Dog Allergies Treatment - Help For Itchy Dogs

Dog Allergies Treatment - Help For Itchy Dogs by Jennifer Grets

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.

Jennifer is a pet health professional specializing in dog allergies treatment.

Technorati Tags: All About Labradors Labrador Retriever Labradors Dogs Pets

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6027892

Continue Reading...

Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs

Richard and Vicki Horowitz of Bark Busters Home Dog Training discuss ways to make sure you and your canine companion have a happy and safe Halloween.



Technorati Tags: All About Labradors Labrador Retriever Labradors Dogs Pets Halloween dogs dog Halloween safety

Continue Reading...

Free Sample of Hartz Crunch ‘n Clean Dog Treats Today at 1:00 PM EST)

"Visit the Hartz Facebook page today, 10/19/11 at 1:00 PM EST to get a Free Sample of their Crunch ‘n Clean Dog Treats. They will be giving away 500 Free samples.



"Hartz Crunch 'n Clean Biscuits® are the only dog biscuits with Dentashield® proven to reduce tartar formation. Savory Flavors™ dog biscuits are three meatly flavor biscuit varieties dogs crave most. Each flavor, Braised Beef, Rotisserie Chicken, and Smokehouse Bacon is oven-baked and basted to seal in extra flavor dogs love."

Technorati Tags: All About Labradors Labrador Retriever Labradors Dogs Pets

Continue Reading...

Win a year's supply of Dog Food and Treats from Wellness Natural Pet Food

Here's you chance to win a year's supply of dog food and treats from Wellness natural pet food.



"Created by nutritionists, vets and animal lovers, Wellness is a complete line of healthy, natural food and treats for dogs. All Wellness recipes include lean meats, whole grains, fruits and veggies with no wheat, corn or soy, and no added artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Wellness pet food is part of a nutritionally balanced diet that helps support your pet's total well-being."

The Wellness Natural Pet Food Giveaway runs through 12/13/11 at 11:59 AM (ET) and you can enter once per day.



Three lucky winners will each receive a year's supply of dog (or cat) food and treats from Wellness Natural Pet Food. The year’s worth of dog food will be fulfilled in the form of coupons good for $500 of pet food and treats!

Technorati Tags: All About Labradors Labrador Retriever Labradors Dogs Pets Dog food Wellness dog food Win dog food

Continue Reading...

Halloween Safety For Your Dog

Halloween Safety For Your Dog by Rick Touhey

Our dogs have become such a large part of our families that we often want to include them in all of our activities. When including our dogs in our daily lives we need to make sure that they are safe during every event. Halloween is no exception! At this time of year veterinarians see a large number of pets for illnesses and injuries that can be easily prevented by taking a few simple precautions.



First of all, there are a number of hidden dangers for our dogs around Halloween with chocolate and candy being the most dangerous threats to them. Both milk chocolate and dark chocolate are extremely toxic to dogs because chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical found naturally in the cacao bean. Typically, the darker the chocolate, the more concentrated the theobromine. When ingested by dogs, it can cause central nervous system distress and can even be fatal. While most of us know about the dangers of chocolate to dogs, not as many are aware of the dangers of candy. Most candies contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol and even when consumed in small amounts it can cause an unexpected drop in blood sugar, seizures, and a lack of coordination.

What about the wrappers? Let's face it, our dogs do not really care that the chocolate or candy is wrapped. As far as they know it is just part of the treat, however, wrappers of all kinds can cause intestinal blockages. While this sounds dark and gloomy, these dangers can be easily avoided by keeping your candy dish well out of your dog's reach.

In addition to Halloween treats, decorations can be another hazard for our pets. They come in many shapes and sizes and for whatever the reason, dogs like to chew on things they should not. Thus, both indoor decorations and outdoor decorations, such as window clings and those made of Styrofoam, can be potentially dangerous to dogs. Halloween lights can be unsafe for our dogs as well. Chewing on them while they are plugged in can be particularly hazardous for dogs, especially puppies, as they like to chew on the wires and smaller lights. Although your dog may find such decorations a real treat to chew on, choking and intestinal blockages are immediate concerns. It is important that you try to keep these things in mind as you decorate for the holiday and make sure to keep an eye on your dog at all times while decorations are on display.

Besides decorating our houses, many of us like to dress up our dogs for Halloween. As you know, this can be fun and cute to us, but it can be very stressful to our dogs especially if they are not used to it. If you really want to dress up your dog check with your trainer to find out how you can make it stress free. You will also want to make sure that your choice of costume is safe. Often times, dog clothing and costumes have little objects that dangle from them. While it is likely that your dog may find that these small dangling items can become toys, they also represent a possible choking hazard.

We must also be considerate of our own costumes around Halloween time as dogs are not used to the way we humans change our "fur" all the time. Just the sight of a familiar person wearing a jacket may cause stress to some dogs. Imagine how they might feel when they see all the little ghosts and goblins running around. This can be extremely stressful to our dogs. If you find that your dog is uncomfortable or growling as trick or treaters approach find a "safe haven" for them and provide them with something safe to chew on.

In conclusion, we can keep our dogs safe and prevent unnecessary trips to the vet by following a few simple guidelines. There are a number of things below to consider as Halloween approaches:

1. Make sure candy is out of your dog's reach at all times.


2. Inform all adults and children in the house that they should not give candy to your dog.

3. Watch your dog around decorations.

4. Consult your dog trainer on ways to desensitize your dog to wearing costumes.

5. Check for small objects on costumes that your dog may chew on.

6. Establish a place that your dog finds safe and give him or her a safe chew toy that will keep him or her busy until all the little ghosts and goblins have gone home.

If we all work together and practice a few safety rules our dogs and other pets can enjoy Halloween just as much as we do.

For more information on Halloween costumes and other dog products visit http://www.petcollarshop.com/.

Rick Touhey is a graduate of Animal Behavior College. My certification, education and experience provide me the skills required to effectively and humanely train your dog while keeping alive that special bond that makes your dog so special to you. Feel free to contact me via http://www.pawsitivek9.net/ for more advice on fitting dog collars.

Technorati Tags: All About Labradors Labrador Retriever Labradors Dogs Pets

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5152140 Halloween Labrador Print. [Online image] Available http://www.zazzle.com/halloween_labrador_poster-228175440177912353, October 16, 2011.

Continue Reading...

Halloween Safety for Dogs

Halloween Safety for Dogs By Lauren Howanski

Halloween is not only a fun holiday for children, but dogs and their owners as well! Dressing up, trick or treating and eating tasty treats can be the best perks of Halloween for humans and dogs alike. There are also many potential hazards and sources of stress for your dog during this holiday that can be easily avoided by following these few simple tips.



Dressing your dog up is one of the best parts of Halloween. From pirates to pigs, fairies to elephants, something about a dog dressed up in a costume is just too cute not to do. However, making sure your dog is comfortable and calm in clothing is key before deciding on a costume. Start by taking a simple article of clothing such as a pumpkin bandanna, or a light weight t-shirt like our Ghost Dog Tee. If your dog seems to like dressing up and is not bothered by the clothing, then a costume could be the next step! Make sure to choose an outfit that fits your dog properly. If it's too tight, it can cause discomfort and cut off circulation. If it's too loose it can get stuck on objects or cause your dog walking issues from tripping over the excess fabric. The best way to ensure a proper fit is to take your dog's measurements then compare with a size chart. After you have accurate measurements, you can pick out one of our adorable costumes to dress your fur baby in!

Another safety hazard for dogs is all the candy laying around. Many people leave candy out in a bowl for trick or treaters, and a lot gets dropped from children running house to house. Make sure to keep extra close attention to what your dog is eating and keep them away from all candy and wrappers that could cause harm. In order to prevent your dog from going after any food in sight, stock up on dog friendly treats like our Trick or Treat Rawhides. These natural dog chews are safe and tasty for your dog to chomp, while providing an extra special Halloween treat! One major point of stress on Halloween for your dog is the constant ringing of the doorbell. Most dogs tend to get overexcited when the doorbell rings, so imagining it ringing all day! If your dog tends to get worked up over the doorbell it may be best to keep them at a distance by using a dog or baby gate to confine them to an area in the house they feel comfortable in away from the door.

For more information, please refer to our Doggie Vogue Blog.

Technorati Tags: All About Labradors Labrador Retriever Labradors Dogs Pets

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5092868. Photo courtesy of http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/holiday/halloween/

Continue Reading...

This Simple Home Remedy Cures Most Canine Skin Issues - No Drugs Needed...

Your dog's skin abrasions, cuts, hot spots and minor infections can be safely and easily treated at home.



Today I'm here with my model, Rosco, a Boston terrier who is one of my pack. He's going to help me demonstrate how to deal with minor skin abrasions, cuts, infections and hot spots.

Rosco swims in a small body of water in front of our house. It's a pond in the spring, and more like a swamp during the summer months.

Rosco swims and splashes around out there every day during warm weather, and as a result, he gets an impressive collection of bacteria on his skin.

When Regular Bathing Isn't Enough

Even though Rosco and our other dogs get regular baths, all of them still wind up with localized skin infections on their bellies. It happens every summer without fail. I don't panic about it, but I do know I need to address the situation as soon as I see it or the bacteria will continue to spread.

If a localized skin infection is left untreated, your dog could wind up on antibiotics, which is something we want to avoid.

I've never had to resort to antibiotics to treat my dogs' bacterial skin infections, because I do two things as soon as I notice a problem:

* Clean the skin and keep it clean
* Disinfect the area regularly to stay ahead of the infection

Rosco's Bumpy Belly

Rosco and our other dogs started getting these acne-like bumps on their bellies a couple weeks ago.

What's interesting about these infections is one pimple will appear while another is healing. There's a cycle of eruption and healing – as one pimple is erupting, another is slowly disappearing.

You can think of these bumps as similar to human acne. It's not a life-threatening condition, but if you don't address and control it, it can get much worse and may ultimately require medication.

As you can see when I stand Rosco up here that his infection is on his sternum. We can see healing eruptions, and we can also see a few lesions below those. They're not bothering Rosco, but they bother me because I don't want them to spread.

So, it's time for another treatment.

Treating with Povidone Iodine

For skin infections like Rosco's, and also hot spots, minor abrasions, and any other skin problem that either is infected or could become infected, we want to disinfect with a gentle solution.

The solution I'm about to use will take care of staph, yeast, and pretty much any common bacteria, but doesn't sting or irritate the dog's skin at all. And it's safe if dogs lick the area after cleaning.

It's povidone iodine, and I use it here at Natural Pet and also at home. You can buy it at any pharmacy.

For the purpose of disinfecting skin, you want to dilute the povidone iodine until it's the color of iced-tea. I'll pour a little of the iodine in a dish and add some warm water to dilute it.

The Disinfecting Process

Now I take a clean washcloth and soak it in the diluted povidone iodine solution.

My helper is going to hold Rosco up so I can access his belly and disinfect his sores. I'm just wiping the iodine-soaked washcloth over his sores, which removes the bacteria around the eruptions.

All animals, including humans, have normal levels of flora (bacteria) on the skin, as does Rosco. The goal isn't to rub the skin raw of all bacteria, but just gently disinfect the whole belly, paying special attention to the areas where there are lesions and eruptions that could evolve into a more serious, secondary skin infection.

Now I'll rinse out the washcloth, do one more swipe across Rosco's tummy, and pat him dry.

The great thing about povidone iodine is it's completely harmless if ingested. So Rosco can lick his belly with no problem.

I recommend you do this disinfecting process twice a day if your dog has a minor skin infection or other problem. It has effectively resolved all the skin infections my dogs have acquired and prevented the need for antibiotics.




Technorati Tags: All About Labradors Labrador Retriever Labradors Dogs Pets canine skin issues dog's skin abrasions hot spots

Continue Reading...

Cosequin Coupons

Here are two coupons to help your savings on Cosequin Joint Supplements.

Cosequin products are scientifically formulated to support and maintain the health of your Labrador Retriever's joints and connective tissue. Cosequin has been supporting joint health for over 10 years.

$3/1 Cosequin Dog Joint Supplement Coupon

$5/1 Cosequin Joint Supplement Coupon (this one states BJ’s, but you should be able to used it anywhere)

If you don't see the Cosequin coupons when you click the link, click "Pet Care" in the left sidebar on the coupons.com site.

Technorati Tags: All About Labradors Labrador Retriever Labradors Dogs Pets

This post contains affiliate link(s), which may result in compensation for AllAboutLabradors.blogspot.com. For more information about All About Labradors please read our Disclaimer and Disclosure Policies. We've shared this information to inform you of your option to either use our affiliated links or to go directly to the site of interest.

Continue Reading...

Free Pork Chomps Dog Treats Sample

"Pork Chomps are the long-lasting chews that dogs love. They are made of baked pork skin, which is easily digestible and naturally delicious. Their great taste is only enhanced by Pork Chomps' intense flavor stripz in peanut butter, bacon, chicken and pepperoni flavors. That's part of the reason why dogs choose Pork Chomps 9 to 1 over ordinary rawhide in independent taste testing!"

As per the Pork Chomps Facebook page you can try a free sample.

"Want to Try Pork Chomps?

If you still haven't tried Pork Chomps or would just like a sample, send your name, address, # of dogs you own, and their sizes to: chompers@porkchomps.com"

Technorati Tags: All About Labradors Labrador Retriever Labradors Dogs Pets

Continue Reading...

Free “Feed Your Way to A Healthy Pet” eBook

The Honest Kitchen has a new free eBook available for download with some great tips on how feeding your pet healthy food can have a huge impact on their overall health.



The twenty page booklet is packed with information on pet food and nutrition, pet food allergies, pet dental health, pet obesity, and homemade pet food. Offering insights from a holistic point of view, the tips provided are both helpful and practical.

The last few pages of the Feed Your Way to A Healthy Pet eBook are particularly helpful. They consist of a a chart of pet food ingredients which lays out the "Good,
Bad, and Ugly" things to look for in the following categories: meat, fish & oils, other proteins, vegetables & fruits, preservatives, grains, vitamins & minerals, other, and processing.

Download here: Feed Your Way to A Healthy Pet eBook

About The Honest Kitchen: "The Honest Kitchen is a company of pet lovers, with a passion for food. They produce a line of holistic dehydrated, human-grade, whole foods for pets."

Technorati Tags: All About Labradors Labrador Retriever Labradors Dogs Pets free pet eBook dog health dog food

Continue Reading...