How To Treat Allergies in Dogs Perfectly

How To Treat Allergies in Dogs  Perfectly

Do notalways thinkdogs that areallergic toanything becausemany people areallergicto dogs!However,it is common fordogs to haveallergiesto certain substances,and it is importantto keeplooking forsymptoms.

The most common symptomsof allergiesin dogs are:
•Knitthe ear
•chewing orlickingthe feetor body
•feet andreddishhair betweenyour fingers or
•rubbinghis head againstobjects
•Open woundsrashes, bumpsand pimpleson the skin
• Redor eyes
•recurrentear infections
•sneezingor runny noseand the line
•vomitingor diarrhea
•coughingor wheezing

Of all these symptoms of allergies in dogs, scratching is the most common.

Dogs can suffer from allergies fly, flea, food, or contact.

If you have allergies in the air, may be sensitive to pollen, trees, grass and weeds, as well as dust mites, mold and home. Just as in humans, and this can occur seasonally or all year round.

Allergic reactions can cause severe flea, which leads to the dog biting her skin. Fleas become sensitive to even a dog, so it is important to control.

Common food allergies in dogs include beef, pork, chicken, turkey, eggs, soy, corn and wheat.

It can occur at any age and can cause itching and increased bowel movements.

Contact allergies are less common type, caused by something that the dog comes into contact with, such as carpets, blankets, plastics, detergents, disinfectants and chemicals, grass, herbs, etc. ..
The treatment will be different for each type of allergy.

For all of them, and have limited or no exposure to allergens to help.
Airborne Allergies:
When it comes to flight allergies, veterinarians may recommend allergy shots if it had been identified a certain sensitivity.
Flea allergies:
With regard to the sensitivity of the fleas, and treatment includes strict control of fleas.

Must ensure that your dog is not exposed through the use of flea medications and home remedies.
Food Allergies:
In the case of dogs who suffer from food allergy-free diet food, which are sensitive.

Seameal supports the immune system, and can help prevent chewing at the feet of the base of the tail, two of the first signs of an allergic reaction.
Contact allergy:
If he has a feeling of communication, and the only treatment is to remove allergens from the house.
Other treatments for allergies are dog with the shampoo and anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and allergies.

Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of allergies your dog.
The sensitivity can be diagnosed in dogs to be difficult.

First of all, the veterinarian will probably make a preliminary diagnosis based on the time of year when your dog has the most symptoms, which are the sites itchiest and respond to the desire for drugs.

However, if the sensitivity does not subside, and worse, it can be to the vet to make a more specific assay sensitivity. 

This may include a blood test or an intradermal skin test.

Remember not to self-diagnose your pet, if you are suffering from the symptoms mentioned above should certainly take them to the vet because it may indicate the existence of a state different from other allergies.

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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.

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Allergies In Dogs |

Dogs have allergies just like humans; allergies are, in fact, quite common among dogs. And, as in humans, an allergy can’t be cured in a dog but it can be treated, both with medication and also by protecting your dog from whatever is making him sick.

As in humans, allergies are caused by an immune system that overreacts to an innocuous substance, such as pollen, certain foods, or even fleas. The three most common allergies in dogs are:

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is genetic. It affects dogs who have inherited a tendency to develop skin problems caused by pollens, grasses, trees, and dust mites.

This allergy is seasonal and is most often a reaction to pollen. It causes skin irritation and shows up around the top of a dog’s stomach and anal area. Your vet may give your dog steroids for short-term relief from the itching. A regimen of therapy allergy shots can lessen your dog’s sensitivity to allergens on a longer-term basis.

Flea Allergies

This is an allergy to the saliva of bloodsucking fleas and is the most common skin disease in dogs. In allergic dogs, a flea bite can cause extreme itching, reddish bumps, and can inflame a dog’s skin for days. Steroids and antihistamines can help a dog with flea allergies, but the only real treatment is to rid your house, yard, and dog of the fleas. Pet Bath Ultra uses Flea Blast Technology to generate super-oxygenated molecules to bathe your pet without water. This amazing brush will leave your dog with a lush coat that smells fresh and clean without all the fuss.

Food Allergies

Dogs can also be allergic to several different types of food. They may experience allergic reactions to dog food contents such as chicken, beef, or corn which are typical ingredients in commercial dog food. This allergy usually shows up as skin problems such as rashes, itching, and areas of infected skin. Some dogs may also suffer from an upset stomach accompanied by chronic diarrhea or vomiting.

If your dog is suffering from an food allergy, you should try eliminating certain foods from his diet. Contact your vet and ask if there is a special food they would recommend for your dog to aid in overcoming his allergy. A visit to your vet is necessary if your dog demonstrates these allergy symptoms: frequent scratching, licking and chewing; recurring skin or ear infections; flaky skin; hair loss; or chronic stomach upset.

Antihistamines, steroids, and other medications can relieve your dog’s discomfort from itching, but steroids should not be considered a long-term solution since they can cause serious health problems in your pet. Antihistamines are safer, but they can make your dog drowsy. Air filters and air-conditioning will cut airborne allergens. For dust mite allergies, wash your dog in hot water every week. Avoid letting your dog go outside in the early morning and late afternoon hours when pollen levels are at their peak.

After taking your dog on a walk, wipe it down with a moist towel to remove any pollen that might have accumulated during your outing. A good product to use after every walk or outdoor play session is Paw Clean. Just spray it on your dog’s paw pads and between the “toes” to eliminate harmful germ spreading substances. To keep an allergic dog’s sensitive skin from drying out after a bath, use a hypoallergenic dog shampoo. For flea allergies, you can fill your dog’s bed with cedar chips to keep fleas from taking up residence.

Does your dog have allergies? If so, what is he or she allergic to? Are you able to control your pet’s allergy? How? Please share your success story with our readers who may need your help.

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The Best Dogs for Allergic People

By Anna Lee

A lot of focus was placed on hypoallergenic dog breeds when President elect Obama promised his daughters, Sasha and Malia, that a new puppy would be moving into the White House with them. The cause of so much attention on their choice of dog (which ended up being a Portuguese Water Dog) was due to the fact that young Malia is allergic to dogs.

Many families face a similar problem as more and more people develop allergies but still want the responsibility (and the joy) of becoming dog owners. Here are some breeds that are considered good for families with allergies.

Schnauzers: the Miniature Schnauzer is an adorable little dog that loves kids, but requires discipline and socializing with other dogs. This little guy doesn’t think he is small and will try to take on larger dogs. Schnauzers tend to bark a lot, and make good guard dogs because of this. They weigh anywhere from 10-15 pounds and have a 15 year life expectancy.

If you want a larger dog, the Giant Schnauzer is a good choice. They are quick to learn but need discipline as they will try to take over. They can weigh up to 80 pounds and require exercise to release some energy. Life expectancy is 12-15 years.

Bichon Frise: If you want a small hypoallergenic dog, try the Bichon. They are adorable little dogs, requiring grooming every 4 weeks. They are small enough to carry around with you! Bichons are extremely intelligent and have a happy temperament. They prefer to be with people and are great with kids. Housebreaking might take a little longer than usual with this breed. They weigh from 7 to 12 pounds; life expectancy is about 15 years.

Designer Dogs: Cockapoo, Labradoodle and Schnoodle

These hypoallergenic Designer Dogs (i.e., a cross between two purebred dogs) take on the traits of each breed.

* The Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. Sizes range from teacup weighing less than 6 pounds to maxi at 19 pounds. They are playful dogs and they love everyone. If you want a small, fun-loving dog that would fit well into any lifestyle, this is a perfect choice. They are fast learners, and you need to stay one step ahead of them.

* The Labradoodle is a mixture of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. A yellow Labradoodle looks like a Yellow Lab with a soft perm! A Lab mixed with just about any breed with result in a wonderful, loving dog. It is the ‘poodle’ part of the mix that makes the designer Labradoodle hypoallergenic. Depending upon the breeder, the dog can have smooth hair like a Lab, or wavy hair.

* The Schnoodle is a Schnauzer Poodle mix, and they are a great family dog. Because both breeds are hypoallergenic, this dog is very allergy friendly. They are loyal, affectionate, obedient and loving, and have lots of personality. Whether you live in an apartment or a farm, they will fit in fine as long as they are with people. They love to ride in the car, so plan your family vacations with them in mind.

The Portuguese Water Dog is classified as a gun dog by the United Kennel Club. Its original job was to herd fish into nets and to retrieve broken nets and lost tackle. They have a wavy coat and do not shed. These are not low maintenance dogs, as they require a lot of grooming. Although basically a quiet breed, they do have a loud bark. They have strong wills so discipline and obedience training is necessary. If you’ve seen any news segments on the “First Dog,” you may have noticed he is extremely playful! Life expectancy is 10-14 years.

More hypoallergenic breeds to consider: most Terriers, the Chinese Hairless, Irish Water Spaniel and Spanish Water Dog.

You can be a dog owner even if you or your family members have allergies. Get a dog from the above list and enjoy responsible pet ownership! It is suggested that once you decide on a particular breed, you spend some time with one in order to properly determine that you are not allergic to it. A small investment of time will pay off big time in the end.

Read more articles by Anna Lee

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I"m not allergic to dogs

Working two jobs over the last week has been pretty awful for me. Using the computer aggravates my constant headaches, and of course, both my jobs require the use of the computer for long periods of time. So I have headaches daily from about noon until I collapse at nine or ten at night.

On the occasional day that I break from work early, I try to get away from the computer–which means I haven’t been blogging or writing or doing much of anything else. Last night, even though I was really curious about the term “shoemaker’s children” (used by a New Zealander to refer to his coworkers), I couldn’t even bring myself to look it up on Wikipedia.

The headaches are just one of a litany of symptoms that have been making day-to-day operations miserable for several years. I have finally begun to suspect allergies as the primary culprit.

But the symptoms that I’m dealing with are all a bit offbeat (headaches, itchy skin, exhaustion, perpetually swollen lymph nodes, recurring sore throats) and don’t sync up to any particular season. They aren’t the classic respiratory symptoms associated with hay fever (runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, itchy eyes).

So I’ve been hesitant to tell doctors that I have allergies, and it’s apparently never occurred to my doctors that I might actually have them. Instead, I’ve been sent to one specialist after another: a neurologist for the headaches, an ENT for the recurring sore throats, and a dermatologist for the skin. It’s become a tangled mess of diagnoses and medications.

Thus, I decided myself to get an allergy test to see if I have allergies, and if so, to what. Then I could request a single medication to treat allergies, and this would hopefully kick the crap out of all the allergy-related symptoms at once.

I told my plan to Byrd. Apparently Byrd had an allergy test when he was a kid. Kindhearted soul that he is, he described his horrific experience in graphic detail, then glibly added, “But I wasn’t scarred for life, so I guess it wasn’t that bad.”

Consequently, I arrived at the allergy testing site with shaking hands and dry mouth, under the impression–courtesy of Byrd–that I was about to get eighty painful injections of toxic substances that would cause my skin to blister and peel off. (I later learned he was just toying with me, rotten bastard.)

The nurse must have noticed my tightly clenched fist and my grinding teeth. She patted my arm lightly and said, “Oh, honey, don’t worry, it only takes fifteen minutes and I’ll give you an antihistamine after that, if you react to anything.”

Fifteen minutes later (after an easy test that didn’t involve a needle or anything painful), it was pretty obvious I had allergies. My arms had itchy red welts all over them. A passing nurse started to ask, “So how did your allergy test go?” but ended up saying, “So how did your aller–oooooh yikes.” My doctor called the results “impressive.”

I reacted to the standard central Texas allergens: cedar and oak. Also on the list: perennial rye, Bermuda grass, some coastal grasses, various molds, and dust mites.

The biggest surprise was that I didn’t react at all to cat or dog allergens. The doctor retested the dog allergen since I live with dogs; I guess he wanted to be very sure that my beloved pets weren’t contributing to my troubles.

The re-test really did involve a needle, and this time it hurt a little (but still not as bad as Byrd led me to believe). The allergen is injected right under the skin in the shoulder area, and the reaction measured. Presumably, even a mild allergy would cause some sort of welt. But I still didn’t react to the dog allergen.

So the good news is that I get to keep the dogs! (I’m kidding, of course. I would never give the dogs up just because I’m allergic to them.)

The bad news is that I’m allergic to my house and my yard and basically everything else in my environment.

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Dog Allergies Treatment - Help For Itchy Dogs

The most common reaction to allergens in dogs are skin problems. The primary symptoms are licking, biting, and scratching. Skin problems can be difficult to diagnose because there are so many different causes. Finding the correct diagnosis leads to the best dog allergies treatment for your pet.

Allergies can be controlled by avoiding the allergens, treating the symptoms, or desensitizing the dog. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, physical exam and lab tests. Treatment can include antihistamines and corticosteroids. Management may include topical sprays, and medicated shampoos.

Food sensitivities cause itching skin, anal itching, ear inflammations, and occasionally vomiting, diarrhea, or asthma-like coughing. Allergies develop over time so don’t rule out food because the dogs diet is unchanged. Many commercial foods are available to help. Finding the correct ingredients is trial and error, but once a food is found that doesn’t trigger your dogs sensitivities, the new diet is as good as a cure.

Flea allergies are a hypersensitivity to the saliva in the flea bite. One bite causes itching lasting 5 to 7 days. Symptoms are biting, scratching, and hair loss from excessive licking. Topical flea medications work after an adult flea has bitten, so this isn’t enough for an allergic dog. Treatment is fleas control. Use chemicals sparingly. Too many can be as harmful as the fleas. Oatmeal baths provide temporary relief of itching. Wash dog bedding with every bath. Limit walks, staying away from trails frequented by wildlife. Your vet may prescribe an antihistamine shot for long-term relief or corticosteroids for immediate relief.

Inhalant, or atopy allergies are the most common. These include allergic reactions to dust mites, molds, and pollens. First step is a combination strategy of reducing exposure to the allergen, and providing relief for itching. A dehumidifier will reduce molds. Cover dirt around house plants with activated charcoal. Control dust and pollens with an air cleaner. Air conditioning reduces dust and pollen exposure.

Treatments of symptoms includes weekly baths with oatmeal or medicated shampoos for temporary relief of itching. Topical sprays and creams are used for localized itching. Antihistamines are relatively safe. You may have to try different ones to find one that doesn’t overly sedate your pet. Not all over the counter antihistamines are safe for dogs. Consult a vet to determine which choices are safe and effective, and at what dosage. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation which reduces itching. It’s primarily used short term to relieve severe itching and inflammation. Long term use is discouraged because this medication suppresses the immune system. Omega-3 is helpful to some dogs. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory that reduces the amount and effects of histamines and other chemicals released in response to allergies. It’s very safe and used in conjunction with antihistamines can reduce the need for corticosteroids.

Immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to decrease the body’s reaction. Shots contain small amounts or extracts of the allergen based on results of skin testing. The dog’s owner gives shots to the pet at home. They are very effective but slow to work, taking 6-12 months to see improvement.

Continued biting and scratching can lead to open sores which can become infected, requiring antibiotics. Seeking dog allergies treatment early can reduce the need for corticosteroids and antibiotics, medications that come with more side effects.

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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

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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

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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

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Allergies To Dogs |

Do you suffer from human allergies to dogs?

Most people are surprised when told there are certain dogs that are considered the best pet dogs for humans suffering from allergies. Some of the dogs in this group are purebreds while others are crossbreeds. These dogs are often referred to as “hypoallergenic dogs,” because they make perfect companions for the more than 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies and want to own a pet dog.

There are a number of breeds and crossbreeds to choose from if you are one of the 50 million people suffering from allergies to dogs. The best dogs to choose as pets if you suffer from allergies, are dogs that shed less hair or skin (both of which are called dander) and dogs that don”t have a tendency to drool. There are dogs that seem to be slobbering all the time and it”s not just dog hair that causes an allergic reaction, but saliva and dander.

If you are allergic to the dander or saliva of dogs you still have a fairly extensive list of pet dogs to choose from.

Some of the best dogs for allergy sufferers are: Airedale Terriers, Basenjis, Bouvier des Flandres, Cairn Terriers, Chihuahuas, Chinese Crested Cockapoo (crossbreed), Italian Greyhounds, Labradoodles (crossbreed), LhasaPoos (crossbreed), Old English Sheepdogs, Poodles and most poodle mixes, Schnauzers, and Yorkshire Terriers.

In contrast, some of the worst pet dogs for humans with allergies to dogs are Afghan Hounds, Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, and Springer Spaniels. These dogs tend to trigger allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Dogs that don’t make good pets for most allergy sufferers are not bad breeds. It’s just that these dogs tend to produce an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals more often because they shed more, produce more dander, and their saliva often contains more of the protein produced by the sebaceous glands which causes an allergic reaction in some humans.

If you do have allergies to dogs, one of the most important things to consider when choosing a dog is to be aware that not all hypoallergenic dogs are 100% allergy free. You can’t be 100% sure that you won’t have a reaction to a dog until you have spent some time with it. In some allergic individuals, an allergic reaction can be immediate, while for others the reaction can be delayed. Try to spend several hours interacting with a dog before choosing to proceed with adoption. You can ask if it’s possible to take the dog home for several days to be sure your allergy is not affected by the dog you’ve chosen. Many breeders and shelters will allow potential pet adopters a chance to try out a pet.

Trying out a pet is not like buying a new dress or coat and then returning it a few days later because you don’t like the way it looks on you. You should only ask to take a pet home on a tryout basis if you are positive you would want to keep, and love, the dog if it doesn’t become a problem for your allergy or allergies. Think about the well-being of the animal as well as your own well-being. Taking a dog home and then returning it shortly thereafter can be traumatic for the dog and may make it skittish the next time a human shows an interest in it.

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Dogs and Allergies

Dogs and Allergies

Posted on: 9:51 am, August 23, 2012, by Vera Culley, updated on: 12:42pm, August 23, 2012

(KTVI) -Just like humans, pets can get allergies too. they try to tell us in many ways. Animal doctor Stu Robson talks about some of the itchy signs and the solutions.

For more on Dr. Robson and Fox Creek Veterinary Hospital, click here.

Filed in:

AM Show

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Service Dogs for Kid’s with Food Allergies

Having a child with food allergies can be scary. Letting them go off to school, camp, or after-school activities can be a challenge, since a reaction to an allergic food can be deadly.

Now some parents are enlisting “Man’s Best Friend”, the trustworthy four-legged dog, to buddy up with their children and keep them safe from the deadly dangers of food allergies.

More commonly known as assisting people with vision, hearing, diabetic reactions, or mobility assistance – having dogs assist in keeping kids safe from potentially deadly food allergies is relatively new, but makes perfect sense.

One of the organizations that provide, train and certify these service dogs is Angel Service Dogs. Based out of Monument, Colorado, this non-profit group places Allergy Alert Dogs with individuals and families that are limited in daily activities due to life-threatening, anaphylactic food allergies. 

The Allergy Alert Dogs are trained to detect certain allergens, just like the dogs at the airports and borders that are trained to detect the scent of drugs and explosives. If a potentially dangerous scent is detected, the dogs will alert their owner to avoid contact or ingestion.

Check out more information about the Angel Service Dog organization, how they screen and train their dogs, as well as ways you can help – either by being a “puppy raiser” or by donating to a family raising money for a much needed service dog. Its worth checking out and learning more about how placing services dogs with needy families help prevent unintended exposure to life threatening food allergies!

*  NOTE: Photos are from the Angel Service Dogs website. These are pictures of Riley, the founder’s daughter that has food allergies, with her service dog, Rock-O.

Tags: Angel Service Dogs, service dogs for food allergies

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Dogs

Browse > Home /

Dogs With Skin Allergies: How to Treat your Pets Skin Allergy

January 11, 2010 by admin  

Dogs with skin allergies are a growing problem for pet owners. Learn how to treat your dogs skin allergy today!

Dog Food Allergies: The Signs, Symptoms and Treatment Solutions

December 29, 2009 by admin  

Just like people our pets may be susceptible a food allergy. Learn how to treat dog food allergies today!

Dog Allergies

June 3, 2009 by admin  

Dogs are considered to be “man’s best friend”. That’s why it can be heartbreaking if you develop an allergy to one. The good news is there’s a lot that can be done around your house that will reduce the effects of pet dander. Find out more today!

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