Dog Allergy and Remedy

Because of the unstoppable modernization of our society today, more people find ways to pacify their stress. One of these ways is to have a pet at home. We all know that most of us especially the dog lovers consider dogs as the perfect pet for anyone. Some even treat their pets as humans, dress them up and let them sleep in their own beds! But, how much do you know about your dog health? Do you know that dogs can acquire allergies like humans, too?

Yes, new allergies develop each day and increases in severity of existing ones. Dogs also suffer seasonal allergies involving pollen, plants, and molds, just like us. But the most common dog allergies include flea allergy, dog food allergy, contact allergy and occasionally an allergic reaction to vaccinations. Dog allergies caused by different substances generally produce symptoms that affect the skin, affecting you dog health. If your dog scratches and licks himself especially his belly and paws continuously; with sore, red patches of skin, and patchy hair loss, he definitely suffers from allergies.

Other symptoms include sneezing, coughing, persistent head shaking or discharge from the eyes or nose. Small dogs or puppies commonly do not develop dog allergies until they become a year old or more. Their exposure to allergens in the environment, food, and others sensitizes them to certain substances and tend to develop allergies. Treating an allergy that appeared recently seems easier than the one present and untreated for a long period of time. Canine allergies can severely affect a dog health because the symptoms it produces can make your dog very miserable and uncomfortable, unless you treat it carefully. Dogs do not get better by themselves.

In order to protect your dog health, minimize your pup's exposure to as many “triggers” as possible to lessen the chances of developing canine allergies in later life. Feed him a high-quality food without dangerous chemicals and artificial additives. Use a good, effective flea medication on your pup during flea’s season. Give him a regular bath and grooming, and minimize your dogs' contact with long grasses.

It is advisable to take your dog to a veterinarian that can perform either skin tests or blood tests to determine the exact cause of the allergy. But if in case your dog's skin conditions looks severe and appears to be infected, your veterinarian may prescribe corticosteroids, cortisone shots or allergy medications. You can also use products available in the market that can help you treat the skin allergy symptoms that your dog may be experiencing. Different shampoos such as hypoallergenic or hydrocortisone formula, itch stop sprays, lotions and salves can soothe and reduce inflammation. Hydrocortisone products also help in fast healing. All of these products are of big help to your dog health if allergy occurs.

Some dietary supplements and excellent dog foods that contain pure, natural ingredients can also improve skin condition and boost immunity. It can also end food allergies and strengthen the digestive and immune system. Vomiting, diarrheas, loss of appetite or lethargy are symptoms that are often mistaken as food allergy instead of food intolerance. To expose a food allergy and isolate the offending ingredients, perform an elimination diet for the betterment of your dog health. These symptoms also indicate one of several serious canine illnesses, so better seek veterinary attention.

Occasionally, dogs suffer allergic reactions to a vaccination. Most of these vaccine reactions are mild involving lethargy, loss of appetite or a slight fever. We rarely encounter vaccination's moderate to severe reactions, but it can seriously affect your dog health. Development of any swelling or hives on your pet's body, particularly around or on his face after taking his shots minutes or several hours later is definitely serious. This could even progress to swelling of his throat, difficult breathing, seizure and even death. Seek immediate veterinary attention before it's too late.

We may think that dog allergies are usual, but we must do something to reduce the chances of putting our dog health at stake. If you suspect your pup experiences a canine allergy of some sort, you figure out what is causing the problem and make him feel better! Know about your dog health before anything gets worse. In that way, you will feel better, too, and can enjoy more time with your pet.