Could Your Dogs Canine Skin Problem Be Caused By A Dog Allergy?

Could Your Dogs Canine Skin Problem Be Caused By A Dog Allergy?
By Jennifer P. April

Is she suffering from dry, itchy skin or constant hot spotsred sores on the skin?

A canine skin problem can be something as simple as over bathingwhich can dry out the skin or it can be something more serious and indicate an illness or allergy.

If your dog has a chronic skin condition you find difficult to get rid of or keep under control, she may have a dog allergy.

About 20% of dogs in the United States have a dog allergy and of this 20%, about 10% are allergic to food. The rest of allergies are a combination of flea, contact, inhalant (environmental allergies) and bacterial.

All of these allergies can be treated.

Of course, the first step is to determine what type of allergy it is. You can start with eliminating corn and wheat from your dogs dietthe most common food allergens. Check the dog food labels carefully. You may have to go to a specialty pet food store to find a brand without corn or wheat filler. Look for a protein source to be the first ingredient on the label.

Fleas can also cause canine skin problems, besides the usual irritation, your pet could even be allergic to them. If your pet has fleas then youll have to take drastic measures to de-flea your pet, yourself and your home. Fleas are small, dark creatures usually found close to your pets skin if she has them. Youll see them pretty easily, especially if your pet has a light colored coat. They can also live in your carpet and will resort to biting humans. They usually leave small red marks as an indication of their bites.

Besides allergies, your pet could have an infection like scabies or dermatitis. If youve already ruled out allergies, or you suspect its cause is something else you should visit your vet for a professional opinion.

Some things that can help soothe dry, irritated skin: *Oatmeal Shampoo used with periodic bathing. Monthly bathing is frequent enough. Every week is too often and will dry out a dogs skin.

*Omega 3 supplementsFish oil pills can be givenmy dog eats them like treats--or you can get a liquid to pour over the food, this will also help to give your pet a beautiful, shiny coat

*Diet Change eliminating corn and wheat as these are the most common food allergies

*A trip to the vet to eliminate an illness like scabies

A canine skin problem can have many culprits. It may take a process of trial and elimination before finding the underlying cause and the thing that most helps. But you can find help and your dog will feel so much better!

Jennifer April bakes healthy, natural dog treats and offers healthy dog treat recipes from her website, http://www.all-natural-dog-treat.com Your stop for all-natural-dog-treat recipes and tips on improving your dogs health and happiness all naturally.

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Holistic Approach to Dog Skin Allergy

Holistic Approach to Dog Skin Allergy
By Mary Rose Antonio

The best way to deal with dog skin allergy is to approach the problem holistically. One dog allergy solution is to make sure your dog enjoys overall good health and has a strong immune system. This way, he'll less likely to react to allergies and develop uncomfortable symptoms.

The following are surefire ways to beat dog skin allergy:

1) Feed your dog some meat - gradually switch to a healthy diet made from high quality whole meats (not meat by-products). You can also try feeding him chicken, turkey, salmon, bison, rabbit, duck, or venison. Remember to rotate the meat.

2) Don't give your dog grains - and that means no corn, wheat and other grains. Try alternatives such as gluten-free brown rice, spelt, amaranth, quinoa, or kamut. These are available at health stores.

3) No preservatives - BHT, ethoxyquin, and potassium sorbate are common artificial additives that are toxic to your dog's health. Check your dog food's label if it consists of any of the above ingredients. If it does, buy other dog food. I use wellness for my dogs.

4) Give him supplements - Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E as well as CoQ10 and selenium strengthens his immune system and helps prevent allergic reactions.

5) Use natural pest control - Adding garlic, Vitamin B1 or brewer's yeast to his diet helps repel fleas. Commercial flea and tick powders, shampoos, and collars are made with toxic chemicals that can irritate your dog's skin and overburden his immune system.

6) Keep his area clean - avoid using chemicals to clean his area and surroundings.

7) Avoid over-vaccinations - over-vaccination damages immunity and can lead to the development of allergies and other problems.

8) Use herbs - They can help the body rid itself of toxins, including those substances that cause allergic reactions such as burdock, alfalfa, red clover, dandelion , and spirulina.

9) Keep your dog clean - avoid cheap commercial shampoos and conditioners - they dry out your dog's hair and skin and even aggravate his allergies.

Dealing with dog skin allergy holistically takes time and commitment but it is the best dog allergy solution you can give to your dog.

Mary Rose Antonio is a physical therapist for 20 years now, a great believer in natural healing and a proud owner of two dogs. She is also the owner of http://www.ultimate-guide-to-dog-care.com. She invites you to learn more about taking care of your dog.

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If Effective Drugfree Asthma and Allergy Treatments Really Exist Why Doesn't Your Doctor Know?

If Effective, Drug-free Asthma and Allergy Treatments Really Exist, Why Doesn't Your Doctor Know?
By Susan Millar

This is an excellent and important question that many people ask about natural asthma and allergy treatments. There are several reasons why doctors may not know or even if they do know, why they won't tell you.

One reason your doctor may be unaware of an effective, natural drug-free asthma and allergy treatment is that they generally are very busy and simply don't have the time to do the research about it. Keeping up with all the current medical publications can easily be a full time job in itself. Sadly, the main reason is that many traditional doctors don't believe in natural treatments and think that drugs are the only acceptable routes to take. The reality is drug companies often fund medical schools. These huge multi-national drug companies spend billions of dollars a year to develop and promote drugs that they want doctors to prescribe and you to keep using. They spend multi-millions on advertising and funding medical schools to convince doctors and the public that drugs are the best and only solution to asthma and allergies.

The bottom line is money: they would like you to continue to buy their expensive drugs and doctors want you to continue visiting them or they would both be out of business. The sad part is these drugs are expensive, usually don't work very well since they only mask the asthma or allergy symptoms. Even worse, many of them also have dangerous side effects. If you currently take asthma drugs, knowing what the side effects are is important.

For a listing and description of asthma drug side effects caused by the drugs you may be taking please see http://www.dramatic-asthma-relief.com/drugs.htm

Taking responsibility for your own health is the first major step and the fact that you are reading this indicates that you may be interested in investigating natural solutions for your asthma and allergy symptoms. If you are interested in learning more information about safe, effective drug-free solutions to your asthma and allergies please visit: www.dramatic-asthma-relief.com

Susan Millar is a former asthma and allergy sufferer. She is a researcher and the author of The Dramatic Asthma Relief Report, based on extensive research from internationally respected medical publications about a genuinely effective drug-free treatment for asthma & allergies, which helped her to eliminate her asthma and allergies. This book has helped many other sufferers worldwide to do the same.

Please visit her website for more information about asthma, allergies and the Dramatic Asthma Relief Report: http://www.dramatic-asthma-relief.com/

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SKIN ALLERGY vs. Cleaning

SKIN ALLERGY vs. Cleaning
By Amie Porter

Lots of people think that skin allergies are caused by pollution and dirty environments. This is true but the good news is that there are positive things you can do to reduce allergic reactions and symptoms, such as asthma.

Dust mites are too small to be seen with the naked eye. You can find all sorts of information about dust mites on the Internet. However here we will talk about how to control dust mites effectively and reduce symptoms from them.

* Change bed sheets, pillowcases and blankets at least once a week. To kill dust mites, you have to wash bedding in a washing machine at a temperature of at least 130 F. So we recommend you to choose light coloured bedding so that their colour will not noticeably fade.

* Protect your mattress, box springs and pillows with allergy-proof covers. This keeps dust mites away from the flakes of dead human skin cells which are a primary food source for them.

* Keep stuffed toys away from your bed. You might be amazed to learn that stuffed toys can attract dust mites.

* Reduce humidity. It helps if you can lower the relative humidity in your house, normally lower than 50% is sufficent. When dust mites can't absorb moisture from the air they will shrink and die. You can use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to achieve this benefit.

* Use stone, hardwood or laminate flooring instead of carpet if possible This eliminates an ideal dust mite territory. If you cannot choose your flooring, make sure that you use asteam cleaner on your carpets at least once a year.

* Dust and vacuum your home at least once a week. You need to clean your house regularly. Find a cleaner if you cannot afford the time. Regular dusting and vacuuming will help to control dust and therefore dust mites in your house. Use a damp mop or damp cloths on hard floors and furnishings as dry cloths stir up dust mite remains. Vacuum carpets, sofas, curtains and window blinds regularly with a powerful vacuum cleaner, preferably with a special filter.

* Keep away furry and feathered animals from your bedroom. Your pets' dead skin cells are another food source for dust mites. So it's best to have your pets sleep as far away from your bedroom as possible. You can treat your pets' sleeping areas the same as yours, i.e. regular cleaning and use allergy-proof covers.

Every little helps. For more information, use our special cleaning team, if you are based in London or the South East.

Amie Porter recommends London Rate Cleaning Services to minimize your allergy to dust and dust mites. Visit us at http://www.londonrate.com for Cleaning Services London, Cleaners London, Builders London, etc.

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Allergy In Dogs What Do I Do?

Allergy In Dogs, What Do I Do?
By Candice Lee

Oh no...allergy in dog...what do I do? Today there seems to be so many dogs with allergies. Pet owners are frantically trying to find answers to help their faithful companions. So what does cause allergies in dogs? One place to start looking for answers is right in front of your dog's nose...his dog bowl! So, what ARE you feeding your dog?

Dog food today is filled with all kinds of grains that are often difficult to digest (corn, wheat, gluten and soy), and which are often used as a protein source instead of meat. Allergies in dogs are sometimes related to these grains in their food.

In an effort to feed our dogs a healthy diet, we are led to believe that these grains are good for them. But don't let that fool you......... it's not because it's healthy for our dogs. It's because the grain is cheap and dog food manufacturers make a much bigger profit using grains. So, just what is the best food for our faithful companions?

Often the answers to our questions can be found in nature. We need to remember that dogs are canines and their ancestry dates back to wild dogs and wolves. These animals hunted in packs. If you examine their teeth, you will find that they were designed to rip and tear flesh, muscle and bone.They were created to eat meat and by nature, they are carnivores. The Native Americans of North America raised dogs and their diets consisted mostly of protein.

Many of the maladies, diseases, and allergies that our dogs are experiencing today are, unfortunately, directly related to the food they eat.

Three years ago our dog Elly became very ill and had to have her spleen removed. After the surgery, we started researching about dog foods and what we found was very shocking. We decided to give her a dog food that was much more balanced and included more protein and antioxidants.

Gradually her health improved, her coat became full and soft, and today she is an active 11 year old dog and doing quite well.

We have a responsibility to take care of our faithful friends and giving them a good, balanced nutritional food, without added grains like corn and wheat, will help ensure a long and healthy life. And hopefully, allergy in dog, be gone!

Candice is a wife, mom, author and proud owner of her faithful companion Elly. If you'd like to know what we feed our dog Elly:-) visit: http://www.EllysFood.info

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The Flea Allergy in Dogs and Cats

The Flea Allergy in Dogs and Cats
By Grace Palce

Fleas multiply fast and do not voluntarily leave the body of the pet, the flea allergy will last for a long time.

There are symptoms that will tell the pet owner that the dog or cat is being troubled by a flea allergy. Some symptoms displayed by dogs are slightly different to those found in cats. But in general, the symptoms of a flea allergy are continuous itching, loss of hair, occurrence of sores, and unexplained depression.

Among dogs, the specific symptoms are:

Massive loss of hair
Presence of red and swollen sores
Irritation and scratching in certain areas, such as:

Along the tail

On the rump area

All over the hind legs

The region of the groin, which is the sensitive area between the hind legs

Among cats, the symptoms of flea allergy are:

Constant scratching in various parts of the body
The formation of painful scabs in sensitive areas, such as:

The neck

The face

The groin

The main body

A diagnosis of flea allergy no longer involves skin tests and blood tests. The mere presence of fleas indicates that flea allergy has befallen on the pet. The owner can even conduct his own examination by looking for fleas in the coat of the dog or cat. Fleas are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of their host. They are tiny but can cause powerful irritations. They are usually black in color, which makes them more difficult to detect especially if the coat of the pet is also dark-colored.

Fleas also move fast. This makes it impossible to individually catch the fleas. They scatter their dirt all over the pets body and this adds to the skin irritation. The flea dirt looked like regular black dust when dry. But when wet, the flea dirt shows a reddish old copper-like color.

Fortunately, there are proven ways to remove the fleas and allow the pets body to heal itself from the allergy.Using flea combs These devices can be purchased from any pet supply store or from the veterinarian. Flea combs are designed so that they can sweep out the fleas along with the flea dirt from the coat of the pet.

Bathing or immersing the pet in a recommended solution The solution is usually a mixture of water and a detergent which is recommended by the vet. The detergent can immediately kill the fleas and loosen their hold on the skin.

The pet owner will find the dead fleas floating in the bath solution. This solution may also turn reddish due to the presence of so much flea dirt.

Cleaning the environment A good general cleaning will get rid off the source of fleas. Cleaning the pet will not prevent the recurrence of flea allergy. The environment must be cleaned too.

Applying anti-itch medications These medicines can be administered orally or by direct application on the affected area. They will reduce the painful itching and prevent further infection.

Grace Palce is writing articles for pet meds 101, a comprehensive dog medicine site.

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How Food Allergy Can Kill Or Save You

How Food Allergy Can Kill Or Save You
By Robert Thatcher

Allergies may seem quite a nuisance but few know that it is actually an attempt by our body to save our life! Allergies are our immune systems response to food allergens that can harm the body. People can be allergic to a whole lot of things, a wide range of things in fact, from pollens to cheese, to dust. Reactions are also wide range. Some only exhibit skin reactions such as rashes and itchiness while others report on physiological reactions such as nausea and breathing difficulties.

Allergic reactions are actually caused by our bodies attempt to neutralize the foreign substance through antibodies. This process releases a substance called histamine, which in turn causes the allergic reactions.

One of the most common types of allergy is food allergy. There are, in fact, millions of people who suffer from this ailment. In addition to being largely inconvenient, food allergy can be life-threatening. Unfortunately, finding out what food you are allergic to can only be done through the process of hits and misses. There is no clear cut procedure or diagnostic test that can tell you outright to what food you are allergic to. And like the diagnostic process, there is also no clear-cut procedure on how to treat food allergens. Although there are medicines that will help ease the symptoms and physiological reactions brought on by the allergens, there are no drugs that can completely get rid of the allergy.

Often, food allergens only cause mild symptoms such as itchiness, appearance of rashes that spread all over the body, itchy eyes and runny nose, bouts of sneezing and coughing, vomiting, diarrhea and earaches. While these symptoms can cause you a days work at the office, they are not exactly dangerous to your health. There are allergic reactions though that are so severe that it will impede your breathing. This occurs when the mouth, throat and the bronchial tubes swell so much that your breathing area gets blocked. This condition can be accompanied by rashes in the body and a really swollen face.

What is really difficult about dealing with food allergy is that you do not know just how much can you take and how your body will react when it ingests a certain amount. In addition to taking care not to ingest the type of food that you are allergic with, it is also good to determine early on if too much of the food allergen can cause your death.

Here are some of the common food allergens. Take a look and see if the food you are allergic on threatens your life

Peanuts is perhaps the most dangerous of the lot, not because of the bodily reactions that it can cause but because peanuts are often used as hidden ingredients in a lot of food mixtures. Because of this, people who are allergic to it are often caught unaware.

Another food used as hidden ingredients in so many food mixtures is soy. People should be really careful in eating foods that they are not familiar with especially if they know that their reactions to these foods are severe.

Fish and shellfish can cause severe reactions in some people including difficulty in breathing and nausea.

Milk allergies are also quite common. It involves an allergic reaction to casein, lactalbumin and lactoglobulins, which are all proteins found in milk. Allergic reactions to milk can range from something as mild as rashes to severe cases such as wheezing, asthma, rhinitis, pneumonia and anaphylaxis.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides allergy resources on http://www.your-allergy-resources.info

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