There are many ways that you can have identification on your dog besides the tradition dog collar tag.
The most important thing you can do for your dog if it was ever to get lost is to have a collar on it. If you dog were to escape having a dog collar or dog harness on would notify the person that found them that is it someone’s pet.
Besides the traditional metal dog tags, you can also get your dog’s collar monogrammed with their name and your contact phone number. Personalized dog collars are a great way to have a one of a kind dog collar.
But the issues with a just a dog collar is that sometimes collar can come off. If you only rely on a dog collar, you risk the chance of it coming off and the finder not being able to contact you. One of the best ways to combat this is to have your dog microchipped. When a dog is microchipped, a rice size implant is put under their skin between their shoulder blades. In this chip is your contact information and many times your dog’s vet information. When you dog is found by animal control, brought into a vet clinic, or taken to the humane society as a stray, one of the first things they do is scan it to see if it has a microchip. Microchips will not come off like a collar will, so this is a great way to protect your dog from getting lost.
Besides a traditional metal dog tags and microchipping, there are other options that are available for your dog. The one you choose is based on your lifestyle, budget, and personal preference.
* Make at Home Tags- Are you really handy? Make your dog’s own tag at home.
* GPS Tracking Devices- With all this new technology, you can now outfit your dog with a GPS Tracking Device.
* USB Tags- Just like you would store information on a USB cord, keep your contact information on a USB dog tag, if your dog is found, they plug it in and contact you!
* Tag Based Pet Registry Service
* Web Based Pet Registry Service
* Pet Tattoo- A number tattoo is placed inside the dog’s ear which can then be looked up to contact you.
Allergy Symptoms & Treatments : How to Treat Nasal Allergies
It is estimated that about ten percent of all allergies seen in dogs and cats are caused by food. After flea bite allergies, food allergies are the third most common cause. People seem to think that by introducing a lamb and rice diet, they are preventing or treating a dog food allergy. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Food allergies can affect animals of both genders male and female, whether they have been neutered or spayed or are intact makes no difference. There is no specific age for an allergy to appear. They can show as early as five months and as late as twelve years of age. Generally, the vast majority of these symptoms occur between two and six years of age.
There is a difference between food intolerance and food allergy. The latter is a true allergy with symptoms of skin problems and constant itching both associated with canine and feline allergies. The symptoms for food allergy is different and this can result in the animal vomiting or having diarrhea. This, to the owner, may not appear to be a typical allergic reaction. Choosing a diet for your pet that is free from offending agents can eliminate both food intolerance and food allergy.
Through various studies, it has been acknowledged that some ingredients are more likely to cause a dog food allergy than others. The most common offenders for dogs are dairy products, beef, wheat, eggs, chicken, soy and corn. These are the common ingredients in dog foods and they are the most common offenders for allergies. Many pet foods for years have had ingredients of chicken, beef, wheat and corn. It was because of these allergies that several companies decided to produce a lamb and rice diet.
This diet of lamb and rice was nothing to be perceived as special apart from the two ingredients had never normally been present in pet foods. It is possible because the animals had never eaten rice and lamb before that it is not sure if they are allergic to this combination of food. If lamb and rice are to be the main ingredients in pet food, it may become apparent that the combination of these two will be responsible for food allergy. There are many other ingredients other than lamb and rice; this alone may be hard to detect if this is the cause of food allergy.
It can sometimes be hard to detect if your dog has a dog food allergy as symptoms can be similar to most other allergies seen in dogs. The most common sign is itchy skin; this may include recurring ear infections, excessive scratching, hair loss, hot spots and skin infections. These can be treated using antibiotics but can often reoccur after the treatment has finished. Dogs with food allergies sometimes have increased bowel movements, studies have showed a non-allergic dog has 1.5 bowel movement a day as opposed to a dog with food allergy possibly going three or more times a day.
Dog Food Allergies – Giving your pet a fighting chance against allergens
Has your doctor diagnosed you with an allergy to cats? Do you own cats? Do you consider them your babies? Can you not live without them? Just because you have an allergy to cats, it doesn’t mean you necessarily have to give them away. There are some things you can do to help you and your beloved feline live together despite your cat allergy.
First, most people who say they are allergic to cats are really not allergic to cats at all but instead to their saliva. Because cats groom themselves regularly, their fur is covered with this dried saliva, or dander as it is called.
Since cats also shed regularly, their fur, which is coated in dander, is left where ever they may go in your home. It may settle in the carpet, on couches and drapes. Every time you clean this fur and dander is stirred up in the air, making your allergy symptoms worse.
If you find discover you have a cat allergy, the best idea is to keep your cat outside. If this is not possible because the animal is declawed, there are a few things you can do to make your life less miserable because of allergies.
First, you might want to limit your cat’s roaming to only one or two rooms of your house. After petting or playing with your feline, wash your hands thoroughly, especially before touching your face or nose. Also, never allow the cats to sleep in your bed with you.
Next, there are several ways you can help reduce the amount of cat dander that stays in your home. You might think about replacing cloth curtains or drapes with plastic or wooden blinds.
It will also help if you remove the carpet from your house and replace it with linoleum, hardwood or tile floors. These changes mean you can clean your home better and get rid of more cat dander. While these actions may be costly, they are worth the effort for those who really love their cats.
If you can’t replace your carpets because you rent your home or apartment, there are still several ways to clean more cat dander out of the existing carpet. First, there are new vacuums with extra powerful suction made specifically for removing pet hair from carpet, rugs and upholstery. Certain air filters and air cleaners can also help to cut down on the amount of dander floating in your air.
Another suggestion is to try is bathing your cat, or having him bathed, on a weekly basis. Although your cat wonÂ’t like this idea that much, the weekly bath may help to cut down on some of the dander on the fur. Another option is to have your cat shaved.
While this may sound strange, many veterinarians’ offices offer this service for less than $50. Cats with less hair will understandably have less dander. An added bonus is that they will also shed less and have fewer hairballs.
Finally, you might consult with your doctor to see if he can suggest an allergy medication that might with your cat allergy. He may suggest allergy shots, a prescription strength allergy medication or even an over-the-counter allergy treatment. You and your doctor can work together to find the best solution for your particular cat allergy.
For those who love cats, finding out that they have a cat allergy may be the worst news they can receive. While it may seem the only option is to give away their beloved pet, there are some things they can try in order to get allergy relief, but still keep their cat.
These days, so many people are trying to live allergies and pets…Dealing with the constant congestion, itching and wheezing, the splitting headaches and other discomforts of allergies, and loving the furry source of all this misery is a tough spot to be in. But it’s exactly where an estimated ten million American pet owners find themselves right now.
Beyond the wonderful companionship and unconditional love, dogs and cats have some remarkable physical effects on the body.
Caring and cuddling these little (and sometimes not so little) critters can reduce anxiety and actually lower our blood pressure. What an enjoyable, simple and totally natural way to do something good for your health.
Allergy symptoms that are caused by pets bring on the discomforts we’re all familiar with – those itchy, watery eyes, blotchy hives, constant sneezing, awful congestion – sometimes even asthma.
Experts believe that you can develop a dog allergy some months or even years after making the pet a part of your life. If this happens to you, your best bet is to get tested to be sure your symptoms are a result of man’s best friend – and not other allergens like pollen, dust or mold – that can also be culprits.
In rare instances people outgrow allergies, including those to pets.
One of the best ways to comfortably co-exist with your beloved furry friend is to identify your allergy and undergo a series of shots to desensitize your system. Over the counter or prescription medications are also available to treat the symptoms, though the best remedy is to remove the pet from the home.
If you’re a pet lover with identified allergies, you may have heard of hypoallergenic breeds, like those being considered by President-elect Barak Obama’s family. The problem is, according to experts, there really is no such thing as hypoallergenic breeds.
Research has shown that allergies aren’t caused by the hair, allergens are produced by the animal’s saliva, dander and urine – so even a hairless dog, or one of the breeds often identified as hypoallergenic such as bichon frises, poodles and Malteses willproduce allergens that are brought into the environment.
There really isn’t any research that points to whether certain breeds are more allergy-friendly than others, though the main dog allergen that people often react to isn’t present in all dogs. The most important factors related to pet allergies are the size of the animal and the volume of hair it has. Of course an outdoor animal can bring pollens, mold spores and other allergens into the home that may also trigger an allergy attack.
Before you commit to a new pet, consider a trial period so you can see how the person who has the allergies manages.
If you just fall in love with a four legged friend, yet someone at home has pet allergies, here are some tips you can try to keep everyone happy. You can…
- Keep the bedrooms pet free zones, no exceptions.
- Wash bedding weekly, including the pet’s bed.
- Have as little carpeting in the main living area as you can.
- Vacuum any carpeting daily.
- Use a HEPA air filter in the bedroom to trap and remove allergens from the air.
- Wash the dog once or twice each week.
- Wash your own hands after interacting with the animal.
By following these few steps you can help yourself cope with the awful symptoms allergies to pets cause and still live with the pet you love.
For the first 12 years of her life she was as normal as most dogs. That is to say she spent her days in search of the doggy basics: food, walk, play time and loving. Not to mention the never ending hunt for the single best place to pee or poop.
Then about a year ago Annie began to develop dog allergies. At first we thought she had fleas. We diligently applied Frontline, gave her flea baths and combed and brushed her but this did not relieve her itching for long. Over time she developed red and scaling sores on her belly and especially on the butt near her tail.
Her licking and scratching went on every day and, worse, into the night. It was not uncommon to be awakened by the sound of her licking. She, and I, needed relief.
We visited the vet and she informed us that dog allergies occur in over 40% of the dogs that seeks vet treatment for itching and scratching. She explained that these allergies are caused by any number of food or airborne allergens.
The first issue was to get her licking and scratching under control.
To do this involved a three step approach. The first step was a medicated bath that helped sooth the skin. Step two was to start Annie on a course of antibiotics to kill the sores that had formed on her body. Finally, to control the scratching, a 10 day steroid dose was prescribed. In terms of side effects the main issue was the steroids that caused her to drink a ton more water than normal and to be hungry all of the time. Fortunately she did not start to exhibit personality changes brought on by mood swings caused by the steroids.
Within 3 days Annie was feeling much better. She was better but the cause of her dog allergies was not yet understood.
Was it in her food? Was it in our home? Was she allergic to our cat?
The search for answers is a long process much like getting to the bottom of a human allergy problem. There are many approaches to take but we chose to focus on the food related possibilities. The first step was to eliminate all the store bought food from her diet. But wait, this can have unforeseen side effects. You see as bad as dog food is, given the fact that it contains simply unknown parts of unknown animals, there has been enough testing to know that from a nutritional standpoint it does provide the right blend of nutrients to keep our normally healthy dogs healthy. So by feeding a diet of homemade food we effectively removed the potential allergen but compromised her health. An alternative solution was to move to a vegetarian based dog food and get the animal impurities out of her system.
The follow up step was to do lots of research, as even the best vet in town does not have the time to dedicate to understanding the issue as much as the dogs owner. The internet contains a huge database of information on dog allergies as written by drug companies, veterinarians, pet owners, and complied into many useful sites.
Don’t let your best friend suffer. Start by getting some help for your dog today and then do your homework. Making your dog feel better will make you feel better.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction, and can be caused by many different things. The four most common allergies that result in anaphylaxis come from allergies to food, latex or rubber, insect bites, and medications. Anaphylaxis can cause horrible rashes and swelling, or may also cause shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and anxiety. Anaphylaxis is life-threatening. If not treated within minutes of the allergic reaction, it does have the potential to be fatal. Severe allergies are very serious and require medical treatment and maintenance. Here are some ways to prevent anaphylaxis:
Testing: The most tragic cases of anaphylaxis often happen to people who simply don’t know that they have allergies. This can be easily prevented by a trip to your doctor, who can test you using allergen extracts (i.e., dog hair or grass) and vaccines. These tests are approved by the FDA, so you know that getting tested is safe. Children and adults of all ages can be tested for allergies.
Preventing: Once you know that you have a severe allergy, do all you can to avoid coming in to contact with anything that might result in anaphylaxis. For instance, if you’re allergic to any medications, make sure to include that information in your medical history at any doctor’s or dentist’s office. If you have an allergy to insect bites, make sure to wear protective clothing and repellent while outdoors. If you have a food allergy, make sure to always check the ingredients of any packaged food you’re about to eat. Though these actions may feel tedious, they could save your life.
Treating: Because every bee sting and stray peanut in a cookie cannot always be foreseen, it is absolutely necessary to carry an emergency anaphylaxis kit. This will contain the medication needed to counteract the allergy. In most cases, this medication is epinephrine, and it can be easily injected into the arm or leg. Make sure that the people that surround you also know how to inject the epinephrine, in case you lose consciousness and cannot do it yourself.
There are many different types of anaphylactic emergency kits you can choose from, but all require proper handling and dosage from your doctor. TwinJet and EpiPen are examples of auto-injectors of epinephrine that are easy to use for people of all ages. The problem with many kits, however, is that they are easily lost or misplaced. If you find yourself often misplacing your kit, you might need a TwinJet or EpiPen holder. This will help guarantee that you will always have your epinephrine treatment when you need it most.
Anaphylaxis needs to be taken seriously. If you get tested for severe allergies, know how to prevent reactions if you have them, and are always prepared with an emergency anaphylactic kit, you will be able to have the peace of mind of knowing that you and your loved ones are protected.
From my experiences of dealing with my dog for skin problems. I have a lot of research time and suggestions to assist other canine owners in learning how to treat a dog for skin disorders. In my experience the most common disorder found is itching, and chewing and on one certain area on the dog. If your dog has an allergic reaction to something, it will cause red patches, bald spots or irritate the skin. If open wounds or scabbing appears, the next thing that can happen is a bacterial infection.
Allergies are a very common occurance in canines. Skin infections much like ear infections are a couple, of the most common issues affecting a dogs health. Skin problems normally present themselves in “hot spots”, sush areas as eyes, mouth, stomach, anis, and armpits.
How To Treat Dog For Skin Problems;
You could apply a solution made of Oxy-Drops to the area. Mix this solution by mixing 1 teaspoon of oxy-drops to a cup of purified water. Now you should get blood testing done to pin point the exact cause on the problem. As said before itchy skin is the most common irritation for dogs to deal with.
On the flip side, a dog that is allergic to fleas may have a severe reaction that can cause very itchy skin. Under these circumstances your dog may bite at or scratch the itchy spot, and could later lead to a bacterial infection. If your dog is always chewing and digging at their skin causing open wounds and sores, try the following.
The use of a shampoo that contains eucalyptus and aloe vera can greatly reduce itchy areas on your dog’s skin, and help to heal the irritated areas. Diets with vitamins, minerals and fatty acids can help keep your canines skin clear, clean and healthy. Dogs have a different reaction to allergies than we do as humans, we have nasal problems, where as dogs have skin irritations.
An allergy to food can also be a cause for skin problems in dogs, and can cause sickness in dogs aswell. Thankfuly food allergies can be stopped by simply changing your dogs diet, so it is an easy fix. Hypoallergenic dog food would help resolve this problem.
Here are the 5 most likely causes of dog allergies, fleas, food allergies, atopy, bacteria, and contact allergies.
Sometimes flea medications can cause more problems then the fleas themselves. These problems may include skin infections, irritations, even seizures. As you can see there are a number of causes of skin problems in dogs, and many ways to treat a dog for skin problems so you should always consult your vet.
One of the most commonly over looked causes of skin problems in dogs, is an allergic reaction to something in the food they are eating. Some commercialy made dog foods contain minerals and dyes, that can cause an allergic reaction, or even be very harmful to your dog’s body system.
is a maltipoo a god dog for a people with asthma or allergies?
i was looking on the internet also i asked a question bout the best type of dog earlier and the maltipoo is a short fured dog and on the internet it says that a short fured dog and that a labordoodle is a good one too. so do ya’ll think that a maltipoo would be good?
They are not short coated (you have to have them groomed to keep their hair short). Labradoodles may have shorter curly hair but not always. There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, so none of the breeds may work for you. I would think that it depends on how bad your allergies and asthma are, and if the are not mild (especially the asthma) than you shouldn’t get either. I have allergies, but I do not have any problems with any of my dogs. But I know people that cannot have dog because of their asthma even though their asthma is not bad.
Every now and then, our dogs like their human counterparts go on strike when it comes to eating their regular food. For whatever reason no amount of coaxing will get them to eat food that they loved a day or two ago.
Are they being fussy or is something wrong? Personally, I favor the thinking something is wrong attitude, and if by the second mealtime the reaction is the same, it is off to the vet we go.
Granted dogs can behave like we humans and just not feel like eating at one time or another, but to refuse two meals in a row for a dog that normally loves its food creates room for concern.
What are some of the things that can cause a loss of appetite?
The first thought that comes to mind is have you changed brands? If you are trying a new food or are adding a supplement to the current brand that may easily be the problem. Your dog does not like the new food or the supplement.
If you are using the same brand and have just opened a new bag, there is a remote possibility that something could be wrong with food! It might be moldy or spoiled, just because it looks okay does not mean it is okay. Remember our scary episode with spoiled dog and cat food a while ago? Most grocery stores will be glad to take back a bag of pet food if you are concerned about it.
The next thing to be concerned about is teeth and mouth problems! It is possible that your dog could have a toothache, a sore gum, or something wrong with one of its teeth. A sore mouth will cause a dog not to eat.
Is your dog suffering from diarrhea, panting, vomiting, or anything else out of the ordinary? Dogs are great at hiding symptoms of illnesses. If you are noticing any of these things, may I suggest a quick trip to the vet?
Have there been any changes in the household? New coming and goings can cause a disruption in the normal routine of the household and put a dog’s appetite on hold. Animals do not really enjoy change. They really go for the simple and constant life.
Is your dog losing weight? If not, check with the other members of the household and see if anyone is feeding the dog on the sly with extra people food or treats. A new and different source of food can cause a change in a dog’s appetite.
If your dog has an ear infection (which is usually related to food allergies or environmental allergies) this too, can be a cause for a lack of appetite.
Is your dog on any medication either prescribed or over the counter types, these could be making him/her feel nauseous or queasy? Remember medications have side effects that can cause many kinds of problems.
The important thing to remember is that any unusual change in your dog’s behavior is truly an important sign that something is wrong and should be attended to by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Female dogs in heat tend to lose their appetite, as do males when a female is nearby. The important thing here to remember is that if your female stops’ eating after the heat cycle has passed be certain to take her to the vet as she may have what is called pyometra.
Pyometra is pus in the uterine cavity that often develops after a heat cycle and is life threatening to your dog. Signs of this problem are loss of energy, no appetite and increased thirst. It is highly recommended that you have your pet spayed in order to prevent this problem.
As dogs get older, like people, their appetite changes, what they liked one day may not be what they prefer today. If you have had your dog checked out medically and your vet cannot find a reason for the loss of interest in food, you may just have to improvise and create a new interest.
Sounds like a lot of work, yes it might be, but if your senior dog has suddenly become a bit picky consider it a small price to pay for all the years of love and loyalty he/she has given you.
Your vet can prescribe some appetite stimulating drugs and you can go the extra mile and think up some new ways offer pet food and/or people food in small amounts at a time. Some dogs when they are going through this stage do not like to eat the same thing two times in a row. So take time to discipline yourself into thinking about your dog’s menu just as you would your own. Almost any foods can be offered except chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins and macadamia nuts.
Whatever you do, do not give up this might just be a phase or it may not be, whatever the end result is, your dog deserves your care, you wouldn’t desert your best friend, would you?
