Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Mold Allergies

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Mold allergies are one of the major health problems that can affect people of different age groups. It is a risk factor to all persons who live in cold climates and in humid regions. This is because of the fact that molds grow in humid regions, as they need moisture to live. The allergies are caused by the mold spores or small particles of mold growths entering through the nose while breathing. The spores travel through the respiratory tract and stay somewhere on the way in the upper respiratory system or stay in the lungs. They may cause irritation while breathing.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms of mold allergies are watery and itchy eyes, stuffed up nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. Certain mold allergies can lead to asthma and other lung diseases. In severe conditions, these allergies can even lead the infected person to a coma stage or to death. Moreover, a person with mold allergies is more likely to get other allergies also.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Mold allergies can be controlled to a certain extent by removing the molds at home. This is done by preventing moisture wherever found. Humidity level should be kept below 40 percent. An air conditioner or a dehumidifier can be used to regulate the humidity level in rooms. It is necessary to have proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens. Those persons who have HEPA (high efficiency particulate absorbing) filter should change the filters regularly. Otherwise, the filters may be clogged and will filter properly.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Even though there are thousands and thousands of molds, it is found that only 12 varieties cause allergies. Among these, black mold (also called Stachybotys) is a major threat, especially in the southern regions of the nation. It is found that the southern regions have foam board insulations installed without proper ventilations. This improper ventilation may be the major cause for the growth of black molds. As black molds are toxic, symptoms of such mold allergies are more severe than the traditional mold allergies.

Mold Allergies

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea? Dog Diarrhea Causes and Treatment

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Diarrhea is an extremely common condition which affects dogs of all ages. If your dog has soft bowel motions, it indicates something is not quite right in his intestines. It also means you may have extra cleaning up to do!

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Loose stools have many causes, some more serious than others. Here are the most common reasons your dog may develop diarrhea.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

1. Dogs aren't always sensible about what they eat, and don't snacking on any spoiled food or even dead birds they come across during the day. As you can imagine, this upsets their gastrointestinal system, and will cause diarrhea, often accompanied by vomiting.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

2. Still on the subject of diet, even a change in the brand of kibble you feed your dog may result in loose stools for a few days as his intestines adapt to the new food. You can avoid this by gradually changing his food over the course of a few days. Increase the amount of new food and decrease the amount of old food in his dinner bowl at each meal, and he shouldn't have any problems at all.

3. Worms often cause diarrhea, particularly in young pups. This too is preventable by using an effective wormer on a regular basis. Ask your veterinarian for advice about a suitable worming product and treatment schedule for your dog.

4. Loose stools can be associated with stress and anxiety in dogs. Has your dog had a recent change in his life? Perhaps you've moved house, or your dog is spending more time alone than he used to.

5. Dogs, like people, can have food allergies, and diarrhea is one possible symptom of such an allergy. These dogs often also have itchy skin and ears. Food allergies are often tricky to diagnose, and take a lot of discipline on their owner's part to manage.

6. Infection. Most dog owners will have heard of the dreaded parvovirus. This causes severe and bloody diarrhea in dogs, accompanied by vomiting and depression. Parvovirus can kill a dog. There are other viruses which aren't as severe as parvovirus but can still make your dog quite sick.

What do you do if your dog has diarrhea?

If he is obviously sick, depressed and not interested in what's going on around him, you need to take him to your vet. If he does have a serious condition such as parvovirus, he'll respond better to treatment if it is started early. Similarly, if there is blood in the diarrhea, he needs veterinary attention sooner rather than later.

Many dogs develop diarrhea and are otherwise bright and alert, and still have a wag in their tail. If that's the case with your dog, you can watch him for 24 hours and see if his stools start to firm up.

It's a good idea to skip his next meal to give his intestines time to settle down, and then re-introduce food by giving him 3 or 4 small bland meals over the course of the day. Lean chicken and boiled white rice is ideal. Make sure you treat him for worms, and if the diarrhea persists for more than a day, or if he becomes unwell, it's time to call your vet.

Our dogs are like family to us and so naturally it's very upsetting when they become sick. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you knew how to give your dog a check-up, so you could spot a problem early? Before it became truly serious or even life threatening?

Well, now you can!

Learn To Give Your Dog A Check-Up Just Like Your Veterinarian Does!

Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea? Dog Diarrhea Causes and Treatment

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Friday, November 25, 2011

Itchy Hands During Allergy Season

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Are you suffering from itchy hands? If so, you may want to think more about the time of the year than anything else. Some people only suffer from this issue during allergy season. If you have never thought of this, you may have pinpointed the cause of the problem. That being said, you still have to search around for a solution.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

If allergies are to blame, there is a very good chance that something else is going on with your body at the same time. For example, do you notice that your skin is also dry on your face and arms? Or maybe you can tell that it is allergies because your eyes are watering, you are coughing, and congestion is taking over your lungs.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Those who feel that allergies are to blame for their itchy hands should head straight for the doctor. Your primary care physician will be able to give you a better idea of what type of treatment is best. You may want to use some sort of lotion on your itchy hands, and along with this take a pill that can calm the rest of your symptoms.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Allergy season is one of the worst times of the year for many people. Rather than continue to deal with the medical issues that this brings, you should think about making a few changes. Most importantly, figure out if this is what is causing your problems. Once you know your opponent (in this case, allergies) you can formulate a better plan of attack.

You may never be able to totally get rid of your allergies, but if you know this is causing your itchy skin finding a solution can be much easier. Don't wait around any longer. Learn as much as you can about this problem, see a doctor, and take care of it!

Itchy Hands During Allergy Season

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Thursday, November 24, 2011

What Are Winter Allergies?

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Winter allergies are the most uncommon type of allergy. During the cold months most people think there sneezing and coughing is due to a cold, but in reality it can be caused from aversions. Cold season sensitivities are most commonly allergic reactions to dust and mold. During the chilly weather dust and mold are most likely to grow inside of the home where it is warm. Outside people may not experience any problems, however when they head inside they may start to notice symptoms. This article will describe these sensitivities as well as their symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Before you completely understand the concept of cold season hypersensitivities the most important thing to know is what allergies actually are. They are a common disorder of the immune system. When you have an allergic reaction histamine is produced. Histamine is a substance in the body that makes it swell or itch. Histamine is released when allergens are come in contact with the body. This is very common disorder and most people in the United States suffer from one type of sensitivity or another.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Frigid weather vulnerabilities go through the same process as any type of aversions. All types of sensitivities are somewhat the same, but some things may differ. These types of aversions are more commonly experienced inside because it is too cold outside for allergens to grow. The most frequent types of frigid weather allergies experienced are dust, mold, animals and perfume. Dust and mold grow in the house during the colder months because it is warm and things like the furnace are usually running. Animals are more likely to spend the majority of their time inside during the winter so therefore animal hypersensitivities are occur more. As for perfume, people are most likely to dress up for the holidays in the cold and wear perfume. All of these can affect people in the summer however it is not as common.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

The symptoms of these types of aversions are mainly the same as all other types of vulnerabilities. The most common symptoms are itchy eyes and nose or sneezing. Other symptoms include watery eyes, coughing, and dark circles under the eyes. These symptoms can be extremely severe or very dull. The symptoms depend directly on the cause of the reactions.

When diagnosing these types of seasonal aversions a physician takes regular allergy precautions. This includes testing to see what causes the allergies. This test includes placing small amounts of the allergen into the body and seeing if a reaction occurs. If this test shows that you are allergic to certain things, medication will most likely be prescribed.

When people encounter allergies it may take over their life. These types of sensitivities are especially severe because they mostly occur inside and that is where the majority of time is spent during the winter. It is important to remember that the sniffles and sneezes are not just related to colds. The best way to determine if you have cold weather reactions is to see a physician. The doctor can diagnose and treat the sensitivities, and give you great relief.

What Are Winter Allergies?

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Dog Food Allergy - Save Your Dog From the Dangers of Food Allergy

Dog Allergies Symptoms

If you're allergic to any kind of food, then you already have a good idea how uncomfortable it is. At its worst, it's even dangerous. So you can probably imagine how terrible dog food allergy can be for your pet. Dog food allergy is said to be the third most common form of allergy in dogs; but despite this, it remains that there is no one particular cause of this condition.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Some believe that ingredients like wheat and soy negatively affect dogs, while others think that certain proteins are the culprits. Nevertheless, you should be on the lookout for any signs of dog food allergy in your pet.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

The most common sign of dog food allergy is excessive scratching. If you notice your dog scratching a lot or constantly gnawing at parts of his body, you must first check if it is being caused by fleas. If not, then you can assume that allergy is causing it. Other symptoms may include vomiting and diarrhea.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

To check for dog food allergy, the food trial test is implemented. This involves modifying your dog's diet for a period of time, usually under the supervision of a veterinarian who can make the observations and diagnosis, as well as any additional tests.

You should gradually introduce a different set of food, alternating it with your dog's usual food items until he gets used to his new diet. You should observe your dog's condition for about twelve weeks; and if he improves, that means a change in diet is needed.

It was believed that a combination of lamb and rice was the best option for dogs suffering from food allergy; but nowadays, this idea is rebuffed, particularly because commercially-produced lamb-and-rice dog food mixes contain substances that can further aggravate dog food allergy. Veterinarians suggest other options, like fish or rabbit. Homemade dog food is the better alternative, provided they're well balanced.

If you find that your pet has a case of dog food allergy, don't fret; it's not the end of the world for your furry friend. This simply means that he just requires food that is different from the kind you usually feed him. In time, you'll be able to find the perfect food that will keep your dog healthy and prevent dog food allergy from acting up.

Dog Food Allergy - Save Your Dog From the Dangers of Food Allergy

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

How to Know If Your Pet Has a Flea Allergy Dermatitis Symptom

Dog Allergies Symptoms

It can be difficult to know if your pet might have a flea allergy or if your pet has some other skin problem. Especially if you don't see any fleas. If your cat or dog has flea allergy dermatitis and not just any old skin problem you will notice that your pet has these symptoms or starts to display these behaviors:

Dog Allergies Symptoms

1. Severe itching - Anytime the air is dry your pet could get a little itchy. But if the itching is serious enough that it wakes your pet out of a sound sleep or if you can't seem to stroke or hold your pet without it becoming itchy and uncomfortable that is severe itching. Also if your pet seems to spend less time sleeping than usual and more time itching that's a definite sign.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

2. Chewing and biting the tail, rump, back legs - Sometimes a pet will also check or lick at their front legs excessively. But most of the time it's the area just above their tail, on their sides, and their back legs. If your pet is licking these areas, pulling the fur off these areas, or scratching and biting at those areas you can be pretty sure that your pet is suffering from flea allergy dermatitis.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

3. Hot spots - Hot spots are lesions to the skin that are caused by excessive licking and biting. Your pet could end up with a secondary skin infection in the area of these hot spots because of all the licking and biting so if you notice that your pet has them, or has any signs of infection, take your pet to the vet for an exam and some antibiotics.

4. Overgrooming - This is probably the biggest indicator. Dogs and cats that spend excessive amounts of time grooming themselves are telling you that they have a problem with their skin. It's more noticeable in dogs than in cats because cats spend a lot of time grooming normally but if you start to notice that your pet is grooming constantly and is starting to show other signs then you need to start your cat or dog on a flea prevention medication and start treating your home for fleas. The overgrooming should stop as soon as the fleas are gone

5. Hair loss - If you notice that your pet starts to have thinning fur, or if your pet starts developing bald patches your pet probably has flea allergy dermatitis and is either pulling the hair out or licking it off.

6. Red lumps on the skin - Look closely at your pet's skin. If you see perfectly round disc like lumps or sores that are red then your pet probably has this condition. If your pet's dermatitis is advanced enough to where the pet has noticeable lesions it's really time to call the vet and bring the pet in to be seen and evaluated by the vet so that a proper treatment plan can be set up.

How to Know If Your Pet Has a Flea Allergy Dermatitis Symptom

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Monday, November 21, 2011

Dogs With Allergies - The Best Home Remedy

Dog Allergies Symptoms

There are number ways you can treat dogs with allergies. As you read every word of this article, you will discover the best home remedy that can cure your dog's allergies.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

When a dog has allergies, the symptoms often will appear on the skin. If you take a close look, their behavior will change sometimes by licking their paws, bite their feet, rub their face against things such as furniture and carpet and sneeze very frequently.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

In order to help dogs suffering with allergies, you need to start removing additional proteins, carbohydrates, fillers, and additives from its diet. Limit your dog to exposure to any known allergens. If they are allergic to pollen, keep them inside when the pollen count is high and wash their feet when they come into the house.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Allergies can be effectively treated and the body "de-toxed" with a natural, holistic approach. Be aware, that a conventional veterinarian's first recommendation will be to put your dog on steroids, this is NOT the best approach for their long term health and does not get to the root of the cause, and it only suppresses the immune system.

The home remedy possibilities are endless when it comes to treating your dogs with allergies. One of the many home remedy to consider as well is giving your loyal friend a cool bath with either colloidal oatmeal or epsom salt while making sure that he does not drink the water.

If there's skin inflammation, treat it with vitamins C and E and essential fatty acids (EFAs) supplement (preferably wild fish oil) to nourish your companion's skin and coat and help reduce inflammation.

Dogs With Allergies - The Best Home Remedy

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Food Allergies Common Questions

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Food allergies are something that is difficult to identify unless one is well aware of the baseline information with regard to this type of allergy. The main symptoms of food allergies in dogs include the facial itching, limb chewing, belly itching, recurrent ear infections or skin infections.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Since the dogs consume lot of prepared food materials including various kinds of proteins, fillers, coloring agents and more; in the commercial food materials, the incidences of food allergies are more than one can imagine. Allergic reactions mostly involve the skin or the gastro intestinal tract.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

If you come across your dog itching after the provision of specific food materials, then suspect the food allergy in this animal. However, conditions like fungal infections need to be ruled out in general before the conclusion of itching as a sign of food allergy.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

There are many recorded incidences of allergies of dogs to corn or to wheat. However, the food allergies vary from dog to dog. Read the labels clearly before feeding your dogs with pet food materials, in such occasions. Too much colored food materials may be avoided since they may cause allergies to your dog.

Food allergies are often linked to the hyper active behavior noticed in the dogs. Added colors, preservatives, and high fat diet might cause such food allergies in the dogs and hence, one has to be careful in providing new kind of diet to their dogs and closely monitor the dog for any signs of allergy.

There are many occasions that food allergies might be diagnosed in the dogs but the dog may have other problems like pancreatitis. To rule out the food allergies, observation your dogs everytime you feed them, look for reasons to link the signs of dog with food given, specific signs encountered, differential diagnosis etc. are the important features to be given emphasis.

Food Allergies Common Questions

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Yeast Allergy Symptoms

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Yeast is required for several life processes such as digestion and the creation of various food items, including bread and beer. The bacteria is present in the body because of these functions and generally, it does not cause much harm. However, there are individuals who are highly sensitive to yeast and have severe reactions, so understanding these reactions is a key element in determining whether or not you or a family member have a yeast allergy.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

The Most Common Yeast Allergy Symptoms

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Yeast allergy symptoms are widely varied and for this reason it can be difficult to ascertain the true cause of some of the symptoms. Mild reaction symptoms include sore throat, sneezing, headache, and congestion, while more severe symptoms include skin rash, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It can be difficult to pinpoint most, if not all of these symptoms because they are expressed by so many other conditions, but discovering gluten intolerance in your family member can be done by a doctor relatively easily.

Dog Allergies Symptoms

Dealing With A Yeast Allergy

Because yeast is used in a wide variety of food sources, cutting it entirely from your diet can be a difficult task to accomplish. Most bread is made with yeast, but there are special varieties available that are created gluten-free for people with yeast allergies. Cutting yeast out of your diet entirely is recommended for even mild cases of yeast allergy, as continually aggravating your condition can cause it to advance.

When shopping, look for items that are specifically labeled as being "gluten-free". This means they were created with no yeast, making them safe for you to consume. In addition, you can substitute foods where you might have eaten a yeast product. Instead of having a sandwich for lunch, make pasta instead. Pasta contains no yeast or gluten, making it a viable alternative to bread in many cases.

Yeast Allergy Symptoms

Dog Allergies Symptoms