Miss Daisy
Canine Reporter

As a dog, I have had my share of allergies that were very uncomfortable with itching and scratching. I have chewed my skin raw with no hair left on my tail and became exceedingly irritable.

Other symptoms include anal itching, shaking of my head, ear inflammations, licking front paws, rubbing faces on carpeting and rarely vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, sneezing, asthma like symptoms, behavioral changes or seizures.

I can feel your pain.

Below is information that can help your owners give us relief.

The most common is itching of the skin, either localized (one area) or generalized (all over your dog).  A normal dog experiences only minor irritation in response to flea bites, often without any itching.  However, just one bite may cause such intense itching that the dog may severely scratch or chew himself, leading to the removal of large amounts of hair.  ”

Your dog’s reaction, however, usually produces severe, generalized itching.  This is a non-specific approach, which does not treat the allergy, only the complications of the allergic state (itching).  In addition to removing surface antigens, bathing alone will provide some temporary relief from itching.

For most dogs, a realistic goal is for the itching to be significantly reduced in severity; in some dogs, itching may completely resolve.  A therapeutic approach is recommended for the middle-aged or older dog that has year round itching caused by inhalant allergy.

The main symptoms of food allergies in dogs include facial itching, chronic hot spots, limb chewing, belly itching, recurrent ear infections and dry, itchy skin.  These problems may range in poor coat texture or length, to itching and chewing, to hot spots and self-mutilation.  The itching may be most severe on feet, flanks, groin and armpits.

Corticosteroids. These compounds reduce itching by reducing inflammation.  They tend to reduce inflammation that may lead to skin sores but are not as effective in reducing itching. If the signs of atopy occur for less than three months out of the year, oral medications (like cortisone) then may be used to control itching.

Many people don’t suspect food allergies as the cause of their dog’s itching because their pet has been fed the same food all its life and has just recently started having symptoms.  Inhaling animal dander may cause allergic reactions, including sneezing, watery and itching eyes, hives, coughing and constricting of bronchial tubes, making breathing difficult.

Proteins in dog saliva and skin dander are what cause the miserable itching, swelling, and sneezing.  They can be developed due to flea collars, plastic food bowls, pet sweaters, plants, grass or wool bedding and they manifest through swelling, redness, itching and hair loss.

Prednisone is often prescribed for these dogs to get the itching under control while the antibiotic deals with the bacterial infection.  When late fall comes, the itching usually stops and hair begins to grow back.  In fact, the most common cause of itching in the dog is atopy (inhalant allergy).

On the downside, Airedale’s coat should be trimmed by a profession al, as they require their hair to be “plucked” or it will cause unhealthy skin problems, severe irritation, itching and of course, dander.

The itching produced by a ragweed allergy is the same as that produced by oak pollen allergy.  In other words, an individual animal or person can be allergic to many different things with the end result (itching) being the same.

However, if fleas are crawling around on your dog, the itching will increase.  Although getting rid of all of your dog’s fleas will not stop the itching, it will make it much easier to control the itching successfully.  In addition, other food allergies, contact sensitivities, parasitic, and metabolic causes of itching will usually not subside completely until the underlying cause is identified and eliminated or modified.

If your dog is itching and scratching, has excessive shedding, a dull coat, chronic weight loss, bad breath, or joint pain, it is most likely rooted in dog allergies or poor nutrition.

If your dog has an allergy to grass or tree pollen, then the symptoms will show up seasonally, as they do in their human counterparts, and you will most likely see watery eyes, itching of the skin and licking at the paws.

Prevention is better than a cure for dog allergies, and will save time, money and relief for all.

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Daisy Sawtelle
Canine Reporter

As a dog that has allergies, I can report that we can suffer just like humans do. However, recent studies show that dog ownership can protect against the development of allergies in young children. Therefore, dog owners may not want to part with their pets, despite the symptoms they endure.

Since dander allergens are sticky, they can be brought to these places on the clothing of pet owners. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), nearly 10 million pet owners are allergic to their animals. For dog owners with allergies, avoidance is not easy. Many pet owners will be able to control their allergies without taking the drastic measure of finding a new home for their dog.

Pollen and dust granules are inhaled by dogs just as they are by dog owners, but instead of producing sinus congestion and a sore throat, they cause the skin to itch, the hair to fall out, and, with prolonged scratching, the eruption of pustules that often become infected.

Some dogs may get relief from antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), clemastine (Tavist) or chlorapheniramine (Chlortrimetron), but owners should ask their veterinarian for proper dosage for their pet and may have to try more than one before finding the formula that helps.

Some dog owners swear by garlic and brewers yeast to keep fleas away, but no evidence exists to prove these plant products are valuable preventives. Other dog owners plant herbs such as pennyroyal, southernwood, or wormwood around dog kennels or near doorways and use herbal flea collars, brush lavender or eucalyptus oil into the dog’s coat once a week, or sprinkle dried leaves of lavender, rosemary, sage, or eucalyptus in the dogs bed to keep the little bloodsuckers at bay, but the jury is still out on effectiveness.

While waging all-out war on fleas, dog owners should also use the same treatments that work for inhalant allergies to reduce the itching and ease the discomfort of irritated skin. Many dog owners are surprised to learn that food allergies are not always related to a new food or diet.

Dog owners should routinely check their dog’s skin and feel for any lumps, bumps or other skin conditions.

People with dog allergies should first visit with a Bichon to test their individual reaction before committing to ownership. Skin problems in Bichons were less often reported by owners in a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, but were still more prevalent than among other breeds. In subsequent years Bichon ownership, especially in the Eastern states, climbed dramatically.

Allergies to dogs can strike anyone at any age, yet with how attached most owners are to their dogs, they seem to chose living with their allergies rather then giving up their beloved pets. Poodles are an excellent choice for allergen sensitive owners. In fact, some poodle owners even learn how to clip their own dogs. The fact that these small dogs are frequently bathed may be one reason why people with dog allergies have few symptoms with owning this breed.

Itchy skin is one of the most common complaints of pet owners but the reasons for itchy skin can be numerous.

There are five known types of dog allergies:

• Food allergy,
• Flea allergy,
• Bacteria allergy,
• Contact allergy and
• Atopy.

Dog allergies are a common form of allergy in the United States. Dog allergies may produce symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing, skin rash, swelling, and breathing problems. Dog allergies are very similar to human allergies and also produce the same symptoms as human allergies.

Allergies can make your dog very uncomfortable. Allergies to fleas are not caused by the flea itself, but rather the flea’s saliva. Allergies can include skin allergies, dog food allergies (particularly corn and soy), house dust and dust mites, ragweed.

Dog allergies are very similar to human allergies and also produce the same symptoms as human allergies. Prevention is better than cure; the best premium all-natural diet is the first weapon against dog skin problems and dog allergies. Avoidance still, the most effective way to manage dog allergies is to prevent them. Although dog hair attracts and spreads allergens, hair is not the culprit of dog allergies.

Owners should choose a natural alternative to fighting dog allergies by supporting a healthy system with holistic remedies, supplements, herbal remedies, homeopathy and more.

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Miss Daisy

Canine Reporter

From personal experience as a dog, I have several suggestions for training humans to become better dog mentors.

No matter what kind of allergy your dog has, avoiding the allergen that triggers the disease minimizes the symptoms experienced by your pet, and keeps your pet healthy and allergy-free.

The most common is itching of the skin, either localized (one area) or generalized (all over the dog). If your dog is allergic to such substances, there will be skin irritation and itching at the points of contact. There will often be open sores or scabs on the skin, allowing a secondary bacterial infection to begin.

Skin allergies are very common in dogs. Skin diseases in dogs such as ear infections and allergies, are some of the most common health problems in dogs. Skin irritation usually shows up around the eyes and mouth, armpits, stomach, and anal area.

For skin condition try: Mist or wipe the spots with a solution of Oxy-Drops (1 teaspoon + 1 cup distilled water). Skin or serum (blood) testing for different allergens may then be performed to help pinpoint the exact cause.

The most common is itching of the skin, either localized (one area) or generalized (all over the dog). On the other hand, the flea allergic dog has a severe, itch-producing reaction when the flea’s saliva is deposited in the skin. There will often be open sores or scabs on the skin, allowing a secondary bacterial infection to begin.

Is your dog always scratching his skin, causing blisters and sores to form all over his body. Using shampoos that contain eucalyptus and aloe vera can help relieve the itching that your dog experiences until the skin heals. Diets rich in vitamins, minerals and fatty acids also aid in keeping your dog’s skin healthy.

Unlike humans who react to allergens with nasal symptoms, dogs react with skin problems. Food allergies account for only about 10% of allergy problems in dogs, however they are easily treated so it makes sense to test for them if you suspect they may be the culprit of your dog’s skin problems. Often times the flea control program produces more harmful effects than the fleas, including seizures and skin problems, so please use caution.

It is not the dog hair itself that causes the allergy, but the old skin cells (dander) that are constantly being shed. Skin irritation usually shows up around the eyes and mouth, armpits, stomach, and anal area. Skin becomes thickened, greasy and has a strong odor. Skin diseases in dogs such as ear infections and allergies, are some of the most common health problems in dogs.

For some people, allergens present in dog saliva and skin cells (dander) can cause allergies. The main symptoms of food allergies in dogs include facial itching, chronic hot spots, limb chewing, belly itching, recurrent ear infections and dry, itchy skin. The skin of an allergy free dog should be smooth, without scales, free from fleas, ticks and no visible redness.

Essential fatty acids are important to a dog’s skin health. Even non essential fatty acids like Omega 3’s can help support good skin health. Amino acids and minerals like zinc also play an important role in maintaining your dogs healthy skin. Coarse brittle hair, excessive hair loss and itchy skin can be signs of an amino and fatty acid deficiency. Unlike humans who react to allergens with nasal symptoms, dogs react with skin problems.

Food allergies account for only about 10% of allergy problems in dogs, however they are easily treated so it makes sense to test for them if you suspect they may be the culprit of your dog’s skin problems.

Prevention is better than cure; the best premium all natural diet is the first weapon against dog skin problems and dog allergies.

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