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
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareDog crate training is one of the most effective ways... Read More
Opening your heart to a Pomeranian can be fun, but... Read More
If you take a quick look at this species they... Read More
Nutrition and Your Dog's Behavior Proper nutrition is the fundamental... Read More
To the uninitiated horse owner, there are timely facts about... Read More
As dogs grow older, their senses become less sharp and... Read More
Occasionally, some of us get to do work that is... Read More
The large animal organizations and the public money.It is said... Read More
Dog obedience training starts even before you get your puppy... Read More
Animal Communication, or telepathy with animals, is as common an... Read More
Even a cat that compulsively cleans itself can benefit from... Read More
In compiling some information on achieving a proper fit to... Read More
Buying a purebred dog is not something that should be... Read More
Fleas are wingless, blood-sucking insects that feed on dog, cats,... Read More
You've probably had a day or two when you felt... Read More
A few years ago, before I decided to stay home... Read More
Almost every dog owner will have to use some sort... Read More
Pets are family members and should be treated as such.... Read More
All puppies are small dogs ? some, however, won't be... Read More
Dog Travel SuppliesThe shopping part along for dog travel supplies... Read More
Puppy CarePuppy care can be a lot of work, but... Read More
Stroking your cat can be good for your health! It... Read More
The first thing a cat owner should know about home... Read More
Are you considering buying a dog for your child or... Read More
Our Charlie's dog health was a very important issue to... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..Dogs make great loyal pets and are always pleased to... Read More
To teach a dog to jump, with your right hand... Read More
You do clean your house don't you? Well you have... Read More
Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world... Read More
"Hamsters?!" I hear you say. "Who cares about some fury... Read More
Annual Vaccinations for Your Dog?Are they really necessary? - In... Read More
Thinking of getting a pet for your little ones? How... Read More
As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More
As all cat owners know, a feline can be a... Read More
Dog's come in all shapes and sizes ? out of... Read More
We are all busy these days and I know it's... Read More
Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable,... Read More
If the "tweet, tweet" of little beaks is in your... Read More
The days are getting longer, and if you have a... Read More
Buying a new dog is more than simply finding the... Read More
The best thing to do is to start training your... Read More
Because it is intelligent and energetic, a Westie terrier is... Read More
If you are seriously considering keeping fish as pets or... Read More
We have all grown up with at least one hero... Read More
Traditionally, a doggie treat was just that, a treat that... Read More
You know what it's like. You see a cute curly... Read More
"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil... Read More
A crate is a valuable and useful training tool. Its... Read More
Let me introduce my dogs. I have 3, Nikki and... Read More
Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More
Pet |