Many people don't realize that their dogs, just like human beings, can suffer from allergies. In fact, about twenty percent of the dogs in the United States alone suffer from one allergy or another, with flea allergy dermatitis being the most common form of allergies in dogs. Other types include atopic dermatitis, food allergies, and inhalant allergies.
Signs and symptoms of dog allergies may vary but are often marked by persistent itching and discoloration of the skin (most common in skin allergies), coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and mucus discharge (most common in inhalant allergies), and nausea, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea (common to food allergies and other ailments.)
Over-the-counter preparations and treatments for common dog allergies exist and may be purchased at any good pet supply store, but care should be taken when choosing such treatments. Consultation with a vet is the best first course of action for several reasons. First of all, what you think is an allergic reaction may actually be signs of a more serious ailment and a vet should be the one to determine whether that is the case. Secondly, if the allergy is severe enough, over-the-counter treatments may not be sufficient to treat the symptoms and a prescription strength treatment may be required. There is also the chance that the dog does not have an allergy at all. The last thing you want to do is medicate your pet unnecessarily.
If you do think your dog has some type of allergy, consult your vet. The doctor will be able to perform tests to determine whether an allergic condition exists, how severe it is, and what the proper treatment will be. If the dog has an allergy to certain foods, it will be imperative to restrict the animal's diet to eliminate those items that cause a reaction. The vet's testing methods can help to determine whether this type of allergy exists as well. If the dog has flea allergy dermatitis (an allergic reaction to the saliva of fleas, rather than to the insects themselves), an extreme flea prevention regimen will be recommended.
Just like humans, dogs that suffer from various allergies can live comfortably with them if they are detected and treated properly. It is important to keep in mind that this is not a time to "play doctor" by attempting to diagnose and treat a possible allergic condition yourself. Only your veterinarian is qualified to determine whether your dog is suffering from allergies and what course of action to take.
This article may be published in it's entirety provided an active (clickable) link to http://dogblog.thynke.com is included along with the "About the Author" resource box.
Mike Nalbone is the publisher of The Dog Blog at: http://dogblog.thynke.com
green cleaning service Park Ridge ..Have a dog lover on your gift list? Want to... Read More
The performing of dog tricks, while not a necessary part... Read More
What does doing natural preventative care mean? I thought vaccinating,... Read More
Hopefully no one is pulling the leash. The ideal situation... Read More
Nearly every puppy in the world is born with roundworms.... Read More
Our dogs are now, more than ever, a very important... Read More
As I listen on my long drive to my grandpa's... Read More
While "late is better than never," sooner is better than... Read More
The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have... Read More
There are many places to find Westie merchandise, but before... Read More
You spoil your pooch as close to rotten as you... Read More
Humming birds are wonderful birds that are smart, playful, and... Read More
Why is it that cats get no respect? Are they... Read More
Puppies and dogs, as mentioned, are social creatures. When they... Read More
How can my child benefit from having a pet?1.Social skills... Read More
Did you know that more than one million north americans... Read More
A few years ago, before I decided to stay home... Read More
Pet DoorsAre you considering installing a pet door for your... Read More
Many different skin problems can arise in the aquarium. thankfully,... Read More
A German Shepherd puppy can become a very welcome member... Read More
When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why... Read More
In a recent discussion about pet safety, the services provided... Read More
Did you know that there are key health benefits that... Read More
Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More
Nobody likes ticks.In fact, when it comes to ticks I... Read More
cleaning help near Bannockburn ..Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world... Read More
Pets are people, too. At least, that's the way they... Read More
Poor Dog. Subjected to my most ambitious experiments, she still... Read More
When Lucky was starting to show signs of aging, we... Read More
I'm a dog lover who believes that every dog owners... Read More
Over the past decade, breed rescue groups have become a... Read More
Since having a dog is such a common thing, do... Read More
I was talking to a friend of mine today and... Read More
"Mom, can we get a puppy?" Who hasn't heard that... Read More
We have all grown up with at least one hero... Read More
I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years,... Read More
Pet friendly vacations and travel planning make sense -- after... Read More
Every month I am approached by dog owners of my... Read More
A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend... Read More
He will be there by your side, as your loving... Read More
This article discusses two foods in paticual. For the puppy... Read More
A dog crate is a necessity for your dog, through... Read More
Although many horsemen and trainers extol the virtues of the... Read More
The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500... Read More
Playing reinforces the bond between you and your cat.Playing with... Read More
You can't imagine the kind of varieties of Goldfish there... Read More
So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general... Read More
"Where's the harm? My cat seems to enjoy chocolate and... Read More
According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs... Read More
Yes! We love our wonderful and dear Pooches! We care... Read More
Pet |