What You Need To Know About Dog Allergies
Most dogs will suffer a reaction at some point, this will last a day or two and never appear as an allergy. However more than 40 % of the worlds population will suffer from a severe allergy. These animals will scratch and lick the affected area that they can reach, leading to raw and uncomfortable skin. As humans we can resits an itch but to an animal it is impossible.
Some of the most common signs of a dog suffering with allergies includes frequent licking and scratching, face rubbing, ears that itch, sneezing, vomiting, and even diarrhea. Other signs can include ear infections and watery, itchy eyes. When left untreated, allergies can lead to other problems including hot spots. These spots can cause your pet a lot of pain, especially if they become infected.
Commonly a dog will show signs of allergies around age three, if not sooner. Some dogs will not show signs until much later in life, sometimes as late as age eight or nine. Several things can cause dog allergies with the most common cause fleas. The flea saliva, not the insect, causes the allergic reaction. If you find even a single flea, there remains a good chance that several more exist. Even one flea can cause much grief for a dog that has an allergy. Treat your pet immediately at the first sign of fleas to eliminate this problem.
Rubber and plastic remain the primary material that many of the toys and dishes developed for pets are made from. The also remain two of the products that cause allergies in dogs. They can both become scratched allowing for bacteria to live in them. Steel dishes remain the preferred choice for pets to prevent any allergies or health issues caused by bacterial growth.
Other common allergens include inhalants such as dust, feathers, perfumes and cigarette smoke. When prone to allergies, dogs may experience issues caused by grass, weeds, pollen, mold, and dander, similar to a human. The process of elimination tops the list of easiest ways to determine the cause of problems in your pet. In many cases, elimination of the allergen once it has been determined remains a necessary step. In certain cases alternative treatments remain only thing available to your pet's relief until the allergen passes. For instance, in the spring and in the fall when pollen levels peak, treatment until the season passes remains the only option.
Often pet owners, surprised to learn of their pet's allergy to their food, learn quickly of the importance of providing a food high in proteins. Dog food allergies occur in approximately 15 percent of the dogs that have allergies. Many of these animals will develop fewer allergic reactions when fed products that do not contain corn meal and other by-products.
Often eliminating foods that contain grains as their main ingredient and instead replacing them with foods that contain meats will effectively eliminate the problem while providing an increase in the amount of protein and fat required for a healthy dog. If the dog allergies do not improve within a month, veterinary care is recommended. Certain skin infections and fungal infections can present similar symptoms and will require specific treatment to cure.
About the Author
This article is intended to give a brief overview of dogs and their potential allegies. If in doubt, contact your vet. http://www.chudleys.com
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