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 you know SPAM has a nasty reputation when it comes to computer email and has spawned an anti SPAM industry devoted to SPAMS destruction. A noble effort indeed.

I just got back from Austin, Texas where I was comparing dog life there with Austin, MN. dog life.

Austin, TX is a big place compared to Austin, MN…500,000 vs. 23,000. So what?

It seems that Austin, TX dogs eat what Austin, MN makes…SPAM. Not a good idea.

Just like computer SPAM, it is not good for dogs either and will consume and create pain for dogs, people, AND computers.

My findings in Austin, TX tells me that 25% of the informed hungry dogs actually eat this stuff because they have to but only 15% actually like it.

Most dogs don’t know where it comes from but accept its safety. However, the really informed dogs from the graduate dog owners of the University of Texas and the LBJ Library disdain this name and product. They said that SPAM contained too much fat and that eating it would lead to Pancreatitis in dogs. True.

I had to deny any connection with Austin, MN and say that I was from Embarrass, MN. where our sled dogs happen to agree with the informed Texas dogs but eat SPAM anyway… for one reason only and that is for body insulation against the cold. It gets 50 degrees below zero there in the winter.

The Austin, MN dogs are kept ignorant of the danger of SPAM because it adds to the nasty reputation SPAM has with computers and Pancreatitis. Besides, it is made in their hometown. What they do there to distract attention from SPAM is to hold a competitive Boomerang Fetch contest.

The dog’s owner throws a boomerang for his dog to fetch to see how close he can come to his sitting fat dog. The dog is timed to go fetch and the quickest dog gets a reward of a Big Mac with fries. Oy.

You have heard of fat cats but now you know about fat dawgs as well. (The fat cats make this stuff…Hormel.)

Conclusion: Stay away from SPAM unless you are from Embarrass, MN.

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Miss Daisy, Roving Reporter.
I Know Dogs

Just like a baby who needs utmost attention and care, the best supplies for your dog needs some major consideration, too. Here’s how you can ensure that your pet gets the best toys, food, and other necessities.

Dog Food and Treats

Your dog’s needs should be the emphasis when considering what food or treat to buy him. The proper balance of vitamins and minerals should be given, particularly to growing puppies. Sporting and working dog breeds need to eat something that will sustain their hyperactive lifestyle. Dogs that aren’t getting any younger need low-calorie food to avoid weight gain. Don’t scrimp on the budget here no matter how compelling it might be. A healthy dog is reflected by the food he eats.

Dog Leashes and Collars

The size and weight of the dog should be taken into account in choosing the right dog collar. The collar’s material needs attention too. Nylon is good for water-loving dogs since it is more durable and light. For a tougher look, leather collars are a lot better since they are more durable and can even be accessorized with spikes. Dog leashes come in cloth, nylon, retractable, and leather styles.

Dog Toys

The safety of your dog should be the top priority in looking for a dog toy. What fun could be derived from a toy if it will endanger your pet’s life, right? A dog toy should be large enough so that your pet can’t swallow it. However, it should be small enough for your dog to be able to grip it well. The durability of the toys will need major consideration too, especially for dogs that are serious chewers. Light chewers can settle for vinyl and latex dog toys.

Training Guides for Your Dog

Dog whistles, dog harnesses and bitter-tasting sprays compose the wide array of dog-training guides that will keep a dog from chewing. If the chewing problem is a lot more serious, you may want to use a dog bark collar or an electric fence. It is advised that you remain consistent and humane when training your dog. There are many dog training books available that can be helpful when training your dog.

Dog Health Items

Tick and flea infestation control medications are available to ensure that your dog’s health is secured against these pests. Brands like Advantix, Advantage and Frontline are some of the popular flea and tick drugs in the market. Your dog’s dental health should never be taken for granted either. Dog toothbrushes and toothpastes, and even dog toys are now made available to support the dental health of your pet. Following these guidelines will definitely help you have a happy, healthy pet!

By the way if you love dogs, Click here, Five Great Reasons To Adopt A Dog.

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