Prevent Pet Allergies with These Handy Tips

Use these tips to help your pet during allergy season.

A recent spring cleaning survey from the Soap and Detergent Association reveals that 60 percent of Americans believe that spring is the best time to rid the house of dirt and clutter. This is especially true for pet parents, who may need to put some extra “oomph” into their annual ritual to eliminate allergy causing dander. Luckily, pet lifestyle expert Sandy Robins has put together her tips for a successful and pet-safe cleaning session.

Grooming

Grooming is the most essential method in helping to control pet dander and allergies. Dander is the cause of most pet-related allergies for people, and depending on breed and coat type, some dogs will have more than others. The frequency of grooming depends greatly on these factors, so it’s always best to speak to with a professional groomer before starting any at-home grooming routine. In most cases, the average dog should be groomed every four to eight weeks.

FURminator grooming solutions

Robins suggests utilizing a grooming tool like the FURminator for dogs and cats, which helps to get rid of excess fur and flakes. She says “I love these tools because they reduce shedding and quickly remove loose hair. Plus, grooming your pet at home is a great way to bond with them.”

Bathing pets will also help to eliminate dirt, debris and dander from a pet’s coat. Choose a fragrance-free, exfoliating shampoo to remove dead skin from the coat and allow more moisture to stay locked in. After washing, dry effortlessly with the Furminator Fur Dry towel. “The wet pet smell can be overpowering.

There’s no more “wet pet smell” with the FURminator Fur Dry Towel.

This towel utilizes unique microfiber technology to draw water away from a dog’s coat for a quick dry and cut back down on that dreaded smell,” says Robins. In addition, she suggests using a water bottle to mist down a pet’s coat, especially in the dryer months. “This will help keep the skin hydrated and cut down on dander.”

Keep your pup smelling great between baths.

In between baths, use a shed control conditioning spray to keep dogs smelling good and tangle-free. This will moisturize, sooth and leave a dog’s coat and skin soft, shiny, healthy and shed-free. Robins says, “I love Shed Control Conditioning Dog Spraybecause the clean cucumber melon scent smells amazing and the fact that it is an alcohol-free formula means it is safe to use as often as needed.”

Nutrition

Another key component to fighting pet dander and ultimately reducing allergies is nutrition. What a dog or cat is fed is reflected in the condition of its skin and coat. “Premium or natural dog food is ideal for a healthy coat and many food brands offer a sensitive skin or allergy line,” advises Robins. Also, there are many supplements available, such as Omega 3′s that can help control dry skin.

Shed-X can reduce shedding in about two weeks.

“Shed X makes supplements  for both dogs and cats that work with your pet’s own bio-mechanisms to reduce shedding within two weeks,” says Robins. She also recommends asking an expert to help find the right solution.

She says, “I love going to Petco because they have a team of Certified Nutrition Advisors who can help guide pet parent’s decisions about their pet’s nutrition, especially when it comes to allergy season.”

Refresh Old Products

Hair and dander can live on pet throws and beds no matter how clean a pet is.  Robins says, “As part of a spring cleaning routine, it is especially important to change out these products and refresh them with a newer counterpart.”

Reduce hair and dander build up by regularly replacing beds and bedding.

Pets need fresh beds and blankets because sleeping in a pet parent’s bed or bedroom is not recommended for those with allergies.

“We all like to curl up in bed with our pets, but people who may be allergic may not be doing themselves any favors,” says Robins. Your airways are more  susceptible to irritants at night, partly because when you’re lying down, you’re closer to the ground where particles settle. Instead, teach pets to sleep in a separate room nearby with their nice, new comfy bed.”

Keep a Clean House

It’s very important to clean any excess hair or dander left by furry friends. Vacuum floors, dust counters and wash carpets in order to reduce the amount of allergens. “I despise pet air all over my house when guests come over so I especially love the new Roomba Vacuum Cleaner Pet Series 564,” says Robins.

The Roomba Pet Series 464 Cleaning Robot helps banish fur from your floors.

“The Roomba gets rid of dirt, pet hair, allergens, and the cat litter from carpets and hardwood floors and cuts down on the time you spend cleaning since it is easily maneuvers around the house on its own.”

Use pet-safe cleaning products like PawGanics.

For those who prefer something less futuristic, Bissell makes a handheld pet hair vacuum that is specifically designed for pet hair pick-up with a rubber nozzle that attracts pet hair.

When spring cleaning, it’s important to use a pet-safe cleaner. Much like children, dogs will put their mouth on things or even lick the floor so using a cleaning product that is safe and effective is extra important. In addition, cats walk on these surfaces and then lick their paws. “I recommend Pawganics, a line of cleaning and grooming products that are pet safe, baby safe and earth safe,” says Robins. “For those who are extra cautious, leave Fluffy or Fido tucked away in a separate room with an enticing toy while you clean to keep them super safe from toxins.”

Pet lifestyle expert and author Sandy Robins

About Sandy Robins

As one of the country’s leading multi-media pet lifestyle experts and author, Sandy Robins documents the wonderful relationship we have with our pets, highlighting trends and innovative ideas as they happen. Sandy documents this industry every step of the way. Her award-winning work is very visible on many of the country’s leading pet platforms, such as MSNBC.com and TodayShow.com. She is a regular contributor and columnist in multiple national publications such as Dog Fancy, Modern Dog and Cat Fancy and host of her own radio show, Pawsitively Pets Radio. Sandy is an avid campaigner for no-kill animal shelters and laws that protect animals everywhere.

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Steroids for Dogs - Tips and precautions for fast relief of allergy symptoms

Steroids for Dogs – Tips and precautions for fast relief of allergy symptoms

September 20, 2010 at 2:47 am Leave a comment

Steroids for dogs: In the control of symptoms of severe allergies, anti-inflammatory drugs provide effective assistance of high-inflammation and swelling. Most often used for a short period of time during performance testing and other means to control the symptoms of allergies dog is put in place.

steroid anti-inflammatory oral are usually prescribed and administered first to a starting dose with subsequent doses until the conical abandoned. A dog steroidsshould never be stopped suddenly or before the completion of all doses administered as prescribed by your veterinarian. That is because although the drug tapering is necessary to prevent a possible shortage of adrenaline in the dog’s body.

Please be aware that canine steroids are also used for other medical conditions than that dogs have allergies, including inflammation of the brain, spine, stomach and intestines, as well as arthritis and immune-mediateddisease.

In the treatment of allergy dog, steroids are considered the most problematic drugs in dogs, due to adverse short-and long-term steroid use. However, this should not discourage the use of a dog with steroids, because there are cases where a dog is the only steroid drug that can quickly control severe symptoms of allergy dog.

Although intended to be used in the short term, there are situations where a dogSteroids should be used permanently or continuously. However, when you can not be used for short-term treatment for allergies to dogs or other conditions as determined by your veterinarian in the family.

Side effects of steroid anti-inflammatory in dogs are more numerous than in cats. The most common is a dramatic increase in appetite and the drive continued, with frequent urination and weight gain was unexpected. Other side effects include mood swings, which can bedisconcerting, and panting. Steroid use can cause skin damage in the long term and very serious changes in the body, especially Cushing’s disease. With the use of steroids in the time of these internal changes may reduce the life expectancy of the dog.

However, steroid anti-inflammatory drugs are one of the largest and most effective drugs used today canine. Where appropriate, steroid canine are effective in controlling inflammation and swelling, which can relieve symptoms and allowtime for blood tests, laboratory tests, allergy skin tests and the identification and implementation of a course of treatment best suited to your dog.

See Also : Allergy Medicine products

Entry filed under: Allergy Relief Articles. Tags: Allergy, Hearing, precautions, protection, Relief, shooters, Steroids, symptoms.

Allergy and sinus relief personal front Variety of medications provide relief from allergies

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10 tips for dog park safety

Local dog parks offer recreation and socialization for canines and their owners. These facilities, often fenced for safety, allow dogs to run free and play rough-and-tumble games together. Although most dogs romp and play pleasantly, a dog park can quickly turn dangerous for humans and hounds. How can dog lovers prevent such hazards?

Practical precautions prevail, when it comes to dog park safety. Here are 10 basic tips for diminishing dangers at the pet park.

1. Check out the dog park before your dog's first trip.

Pet owners may be familiar with dog parks in their hometowns, but it pays to stop by before taking pets to play. This advance security step is particularly important while traveling, when human handlers may visit a pet park for the first time.

This initial inspection offers an opportunity to check fence lines, drinking water availability, parking options, and other facility features.

2. Keep your dog current medically.

No pet should be allowed to interact with other canines at the dog park without up-to-date immunizations and vaccinations. Worming, flea, and tick treatments are also prudent. A sick or parasite-infested dog can easily spread his condition to others during play.

3. Train your dog first.

Basic training in voice commands and simple hand signals must precede the first trip to the dog park. A dog should come when called before he is turned loose among others of his kind.

Many pet owners use remote-controlled collars as added insurance for dog park excursions.

4. Leave toys, treats, and tots out.

Balls, flying disks, and other dog biscuits can incite fighting among excited canines. Smart pet owners keep playthings and picnics out of the dog park.

Little kids may not be strong or savvy enough to steer clear of rough dog play. It's safer to reserve dog park trips for pets only, rather than trying to babysit at the same time.

5. Avoid peak dog park times.

Dogs grow rowdiest in herds. Wise human handlers visit dog parks during less crowded times, at least for their first trips. Weekdays are ideal, as dog parks are popular on weekends, holidays, and evenings.

6. Observe the dogs at the park as you arrive.

A watchful pet owner sizes up the tone of the dog park quickly, even before stepping through the gate. Do any dogs appear aggressive? Are suspicious-looking people lurking about? For personal and pet safety, it pays to peek at the park and the parking lot before entering.

7. Watch your dog vigilantly.

Although dog lovers tend to socialize at the park, the shrewd master keeps an eye on her own pet. Dogs telegraph their intents by barking and body language, and a keen handler can spot a fight brewing.

Ideally, the dog park user takes one canine per visit, unless she takes human assistants or no other dogs are present.

8. Know the difference between dog play and fighting.

Not all growling, tumbling and nipping are outright aggression. Dogs may play rough. Still, educated canine handlers spot trouble before it escalates into danger.

Still, for safety's sake, young puppies don't belong at dog parks, These fragile tykes are particularly vulnerable to larger, aggressive canines. It's better to wait until puppies are several months old and have completed early immunization series before taking them to the dog park.

9. Don't jump into a dog fight.

The most affectionate dog can become fierce when instincts kick in during a fight. Many well-meaning dog lovers have suffered critical injuries, simply trying to break up dog fights.

Experienced dog trainers work in pairs, grabbing the hind legs of fighting dogs to separate them. A safer method for most is to blow bike horns or spray battling dogs with water misters.

If injuries occur, dog handlers must exchange names and phone numbers, in case follow-up is needed after medical attention is sought. Bite-and-run injuries should be reported.

10. Be flexible.

Caring pet handlers are willing to leave the dog park early, if the scene becomes unsafe for animals or people.

These simple steps can keep humans and dogs safer at the park. Of course, one final reminder is in order. Any dog park visitor does well to watch her step!

Source: Yahoo

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