Traveling With Your Dog

Allergies are common in people. There are so many things that we eat, drink, wear, and breathe in that it is no wonder that people are allergic to everything from dust mites to latex to bologna. Dogs have allergies too. And, they also come from what they eat, touch, and breathe. If you and your dog have allergies, don’t despair.

For dogs, sneezing is not the most common symptom; itching is. Dogs that scratch more than normal and continue until they have created bald spots or sores, are suffering from something more serious than a minor irritation. Plenty of the problems that dogs have concerning their ears can be caused by allergies.

To combat the issue of atopic allergies in humans and dogs, keep the air in your home as clean as possible. A decrease in allergens means a decrease in allergy symptoms. Sharper Image offers an Ionic Breeze air filtration system. With this system, there are no filters to be replaced. Removing and disposing of clogged filters can reintroduce allergens into the air. The system comes with a permanent filter that is wiped clean when it becomes dirty.

A better vacuum cleaner can assist both owners and dogs in keeping their environment clean. Dyson has developed the “Animal” vacuum. With the needs of owner and dog alike in mind, the cyclonic chamber works to remove all dust and tiny particle from the air. Best of all, you don’t have to get dirt and allergens on your hands. The bin empties itself into the trash can with the push of a button.

Two drugs on the market for dogs are Atopica and Genesis Topical Spray. Both relieve the itching and provide relief for dogs that suffer from allergies. The former is for atopic allergies and the later for dermatitis. Antihistamines have been successful in treating allergy symptoms in dogs and people. This class of drugs blocks the histamine reaction to foreign particles, or antigens, in the body.

Food allergies in dogs can be brought on by any number of foods. Since a dog’s diet is varied it is hard to ferret out the offensive food without starting all over again. The vet can give you a diet plan for your dog that eliminates all of the potentially allergic foods. Once the allergen is purged from his system through this diet, foods can be reintroduced a week at a time until itching begins again.

Certain things that your dog comes in contact with can cause allergies. This type of contact dermatitis can occur with plastic. In this case, their nose would suffer irritation from touching the plastic. To prevent further episodes, replace the bowl. This avoidance treatment stops further attacks.

The vet can do an allergen test on the skin of your dog to determine the cause of his allergies. Treatment consists of salves, steroids, or immunotherapy. Immunotherapy involves injections with dilute forms of the allergen in order for the body to develop antibodies. Salves work on the skin at the site of contact so the hair is shaved for easier application.

Steroids are a last resort for treating allergies in dogs and humans. Steroids can have damaging side effects in pets when used over a long period of time. The steroids in question are corticosteroids and not the ones that are taken by body-builders.

For dogs and owners that have allergies, there is hope. Some of the same treatments for people work for dogs. With medications like antihistamines, check with your vet instead of using over-the-counter human meds.

***This article is for information purposes only. Please contact your Vet and/or your personal physician for medical advice. Their education, experience and overall knowledge supersedes any information given here.***

*** We have not purchased or used any of the medications and products listed here. Due Diligence on your part is necessary. We are not recommending any of the medications or products. This is for information only.***

Fran Gratton

Fran Gratton RubMyBellyToo.com POB 107 116 Gay Street Phoenixville, PA 19460 610-933-5810 888-558-3837

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13