to it and grow out of his allergy or is that not really realistic? I don’t want him to take allergy medicine every day just so we can have a family pet. Thanks!!!

You are right … sometimes with small steady exposures the body will almost “get used to” an allergen. In fact, it is on this scientific principal which allergy shots are based. However, there are no guarantees this will work, and there is a chance it will make things a lot worse. However, this does not condemn you to a life with just pet fish. Make an appointment with an allergist and ask them do specific tests to determine how bad the allergy is. If the allergy is not severe or if it is showing signs of improving with age, then it may be okay to get a “hypoallergenic” dog. While no dog is completely dander free, the so called hypoallergenic dogs produce, and therefore shed, less dander. There are also things you can do to cut down on dander exposure, like keeping the dog out of bedrooms, brushing the dog frequently, and placing a HEPPA filter in your child’s bedroom. The benefits of a pet, and specifically a dog, are well documented in children, so don’t give up yet. An allergist can give you more info and you may be a happy dog owner soon.

Share|

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Food allergy in dogs

This month I will discuss food allergy in dogs.  This first installment will describe how frequently food allergy is diagnosed in dogs with itchy skin.  In coming weeks, I will cover the clinical signs of food allergy, diagnosing food allergy, and feeding home prepared and/or raw diets versus commercial diets.

Food allergy, also known as food hypersensitivity or adverse food reaction, can result in skin or gastrointestinal conditions, or both in the same dog.  An allergy is an exaggerated immune response to a substance that most dogs tolerate without problem.  Food allergy may develop for the first time during puppyhood, or as an adult.  Most often they are young adults when signs first begin. Dogs may have eaten a food ingredient for years before developing an allergy to it.

The global pet food industry is a big, competitive business. It is expected to exceed $ 50 billion by 2015.  It is not surprising that more than 500 new foods are introduced every year to try and capture a share of the market.  Nor is it surprising that they are able to shape consumers’ perception of a condition like food allergy with their large marketing budgets.  According to an FDA web site “this [hypoallergenic] marketing niche was detrimental in two respects. The true nature and incidence of food allergies was clearly overemphasized and misrepresented.”

Walking through the aisles at your local pet store, you would think that every other dog must have a food allergy.  Claims like “hypoallergenic” and “natural” are found on nearly every bag or can of food.   What do these terms mean?  A food can be labeled “natural” if its ingredients are from animal or plant origin, or are mined.  They can still be labeled natural if ingredients are extracted, hydrolyzed, or fermented.  They may also contain synthetic nutrients and still be labeled as natural.

The true prevalence of food allergy in dogs is unknown, but it is almost certainly lower than many pet food companies would have you believe.  Based on a variety of studies, estimates of the prevalence of food allergy range from 9% to 36% of dogs with allergic skin disease. This probably translates to about 1-3% of all dogs.  Atopic dermatitis due to environmental allergens is much more common.  The majority of itchy dogs do not respond to strict diet changes, although it can be an important diagnostic step to take.  In the coming weeks, I’ll discuss the signs of food allergy and how to make an accurate diagnosis.

About these ads

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Dog Allergy Test: The Blood Work & Skin Test

A dog allergy test refers to both the blood work and the Intradermal Skin Test (IDST) which is the diagnostic testing done before administering allergy shots for dogs. These tests and the arrangement of allergy shots are the domain of the veterinary dermatologist who is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies in animals. In the United States, veterinary dermatologists should have board certification of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD). It is best to have the dog allergy test performed during the season when the allergies are at their worst.

House Cleaning Prior to Dog Allergy Testing

Before going to a vet dermatologist for dog allergy testing and allergy shots for dogs it is very desirable to try one last at-home procedure in a final attempt to stop the allergenic reactions your dog is enduring. Surprisingly, this procedure sometimes works wonders.

Temporarily remove the dog from the home so the house environment can be thoroughly cleaned without the dog being present. This may mean several days at a boarding facility or at a relative or friend’s home. The house cleaning should be a very thorough cleaning, like a major spring cleaning where everything is completely cleaned and aired out. A HEPA air purifier can be introduced into the house to better remove air impurities and airborne allergens, if you don’t already have one. When the cleaning is complete and the dog is again living back in your house, it is possible his or her dog allergies symptoms may be substantial reduced or possibly eliminated. If this is the case, then the home environment can be controlled so the allergy symptoms can be greatly eased. This is good news. However, if there is little or no change in dog allergies symptoms then depending upon circumstances it may be best to proceed with dog allergy desensitization (allergy shots).

Your Veterinarian

Your veterinary dermatologist will expect your family vet has already conducted a comprehensive workup to rule out other possible causes of skin irritation, such as fungal or bacterial infections and other medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism before sending the dog to the vet dermatologist. However, sometimes in obviously difficult cases, a vet may send a dog immediately to a veterinary dermatologist for all preliminary testing. If this is the case, then your vet dermatologist will perform the tests just mentioned before the following pre-allergy shot diagnostic testing.

Pre-Allergy Shot Diagnostic Testing

Before dog allergy shot therapy can begin, a full medical history is taken along with diagnostic tests, which include blood work and a skin scratch test. This is done to establish an accurate diagnosis of the allergy and exact allergen identification. This dog allergy test is very important as the allergy shot vaccine will be based on these results.

1. Blood Work testing will check for antigen-induced antibodies in the blood of the dog. The old standard is the radioallergosorbent test (RAST). However, many vets now prefer the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test (ELISA). ELISA is similar to RAST but ELISA is usually more accurate and is the one normally recommended. In essence, blood is drawn and is sent to the lab. The lab may be able to identify allergens. It is more accurate in identifying inhalant allergens than food or contact allergens. Unfortunately, testing usually will take several weeks. The accuracy of results can be a problem as false positives may be evident. Therefore, blood tests are less favored except when a skin test is not possible. Circumstances when blood tests may be desirable also include when the dog has skin infection, the allergy condition is especially serious, a skin test was negative when atopy is still suspected, the dog is too young for skin testing, or the number of suspect allergens are many. Of course there can be other circumstances.

2. The Intradermal Skin Test (IDST), or skin scratch test, is usually the most important dog allergy test. The dog is put to sleep in order to avoid any distress to the animal. An area on the dog is prepared (shaved), usually an upper or lower arm, the upper back or a side. Within a grid layout, the skin is scratched or injected with the most likely, common, or suspected allergens. Within several hours redness and swelling may become evident, thus identifying the allergen or allergens. However, in this dog allergy test identification is a bit of an art and it does take experience to determine accurate results (which is why you are paying for a specialist).

With allergens identified, sometimes another test may be able to discover more allergens. With the dog allergy test complete, a determination will be made whether or not allergy shots are appropriate. See the next article, Allergy Shots for Dogs.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Dog Allergy Symptoms - Prevent Dog Allergies

If you own a dog and he is starting to show some unusual behaviors such as scratching more than usual, or scratching in just one spot, then he may have some form of dog allergy symptoms. Just like humans have allergies, dogs have allergies as well. The number one reason for dog allergy symptoms is from the types of food that he is eating. But another reason, is that your mutt might be allergic to something that is in the environment, or some type of biological organism or substance. It is important to understand what is causing the allergies, and be sure to treat these as soon as possible.

Since a dog has no way to inform its owner of dog allergy symptoms, it’s important that you come up with a diagnosis yourself. All that he knows is that it is itching more than usual or itching the exact same spot, or that it isn’t feeling very well at the moment. It needs you to treat the allergies.

As said, the number one reason for dog allergy symptoms is the type of food he is eating. Just like a human, your pup needs much of the same vitamins and minerals that you do, to a certain extent. A lot of times dogs are fed scraps left over from dinner or other meals. While this is usually okay in some instances, it also may be a reason that he is experiencing allergies. You need to make sure that the food you are feeding your pup is rich in vitamins and minerals. A lot of times people will think that it is okay to take the fat from steak or the skin from the chicken and feed it to their pets. Just because it isn’t necessarily healthy for humans, doesn’t mean it’s healthy for dogs either.

If your dog is showing signs of allergy symptoms to the food that it is currently eating, you need to make sure to change from this type of brand of food. And the results that you experience are going to be determined completely by trial and error. Some veterinarians recommend that a dog stay away from chicken and grain products altogether, so keep this in mind when you’re feeding him. You can actually purchase specifically designed food that are aimed and targeted towards preventing dog allergy symptoms.

Other common allergy symptoms is hair loss, dry skin, and digestive problems. If your dog is barking too much this could be a sign of an allergies to something. Vomiting is also a symptom that is involved with allergies. If you change the eating habits of your dog and haven’t identified any other problems that could be leading to these dog allergy symptoms, it might be best to take your pup to a veterinarian. There might be some kind of underlying biological problem that needs to be addressed by a professional. In this case, it’s as easy as getting an antibiotic.

Not only does Jeremy like having a health dog, he also appreciates Grandfather clocks. Visit his latest website over at Grandfather Clock Kits [http://grandfatherclockkits.org] and learn more about Grandfather clocks [http://grandfatherclockkits.org/grandfather-clocks].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5452804

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Dog Allergy Remedies

Infant Allergies

What is the first thing most doctors recommend for treatment of dog allergies? The unthinkable-they want you to give up your best friend. Anyone with a pet can understand just how devastating this could be. Many people love their dog or cat more than almost anyone else. I know I would never consider giving up my fur baby, and I suffer from horrible allergies. There are many other dog allergy remedies you can try so that you never have to consider giving up your beloved pet.

Infant Allergies

Dog Allergy Symptoms

Infant Allergies

When people are allergic to their dog or cat, it is their immune system overreacting to pet dander, saliva or urine. When the body comes into contact with one of these allergens, it overreacts causing an immune system response which triggers many unwanted symptoms. Dog allergy symptoms can include red or itchy eyes, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, stuffy nose, posts nasal drip or a skin rash. The severity of the symptoms will depend on the severity of your body’s reaction.

Infant Allergies

Remedies for Dog Allergies

The best way to treat a dog or cat allergy-aside from giving up your pet-is to make changes in your home environment. Your doctor or allergy specialist may recommend keeping your cat or dog outside as an alternative to giving them up. Another option would be to keep your dog or cat in one room or area of the house. These still may not be options you want to consider. Other changes you could make would include installing an air filter in your house to try and catch as many airborne particles as possible. You could also be sure to frequently wash your dog’s bed or a favorite blanket. Trying cleanup as much dog hair as possible. Basically, the natural allergy treatment would be to clean much more frequently. Better yet, have a family member who does not suffer from dog allergies clean the area for you, as it could stir up any settled dander or allergens which would aggravate your allergies.

Allergy medications are another alternative to having to give up your pet. Allergy OTC (over the counter) options include antihistamines, and decongestants, eye drops, Claritin and nasal sprays. Most of these medications provide symptomatic the allergy relief. Allergy shots are the only allergy remedy option that tries to reduce allergies over the long term. Allergy shots try to build up your body’s tolerance to allergens, making your immune response much smaller in the future.

Dog Allergy Remedies

Infant Allergies

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

The World According to Cooper: Allergy Season

By Stacie Greene, Supply Chain Specialist at PetSafe

Hi everybody, it’s me Cooper! I hope you all are enjoying the beautiful weather that we have been having. I know I have… well, except for allergies. You might be surprised to know dogs get allergies too. I know I was surprised when it happened to me. It was awful, sneezing and sniffling. Then, these weird things that my mom calls a “backwards sneeze”. Those really scare me, and other than the big blue monsters in our parking lot at work, I don’t scare easily.

Cooper has been sneezing his head off since the weather warmed up! Does your dog have allergies?

Allergies can be really hard to treat for your furry child, that’s why your parents always need to take you to see your doctor. My mom has done everything to help treat my allergies: extra baths, a really awesome super short summer haircut, running the vacuum constantly, and changing the air filters in the house. When none of that worked we went to see my doctor, Dr. Monica Webb.

Dr. Monica checked me out completely to make sure that my symptoms were not due to anything else and sure enough I have allergies. I guess it shouldn’t be that big of a surprise since my mom has been sneezing constantly, too. Also, dogs have very sensitive noses to begin with – they are like a gazillion times more sensitive than our humans. Dr. Monica prescribed me something called an antihistamine. I do not like those pills!! I felt weird when I took them. All I wanted to do was sleep. I didn’t want to play or go to the park or anything. I think that scared my mom, so she called Dr. Monica and promptly took me off the antihistamine. There are some dogs that do not have a problem with allergy medication or allergies, and those are some lucky pups!

If you are like me though and are sneezing and just having a hard time with all of the stuff floating in the air and sticking to the grass right now, make sure you get your humans to take you to see your doctor. They will know best how to give you some relief. You can’t just take anything, that’s why it is so important to see your doctor.

Good luck if you have allergies, and rejoice if you don’t. I’m almost better now so there should be a great adventure for next month. Mom and I are going on vacation in a few weeks too so I’ll have some good stories coming up!!

Talk to you soon.

ABOUT STACIE

Stacie Greene is a Supply Chain Specialist for PetSafe, head quartered in Knoxville, TN. She works to manage part of a global supply chain to deliver the best possible products for our customers. She has a BS in Operations Management, and 14 years experience in procurement, supply chain management and strategic sourcing. Her Lhasa apso, Cooper, logs the same hours at the office as Stacie. She volunteers with the Most Pet Friendly Community initiative that has a mission of making Knoxville, Tennessee the most pet friendly community in America.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Natural Allergy Remedies | Dogs with Allergies

Chia Seeds

Ch Ch Ch Chia! Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. I’ve been hearing about how wonderfully healthy Chia seeds are lately, so I decided to look into them for  my dogs. My girls are allergic to flaxseed, so chia seeds would provide an alternative source of omega’s  3 & 6, plus other wonderful nutrients like protein, fiber, calcium & much more. Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants & won’t deteriorate or go rancid. Making them ideal for long term storage.  There are no known allergies to chia seeds & they are virtually tasteless, making them easy to add to your dogs food. Chia also has natural antibiotic & anti-inflammatory properties, which could be very helpful to our ailing pups.

To add chia seeds in to your dogs diet,  use 1/2 tsp per 5 lbs of body weight or 1 TBS per 30 lbs. This is a daily dose, not a per feeding dose. You can sprinkle the dry seeds directly into your dogs food or add 1/3 c chia seeds to 2 cups water for 3o minutes & allow it to form a gel. This is a good option for dogs with stomach upset or digestive issues since the gel helps clean out the digestive system, soothe an upset stomach & boost a poor appetite. It’s also nice for finicky eaters like my Phoebe, who tend to pick around the things they don’t want. The gel will keep in the fridge for 2 weeks.

You can find chia seeds in the natural foods section of your grocery store. If your local grocery store doesn’t have them, Mountain Rose Herbs has them for $ 8.50 per pound. I’m hoping to pick some up this week & start adding them to the girls food. I will keep you posted. Take care & I’ll talk to you soon!

Andi

Tags: alternative to flaxseed for dogs, chia seeds for dogs, fiber for dogs, mountain rose herbs, omega’s for dogs, organic chia seeds, skin & coat

Chinese Theory states that every food has properties & actions that affect the balance of the body. Our allergic pups are considered “hot” dogs and will benefit from foods that have cooling properties. Below is a link to the Chinese Theory food chart that lists cool, neutral, warm & hot foods. The theory suggests that our dogs would benefit most from cooling & neutral foods & that we should avoid feeding warming & hot foods to our dogs. This is just a theory is something interesting that I thought I would share. I am currently feeding a Lamb(hot) & Rice(neutral) food to my dogs & they’re doing great.

Chinese Theory Food Energetics Chart – Herbsmith Inc

This doesn’t mean you should switch your dog over to all cooling foods. Do what is best for your dog. You know your dog best & you know what works for them. If you’re already feeding something that works for their particular allergies, my advice would be to stick with it. I just thought this would be a nice reference for those of you looking for other ways to help your dog. There are a lot of great fruits & veggies on the cooling list that would make healthy snacks for your pup & could be helpful at cooling your pup during allergy season. Be sure to check the list against your dog’s allergy list before trying any of these foods.

Take care & I’ll talk to you soon!

Andi

Dogs with Allergies

Tags: chinese theory food energetics chart, cooling foods for dogs, herbsmith food chart, natural allergies remedies

(via)

Allergy season is upon us, so I thought I would post some basic care tips to help you get through the season more comfortably. Most of these tips can also be used year round to keep your pups in excellent health.

1. FOOD: Is your pup eating a quality, limited ingredient food? If not, take a list of your dogs food allergens with you to the pet store and spend some time shopping for the best food that you can afford that doesn’t contain any of your pups allergens. If you’re not sure what your pup is allergic to, find a limited ingredient food – 1 meat , 1 carb – and try a small bag. Continue to try different brands until you find the right one for your dog. Remember: Just because it says allergy formula on the bag, doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for your dog. There are many “allergy formulas” that my girls can’t eat.


2. PROBIOTICS & DIGESTIVE ENZYMES: I highly recommend the Miracle Pack from Nusentia. We have had great luck using that for our dogs. Probiotics and digestive enzymes helps to balance the digestive system, boost the immune system, improve skin and coat condition, relieve gas, and reduce allergy symptoms. This formula contains Bromelain which is a natural antihistamine & anti-inflammatory. The powder can be easily added to food at each feeding.


3. SUPPLEMENTS: Organic Virgin Coconut Oil has been very helpful to Emma and Phoebe during allergy season. My dogs LOVE to have the coconut oil added to their food. It is great at fighting yeast, boosting the immune system and improving the skin and coat. Along with adding it to food, it can be used topically on hot spots and in ears. Dosage is 1 tsp per 10 lbs or 1 TBS per 30 lbs AM & PM. Coconut oil melts at 76 degrees. You can feed it in solid or liquid form. You can find Coconut Oil in the natural foods section of your grocery store.


4. BATHING: Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly bathing can be a great help you your dog with allergies. We bathe the girls weekly during allergy season or they end up with skin infections. A gentle, castile based shampoo works best. If you have a larger dog that is harder to bathe but likes to swim, that is also a great option. We take Emma swimming quite a bit. It’s a great way to remove allergens from her skin and coat, and I’m sure the cool water feels great on her irritated skin.

I hope these tips are helpful to you and your pup. I’m always here if you have questions. Remember, I’m not a vet or even an expert. Just a gal with two dogs with allergies. If you haven’t been over to our Facebook page, be sure to stop in and share your story. If you’re in need of help there are lots of great people to offer advice. Take care and I’ll talk to you soon!

Andi

Tags: allegy season for dogs, coconut oil for dogs, digestive enzymes for dogs, limited ingredient dog food, probiotics for dogs

(via)

I came across this article about dog bathing and wanted to share it with you. I’ve been told by many people, not to bathe my dogs on a regular basis because it dries out their skin. Well, I’m a bit of a rule breaker ( like washing dry clean only clothes at home – gasp! ) and I like to try things on my own and see how they work out.

Emma and Phoebe have terrible seasonal allergies, and are miserable from mid July to the end of October. When they were first diagnosed, they had terrible skin infections and were constantly on antibiotics to clear up their skin. I got tired of having to take them in all the time, and also having to spend all that money on antibiotics, when the infection just came back as soon as they were off of them. So I decided to go a different route.

Weekly bathing for the girls has been the best remedy for their smelly, oily, infected skin during allergy season. I have never had their skin get dried out while doing this. The weekly bathing reduces the smelliness, excessive oil, and quickly heals the infections. I just use an all natural gentle shampoo, like castile soap and wash them up real well. I pay extra attention to their legs and bellies, since these seem to be the scabby, infected areas. You can find castile soap at Target, Walmart and in the natural foods section of your grocery store

I really like not having to rely on antibiotics to heal their skin infections. Like the article states, a lot of antibiotics are being overused in pets and people, causing antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. And antibiotics also wreak havoc on the digestive system, leaving room for a systemic yeast infection to take over. Systemic yeast infections are a pain to deal with and they make your dog miserable. However, some skin infections will still require an antibiotic or antifugal treatment. Be sure to consult your vet.

I think weekly bathing is a great idea for those of you with dogs that are extremely itchy and prone to skin infections. If it seems like once a week isn’t enough, you could try twice a week. If your dog’s skin is a bit healthier you could try once every week and a half to two weeks. You’ll find a balance that works best for you pup.

I hope you and your pups are doing well. Take care and I’ll talk to you soon!

Andi

Tags: anti biotic overuse in dogs, bathing dogs with allergies, castile soap for dogs, dogs with skin infections, natural shampoo for dogs, naturally treating your dogs skin infections, shampoo for dogs with allergies

I have been a fan of probiotics for a while now. My whole family uses them, and Emma has been on the before during antibiotic use and during the treatment of her systemic yeast infections. I have recently came across a link on Twitter about probiotics being helpful for those with food and seasonal allergies, so I decided to do a little research.

First off, let’s discuss what probiotics are.

Probiotics are good bacteria that help maintain the natural balance of organisms in the digestive tract. There are about 400 different types of probiotics that occur in the digestived tract, Lactobacillus acidophilus is the most common. Probiotics can be helpful in preventing diarrhea caused by antibiotics or stomach infections, they can help with stomach inflammation, and they can even boost the immune system. This is where they come in handy for decreasing your pets allergies.

In order to fight off allergies, your pets immune system needs to be in proper working condition. It’s been said that 80% of your immune system resides in the intestinal tract. If that’s true then probiotics will be a huge help to your pup during allergy season.

I’ve been giving them with every meal along with the Oil of Oregano and have seen great improvement with both Emma and Phoebe. Granted things have cooled off nicely here, which always helps but I think the combo has been helpful too. There has been less itching, no gas, and they’re blackened skin spots have faded away. Emma and Phoebe are taking a probiotic and enzyme combo from Pet Balance. Emma is using the powder form of both (more economical ) and Phoebe is using the easy to feed Probiotic/Enzyme combo tablet. I love these! I wish they were cheaper or were made to dose larger amounts of food ( 1 tablet treats 1/2 cup of food). These are perfect for Phoebe since she is so against anything in pill form, and she eats 1/3 c food AM & PM, so I give her a half tablet with each meal.

The enzymes are made to break down food so they are easier for you pet to digest. They can be helpful with excessive shedding, joint issues, weight problems, & stool eating. If you have a cat, they can be helpful with hairballs too!

I’ve used other types of probiotics and had pretty good luck, but I really do like this brand. I was so happy to find their website. My runner up suggestion would be the Plant Enzymes & Probiotics from Animal Essentials.

I hope this has been helpful for you and your pup. If you have any questions feel free to contact me here or on our Facebook Page. I would love to hear about your experiences with probiotics or anything else that has helped your pups allergies. Take care of yourself and your pup. Talk to you soon!

Andi

Dogs with Allergies

Dogs with Allergies on Facebook

Tags: Allergy Season, canine allergies, dogs with allergies, enzyme miracle, enzymes for dogs, itchy dog, miraclezyme plus probiotics, natural allergy remedy, natural allergy treatments, pet balance, prbiotic tablets for dogs, probiotic miracle, probiotic powder for dogs, probiotics for allergies, probiotics for dogs

Hi everyone!

Allergy season is in full swing around here, and I’m sure it must be for your pups too. Emma is itching like mad, and poor Phoebe has already rubbed the hair off around her eyes, they are watering terribly! The last few years, it seems like the season has started a bit early, during the last week in July. This year it was mid July and it came on fast. Are any of you noticing the same changes?

I just ordered a new products to try from Herbsmith called AllerQi. It’s a blend of chinese herbs that are supposed to cool the skin and balance the system. I’m guessing it will be here by the end of the week. I will let you know if we see any improvement.

Now, to discuss the wonders of Oregano Oil. I had been doing some reading about it and discovered it might be a good yeast fighter. As you know, Emma is constantly battling systemic yeast and gets build up in her ear, around her mouth, and on her lady bits. She has been on the Oregano Oil capsules since June 30th and we have seen MAJOR improvements. I started her on 2 capsules per day, 1 AM/1PM. The capsules contain 181 mg’s of Oregano Oil, 17.6 mg’s of Ginger Oil and 19.3 mg’s of Fennel Oil. I started to notice improvements within the first week. Her ear was the first to clear up and then her mouth. She still had a ton of build up around her lady bits, so I decided after two weeks to double her dose. So she now gets 2 capsules AM and PM. That made all the difference. She is almost completely clear of her buildup now, and the staining in that area (from all the licking) has almost gone away. I am so happy that I’ve finally found something to help her. We bought the NOW Foods brand and I found it in the natural foods section of our grocery store. It’s around $ 9 for 90 capsules.

Oregano Oil is antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. It helps to prevent the spread of germs, bacteria and fungi, plus it has been known to kill viruses.  I’ve read a few articles about people using it to get rid of intestinal worms and to ward off fleas. It can also be helpful for dogs with arthritis and allergies, although it doesn’t seen to be helping with Emma’s itching. I would like to try it for Phoebe, but it’s so hard to give her a pill. It does come in liquid form, but dogs are extremely sensitive to the taste, making it hard to administer this way. Oregano oil is safe for short term use such as the allergy season, or when clearing up an infection.

I hope you’ll give it a try if your dog is having yeast issues. It has really helped Emma out. I’ll keep you posted on her progress, and let you know how the Herbsmith AllerQi powder works out for us. Take care and I’ll talk to you soon!

Andi

Dogs with Allergies

http://dogswithallergies.wordpress.com

Tags: allergies in dogs, herbsmith, herbsmith AlllerQi, itchy dog, natural allergy treatments, natural antibiotic for dogs, natural treatments for candida overgrowth in dogs, natural yeast treatment for dogs, oregano oil, oregano oil for dogs, systemic yeast in dogs, systemic yeast remedy, yeast infections in dogs

I recently read an article about using local honey to treat seasonal allergies, and I wondered if it would work for dogs as well. I did some snooping around and this is what I have come up with. I hope you find it helpful in treating your dogs allergies naturally.

Why local honey?

Local honey contains a small amount of pollens that are local to your area. The amounts are so small that your dog can safely eat them and not trigger an allergic response. By giving your dog small a small amount of local honey every day, your dog builds up a tolerance to pollens in your area, and is no longer affected by them. You must make sure the honey is local or it will be of no help to you. Stop by your local farmers market to pick up some honey for your dog. If you’re having trouble finding honey in your area, you can search Local Harvest to find honey near you.

How Much?

The suggested daily amount for a small dog is around a teaspoon.  A large dog will need a tablespoon. You can let your dog lick the spoon or just add it to their food. Results can take 3 -4 weeks, so it’s best to start adding honey about a month before allergy season.

A little more about honey for dogs.     

This is considered to be a folk remedy so I can’t guarantee any results for your dog. I plan to start adding honey to Phoebe and Emma’s food in June. Their allergy season is typically August through September, but last year it started mid July. Even if you don’t see relief for your dogs allergy symptoms, honey is still beneficial to your dog. It is antimicrobial and can be very healing inside and out, and it provides your dog with many vitamins and minerals. Honey also contains live enzymes that balance your dogs digestive system. Some people have even said that honey has helped their dogs arthritis.

I definitely think it is worth a try, and I will keep you posted on Phoebe and Emma’s progress. I would love to hear from you if you decide to try this with your dog too. Take care, good luck and I’ll talk to you soon.

Andi

Dogs with Allergies

Tags: honey, honey for dogs, honey for dogs allergies, natural allergy remedy

For the month of February you can save 35% on Planet Dog toys and 10% on all other pet products at www.goodthingsgreenthings.com. Use Coupon code: petpal. Enjoy your shopping!

Also, I just read something about a spoonful of local honey being a good remedy for allergies. I’m wondering if this would work for dogs as well. I’m going to look into it and I’ll let you knwo what I come up with. Take care!

Andi

Dog with Allergies

Tags: bellyrubs organic, coupon, honey for allergies, honey for dogs, Organic Pet Superfood, planet dog, sale, west paw design

This allergy season has been awful for the girls. It’s our worst one yet. The few people I’ve talked to that have dogs with allergies, have said the same thing. Things kicked off a bit earlier this year during the last few weeks in July. Normally we’re okay until early August. Pheobe has had a lot of trouble with hot spots this season, and her eyes and nose have been extremely watery and runny. She wore away all her hair on these areas and lost the pigment in her skin. She’s also had a nasty brownish buildup all over her skin, it seems to be from her licking. It’s really excessive in her armpits. We do a weekly bath with some chamomile and calendula shampoo. It really seems to help with her skin, and her nasty smell. She is currently taking Moducare. It’s a vegan supplement of plant sterols. I stumbled across it when I was looking for immune system boosters for Emma. We are seeing some improvement from it, so that has been nice. I picked it up at the Vitamin Shoppe, although it’s cheaper online.  We had no luck with the Allergy Itch Ease from Pet Alive.

As for Emma, she is doing much better with the help of her Prednisone that she takes for her Addison’s Disease. Both girls are getting probiotics in their food and glutamine powder. Both these supplements help boost the immune system and balance the digestive tract. We are using Animal Essentials Probiotic Powder and L- Glutamine Powder (it’s also available in capsules) from GNC.

I think that’s about it for now. We might possibly be all caught up. Let me know how your pups ar doing and what’s working for you this season. Take care!

Andi

Dogs with Allergies

Tags: Allergy Season, Glutamine, Moducare, Probiotics

So I had my first experience with a holistic vet, and I must say - it was quite interesting. Everyone at the office was super nice, and I got to meet the CUTEST little German Shorthair pup named Gracie, but I’m not sure if I would go back. The staff offered Emma treats after I told them she had food allergies, insisting they were “hypoallgenic”. They were made of duck and salmon. I know there are a few dogs out there who CANNOT eat duck or salmon. No treat is hypoallergenic for all dogs.

I think occasionally for alternative remedies a holistic would be great, but for preventative care I didn’t much like it. I sheduled an appoinment for yearly shots, yeast culture, and thyroid check.

I wanted to check Emma for an underactive thyroid, since she’s so lethargic, depressed, and sheds massive amounts. They vet DID NOT want to do vaccines at all. I knew going into it that most holistic vets prefer not to do vaccines, but I had also read that they would give shots if the owner wanted. I am a firm believer in vaccines, but that’s just my preference.  They didn’t bother with the yeast culture at all, I’m not sure if they new how to handle it or not, or if they just forgot. We got quite side tracked with the whole vaccine thing. Anyway, the thyroid came back fine, but Emma tested postive for anaplasmosis, a tick borne disease similar to Lyme’s. Two weeks of antibiotics and she’ll be fine, plus that explained her lethargy and depression. 

We were sent home with the antibiotics, and Animal Apothecary Spring Tonic. This is a homeopathic remedy for seasonal allergies. This and the GSP pup were the highlights of the vistit. : ) The Spring Tonic has worked well for Emma’s itching and since it’s homeopathic, you should be able to use less of it over time since it remedies the problem instead of masking it. I found a good price on it at Robbins Pet Care, plus a complete list of directions and ingredients. I couldn’t read my own lable since the vet covered it up with her label. I’m glad I looked online since I wasn’t giving Emma nearly enough of it.

I haven’t tried it on Phoebe yet since she’s still testing the Allergy Itch Ease from PetAlive.com. I’m not really seeing any results with that. So I hope the Spring tonic will work for her. We’ll find out soon enough since allergy season is about 2 weeks away. So here’s my summary for the holistic vet appointment:

Pros                                                                                                                                                                       

Friendly

Good for alternative therapies

Knowledgable on Homeopatic remedies

Cons

Staff not educated about allergies or the term hypoallergenic

Not fond of vaccines and will do their best to talk you out of them

I left there feeling like we weren’t completely cared for

Now, I’m not telling you to avoid holistic vets. I still think I would go in for certain things, just not preventative care. I’m glad to see more holistic vets around because I think they’re a great compliment to traditional methods. So try it for yourself and let me know what you think of it. I hope you all are well and that your pups are healthy too. Take care and I’ll talk to you soon.

Andi

Dogs with Allergies

Tags: holistic vet, natural allergy treatments, natural benadryl alternative, spring tonic

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Dog skin Allergy

Ludo has been diagnosed with a seasonal skin allergy.

He had it last year around the same time. Last year we thought it was Flea Dermatitis. However its occurred at the same time of year again (minus the fleas).
Basically it means he scratches/ licks and bites himself in a couple of areas (behind his knees, arm pits, tail) making them red raw.
Could be anything.

So it was off to the Vets for a round of Steroids and Antibiotics. He should be okay in a week or two.
I’ll also keep an eye on his skin and apply whichever is closest at hand,
– Aloveen Conditioner (which can be used as a skin ointment, recommended by the vet)
– Aristopet Antiseptic ointment (smells like teatree)
– Aristopet Skin lotion spray (He hates this one the most as I think it stings him)
– Potassium permanganate (aka Purple bath or Condy’s crystals as an antiseptic. Mix a couple of flakes in water and use to clean the wounds. I find this to be the most effective solution, regardless that it leaves my fingertips stained like a 50yr old smokers)

We’ll also give him a bath every week or two with either Alloveen shampoo/ Oatmeal shampoo or Aristopet Medicated shampoo.

We’ve also started adding in the Blackmores Omega 3 & 6 spray into their foods at meal times, however I don’t see any difference after 3 weeks of use.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Supposed Allergy Sufferers Whine about Dogs and Cats on Airlines

The New York Times recently ran a story on pets on planes, specifically the hassle and expense. It will come as no surprise to dog and cat people that they were overwhelmed with people complaining that animals just shouldn’t be allowed on planes at all. The issue is inevitably claimed to be allergies, but once again it seems more cultural than scientific.

Any reasonable dog person would be happy to accommodate one of the rare people who have severe dog allergies. But I won’t accommodate any one else’s irrational fears or cultural biases.

I’ve got severe allergies myself, but I am deeply suspicious of claims of being allergic to dogs. First off, the incidence of allergies to dogs is much rarer than it is to cats. Second, I don’t know how many times I’ve heard someone claim they were allergic to something, but it turns out it’s just a hunch. Unless you’ve had a RAST test, where they poke little anti-bodies in your arm, don’t claim that you’re allergic to something. I dated a guy who grew up thinking his brother was allergic to dogs. Turns out his mom made it up because she didn’t like dogs. But the aversion to dogs–as well as the allergy excuse–is now passed down to a new generation in the family.

The complaints are more about dogs on planes instead of cats, which is peculiar because cats cause so many more allergies. Any dog sitting in a cabin of a plane is under 20 pounds and on some airlines under 15 pounds. That’s not a lot of dog to be allergic to.

If we’re going to be rational about animals on planes, then let’s just have people be required to bathe their dog or cat within 48 hours of a flight. Therapy dogs generally have to do that before they visit a hospital. Yeah, it’s huge nuisance, but dog owners already have to haul themselves to the vet right before a trip, too.

Second, if we’re really dealing with allergies, then there should be no problem with poodles or any of the other breeds documented to be hypo-allergenic flying in the cabin no matter what their size. The president’s Portuguese Water Dog Bo was selected not to cause allergies in the White House; that ought to be good enough for a Continental flight to Tampa.

One angry pet-hater wrote in with her fantasy of fining dog owners for every bark or growl or peeing in their crate. Sounds fine, as long I as I can exact a fee from every participant in an inane business meeting or flirtation among strangers I have to listen to, for every time someone slams their seat back or is befuddled by where to put their luggage. A toy dog travelling is at the bottom of my list of airline complaints. If you’re afraid of a 15-pound lhasa apso growling, I really can’t be responsible for your comfort.

Related posts:

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Flea allergy dermatitis: the most common dog and cat allergy | Flea Control Videos

Flea allergy dermatitis: the most common dog allergy

“Harmless as a flea” may be a common expression but, unfortunately, fleas are not entirely harmless. At the very least, a flea bite will cause an animal to scratch. Because one flea is just a sign of many fleas, animals typically get multiple flea bites, which causes even more scratching.

You may not think a few flea bites amount to much, but they can be a source of your pet’s constant scratching. If this scratching continues, the flea bites can become infected, and lead to a skin condition called flea allergy dermatitis.  A report by CNN indicates flea allergy dermatitis is a growing problem for pets.

Flea bites are considerably worse if the dog or cat is allergic to the flea’s saliva. According to Sandra Diaz, an assistant professor of dermatology at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, the most common form of allergic reaction in dogs is to flea saliva. 

In smaller sized animals such as puppies, and sometimes in young children, fleas can actually cause anemia. The host loses blood through the flea bites and excessive scratching and becomes anemic. Anemia is a serious condition if it remains untreated.

Natural Flea Control Products We Recommend:

Happy Tails Dry Dog Instant Clean

Happy Tails Sparkle & Shine Shimmering Mist

Happy Tails Healthy Skin Shiny Coat

Dogs and cats can scratch flea bites until they bleed and even become infected. This just makes it easier for fleas to get more blood from their victim, so it really is a vicious circle for an untreated animal.

One effective natural remedy for flea bites, which soothes and heals the flea bites themselves and helps prevent fleas from returning is neem oil. Neem oil is derived from a plant widely used by native Americans. When diluted with water and mixed with vinegar, neem oil can be applied directly to an animal’s skin.

More information about flea allergy dermatitis and natural, safe, effective methods and substances you can use to control fleas is available in Flea Control: How to Get Rid of Fleas Naturally.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Use virgin coconut oil to naturally treat your dog"s allergy, skin and health problems

Being the owner of an allergy-prone, highly sensitive French Bulldog, it takes a lot of hard work to make sure he stays in good health. Oral medication and topical creams prescribed by vets always seemed to help for a little while, but then they either stop working or result in unpleasant side effects. I’m also always extremely worried whenever I give my dog oral medication, as I’m not thrilled with the idea of continuously feeding him all sorts of chemicals that, in the long term, may not be the best for his kidneys and liver and could still do him serious harm.

This is why I turned to virgin coconut oil. I use it myself in my skin care regimen (often mentioned on my other blog, Salubrious Exclamation) as a natural alternative to commercially made products, and sometimes even add it to my diet as a supplement. I did extensive research and found out that virgin coconut oil is not harmful to dogs, and is in fact good for them for most of the same reasons it’s good for people. So I began adding just a little bit to my dogs diet every day, and gradually, day by day, began to see improvements in the condition of his skin, as well as a significant reduction in the itchiness in his paws. Although his coat is already very healthy (due to my strict regimen of washing him with baking soda and apple cider vinegar), the coconut oil in his diet helped bring out an even more brilliant shine — so much that people on the street have even stopped to compliment the luster of his fur!

It is, however, important to remember that if you want to incorporate coconut oil into your dog’s diet, you must make sure that it is virgin coconut oil, and not refined. Virgin coconut oil retains all the good properties that are good for your dog, while anything processed further will lose their beneficial characteristics, and may even contain extra unwanted additives.

Having personally experienced the benefits of virgin coconut oil, and having seen how it has helped my dog with his health problems once I added it to his diet, I am a huge advocate of this particular oil. If you’re interested, I’ve included some more in depth information about virgin coconut oil below, including how its made, its beneficial properties, and how to incorporate it into your dog’s life.

What is virgin coconut oil?

Virgin coconut oil is oil extracted from coconuts in its purest, or close to purest, form. Often you will see labels that say “cold-pressed,” which means the same thing. It means the oil was derived without adding any or too much heat to the process, which can change the molecular structure of the oil. Arguably, coconut oil that has been processed further and mixed with additional additives could be cheaper, but it may also contain a bunch of extra additives that you don’t, and may have lost many of its beneficial properties in the refining process.

If you’re confused by the label, you can determine whether you have virgin coconut oil when the oil is white and of a solid consistency at room temperature, and becomes liquid and clearer in color at higher temperatures.

What’s the difference between virgin and extra virgin coconut oil?

“Extra virgin” would imply that the coconut oil is even purer than simply “virgin” coconut oil. However, I have not been able to find any official standard for a difference between “virgin” and “extra virgin” coconut oil.

What are the characteristics of virgin coconut oil?

Virgin coconut oil is said to have antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a great oil to use internally as well as topically. It is also supposedly loaded with lauric acid, which, when ingested, is converted into a compound that has antiviral and antimicrobial properties that combats fungus, bacteria and viruses that could harm the body.

Virgin coconut oil also contains fat, but the good kind of fat. Specifically, saturated fatty acids, most of which are medium-chain fatty acids. Medium-chain fatty acids are beneficial because they increase the body’s metabolism while also supplying with good cholesterol.

There is also vitamin E in virgin coconut oil, which as most people know, is great for skin and hair.

What canine ailments does virgin coconut oil help with?

There are a multitude of testimonials about the positive effects of virgin coconut oil from people who have incorporated it into their dogs’ diets. Among them are claims that virgin coconut oil has helped with canine allergies, skin conditions and infections. There are also owners who say their dogs’ have more energy and reduced pain from arthritis from taking virgin coconut oil. Generally, virgin coconut seems to help boost immunity, so no matter what ailment a dog is suffering from, at least his/her immune system will be made stronger, which would help him/her fight their sickness.

How do I use virgin coconut oil on my dog?

I couldn’t find a scientific standard for how much virgin coconut oil is appropriate to add in a dog’s diet, but I did read somewhere that 1 tablespoon for every 4.5 kilograms (10lbs) is appropriate. I personally add only 1 teaspoon to my each of my dog’s meals (twice a day), and he weighs 12-13kg. However, when I first started out, I only allowed him half a teaspoon a day, and gradually increased this amount each day. This is because you probably shouldn’t introduce too much coconut oil into your dog’s diet all at once, as it could affect his/her digestion. Generally, most dogs seem to really enjoy coconut oil, and won’t mind its strong smell and taste.

Virgin coconut oil can also be used on dogs topically to treat rashes, dry skin and scabbing. I have personally used it to treat yeast infections in my dog’s paws and around his tail, and it significantly reduced his itching and discomfort.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Allergy or Intolerance?

Sometimes in food-allergy circles you will hear someone snort, often dismissively, about “intolerances.” Martyrs love their martyrdom, you know?

The difference between the two isn’t always obvious, even when you’re doing due research diligence. Take this quote from a piece in the Whole Dog Journal:

“Food allergy or intolerance can cause intermittent to frequent vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite, itchy skin or ears, eosiniphilic plaques, and a number of less common disorders.” (Susan Weistein, Whole Dog Journal, Oct. 2006 Linked article probably behind paywall).

Note that all symptoms, both digestive and otherwise (itchy skin, etc) are under that “allergy or intolerance” lead in. But that isn’t entirely true. Let’s look to humans for some illumination:

The “intolerance” we most often hear about in humans is lactose intolerance. A lactose intolerant person who drinks a glass of milk will experience some stomach upset. While that stomach upset can be fairly severe, there aren’t non-digestive symptoms.

A true food allergy, on the other hand, can be life-threatening. Many schools have gone “peanut free,” because even incidental exposure might cause anaphylaxis in highly allergic children. Not every food allergy is so dramatic, though. The Mayo Clinic lists a group of minor symptoms for even peanut allergies, like itching.

The grey area is in the overlap between the two. In that same list of peanut allergy symptoms, you’ll see digestive problems. This overlap also exists for dogs. Both allergies and intolerances can cause stomach problems. For dogs the situation can be somewhat murkier than for people, though, because severe human food allergies seem to cause a wider range of symptoms. I’ve never read of an allergic dog having difficulty breathing, for instance. (There are other differences, so be aware that the analog only works so far. To give an example, in humans food allergies are a childhood problem, often lessening or entirely disappearing in adulthood. In dogs, they are almost always adult onset.)

An allergy, by definition, involves an inappropriate immune system response. In dogs with food allergies that response usually manifests as itching and/or ear problems. Given typical dog responses to itching and/or ear problems, you’ll probably see an array of secondary issues, like recurrent skin infections. There is some debate about the necessity of obvious GI problems to indicate a food allergy. It may take weeks for food allergy symptoms to subside once the culprit is removed. A food intolerance, on the other hand, confines itself to the digestive tract and resolves itself basically as soon as that food has been digested.

The additional complicating factor can be seasonal allergies. Dogs have inhalant allergies, just like people do. While itching, licking, chewing, and scratching can be caused by food allergies, they can also be caused by allergies to pollen, dust, dander, mites, and fleas.

Then, of course, if your life wasn’t hard enough, there is the sad fact: dogs who have one kind of allergy have an increased chance of having another kind of allergy. Inhalant allergies are somewhat more common than food allergies, but most food-allergic dogs I know also have inhalant allergies.

Pragmatically, the difference between food allergies and intolerances doesn’t matter very much. I suspect this is why they get casually grouped together. If your dog is intolerant of a protein, you might need to exercise less Constant! Vigilance! at every second, because the effects are more likely to be short-lived. You still don’t want to include that thing as part of your dog’s regular diet, though.

As for food allergies vs. inhalant allergies, you’ll have to use your own judgment. Watch for patterns of symptoms, from time of year to what body part your dog is scratching the most. For us, they look quite different, but it’s hard to guarantee a particular symptom dog to dog.

I hope that sheds some light on the wonderful world of “my dog’s a hypersensitive mess.” This is by no means a comprehensive look, but I’m hoping it answers some questions I’m seeing in my search engine traffic.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Managing a pet allergy | BrighterLife.ca

Pete Nowak is well acquainted with allergies. The Toronto writer and journalist works from a home that he shares with his fiancée’s cats. Unfortunately for Nowak, he has a severe cat allergy, one that has developed into serious breathing issues. “I did not have asthma before I had cats,” he says. He also didn’t have a congested nose and watery eyes every morning.

Nowak’s allergy has driven him to seek every remedy possible. First he tried immunotherapy, a process by which tiny amounts of allergens are introduced into the body to desensitize it and reduce allergic reactions. “I tried immunotherapy for two years but it didn’t work at all,” he says. “It might help with other symptoms, but not asthma.”

Next was advanced allergy therapeutics, an alternative treatment that stimulates pulse points on the body while a “representation” of allergens is introduced to the surface of the skin. It didn’t solve his problem, either.

Nowak now takes leukotriene receptor antagonists, medications that can block the inflammatory chemical reaction occurring when the body is exposed to triggers such as pet hair or animal dander, and reopen closed airways. He also relies on his asthma puffers to help open his airways when an attack is imminent.

Despite all this, Nowak is optimistic. He has an air purifier with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. He’s getting a new vacuum cleaner. And he says that since living with the cats, he’s noticed his symptoms are gradually lessening. “I think I’m getting used to them,” he says.

How a pet allergy can make you miserable

Pet allergies can cause a lot of unpleasant symptoms:

• Itchy, red, watery eyes


• Itchy throat or roof of mouth


• Nasal congestion


• Cough or trouble breathing


• Post-nasal drip


• Skin reactions such as eczema, allergic dermatitis or hives


• Wheezing or asthma


• Swollen skin under the eyes

For those with pet allergies, it’s therefore best if pets aren’t in the home, says Karen Petcoff, of the Ontario Lung Association. But what if you’re moving in with a partner whose pets are considered extended family, or you can’t bear to part with your new puppy? You can take steps to reduce the amount of dander and hair you breathe in, which is critical for keeping your symptoms under control.

If you have a pet you are allergic to and cannot find it a new, loving home, the following steps may help:

• Vacuum your home often, preferably with a vacuum with a HEPA filter.


• Remove carpeting if possible.


• Choose leather- versus fabric-covered furniture, as it’s easier to clean.


• Bathe your pet regularly.


• Keep the pet out of bedrooms and off furniture.


• Limit your time with the pet.


• Neuter male pets to curb the release of pheromones, sex chemicals released by the animal that can aggravate allergies.


• Use effective air filters to help reduce the volume of airborne allergens.

1. Vacuum often.


2. Leave your floors bare.


3. Go with leather upholstery.


4. Keep your pet clean.


5. Banish your pet from the bedroom.


6. Neuter male pets.

Help for pet allergies is on the way

When keeping a pet at bay simply isn’t working and you’re still congested — or worse, asthmatic — consider talking to an allergist, says Mark Larché, professor of medicine at McMaster University and the Canada Research Chair in Allergy and Immune Tolerance. He says allergy shots can be an effective way of gradually building up a tolerance to pets, though a cat allergy can be tough to treat. The shots, which contain a tiny amount of an allergen, are administered every month for an average of three years. This treatment must be approached carefully because the very allergic may experience adverse reactions to shots if a dose is too high.

But more help may be on the horizon. Larché and his team have been working on developing allergy vaccines engineered to have fewer side effects and provide better immunity to allergies with fewer doses than traditional shots. “Our vaccines consist of key peptides that can alter the immune response to cat allergens,” he says. “The clinical trials we’ve done show that four injections can protect you for a whole year.” He hopes the vaccines will launch in 2013 or 2014.

And if allergy shots don’t work, asthma/allergy medications such as antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, bronchodilators and long-acting beta agonists can all reduce airway inflammation and improve breathing.

To Larché, a complete allergy cure comes down to this: Remove the pet. “At the end of the day, if there’s a cat in the house, it will cause problems.”

Check out these other health tips:

• Getting a handle on hay fever


• Protect your back after baby


• Home renovation health safety tips


• Can snoring be stopped?

---

Would you and your family be protected if you experienced a serious health-related issue?
You may be covered through your employer’s group plan. Not a member of a group plan? Learn how you can get individual health insurance solutions designed specifically for your life stage.

• Homeowners


• Discussing diabetes


• School smarts


• Retirement savings


• Income tax


• Travel tips


• Newlyweds


• Financial spring cleaning

• Smart ways to cover the cost of university, simply put



• Bright ideas for back-to-school savings



• Critical illness insurance, simply put

• What’s your Unretirement Index score?



• Financial habits quiz



• Retirement income calculator



• What will my investments be at retirement?

• 
  Canada Pension Plan changes to meet boomer demands
  
  


• 
  Seven reasons to love living in Canada
  
  


• 
  Canadian politics just got turned upside down
  
  


• 
  Seven habits of happily retired people
  
  


• 
  Seven things you need to know about stocks
  
  

My Tweets

More Photos

reade more... Résuméabuiyad