You may be surprised to find out that your dog can suffer from many of the same types of allergies that you do, although they may be a little harder to diagnose. In some instances, the allergy may go undiagnosed, any may be treated as a separate problem, such as an ear infection, but in many cases, an allergy will be the underlying cause that led to the condition.

Most studies conclude that the most common type of allergies that dogs suffer from is airborne allergies, such as pollen and mold. Some dogs may suffer from seasonal symptoms, while others may seem to suffer non-stop, depending on the particular type of airborne allergy they have, and how severe it is. No two dogs are likely to experience the same allergy symptoms, but in general, you should look for the following:

• Scratching or shaking the ears, or even frequent ear infections
• Scratching or rubbing the nose and face
• Runny, yellow discharge from the eyes or nose, or red, watery eyes
• Biting, licking, or chewing on the toes or nails
• Skin rashes or pigmentation changes of the skin

Some dogs do some of these actions out of habit, so they alone may not be a definite sign of an airborne allergy, but if you see if frequently, it may be a good idea to mention it to your vet, just to be on the safe side.

The next category of allergies that your dog may have are foodborne allergies. Just as we may have reactions from certain foods, your dog may have the same problem. The most common triggers of foodborne allergies are tomatoes and fish, but many dogs are also bothered by soy, corn, and wheat, which can be found in many commercial dog food products on the market today.

The symptoms of a food allergy may not always be easily seen, since they are common dog behaviors, scratching, biting, and licking. Ear and skin infections are also common, and many may cause digestive issues, such as nausea or diarrhea. You may feed your dog the same brand of food for years, and all of a sudden he is unable to tolerate it anymore. If you suspect a foodborne allergy, talk to your vet, who will most likely put your dog on a special diet, to try and determine the exact allergen that is causing the symptoms. Once the triggers are determined, you will just need to learn to read labels on the foods that you purchase for your dog, to make certain they are safe for him.

Your dog could also be allergic to many common items in your home, such as cleaners, deodorizers, flea products, or even the filler in the dog bed he or she sleeps on. The symptoms of a contact allergy are much the same as the other types of allergies mentioned, but may be linked more towards skin irritations. Your vet may prescribe allergy medications for your dog until the exact trigger can be found, along with topical creams that can help alleviate skin symptoms.

Once the source of your dog’s allergies can be found, it is fairly simple to treat the symptoms. The problem is that in many cases, the symptoms are treated, but not the underlying problem, so that the dog repeatedly gets sick and suffers from the same symptoms.

by Cristy & David Giacomini - Holistic Dog (www.holisticdog.com)
For your dog’s mind, body & soul.

This article may be reprinted as long as it’s reprinted in its entirety including the signature line.

If you own a dog, odds are you have already dealt with at least one major ear infection, if not more. Much like our own human ears, dogs’ ears are comprised of three main sections, the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. Odds are, if your dog develops an ear infection, it will be located in his outer ear, at least about ninety percent of the time.

Some ear infections happen just because dogs’ ears are not designed to help keep dirt and debris out of the ear canal, which allows bacteria to breed, resulting in an infection. In some cases, ear infections occur as a symptom of another condition entirely, such as canine allergies. If your dog seems to suffer from frequent ear infections, it may be a good idea to talk with your vet about the possibility of allergies, and see what treatment options he or she might suggest. It is all too easy to just treat the infection, without really taking the time to determine whether or not it is an illness on its own, or a symptom of another, perhaps more serious, problem.

Dogs who like to swim also get ear infections, due to water building up in their ears. While it is easy for the water to get into the dog’s ears, it is much more difficult for it to drain back out. The water in your dog’s ears is a breeding ground for infection causing bacteria, so if you allow your dog to swim, take the time to dry out his ears well.

If you happen to notice that your dog seems to shake his head often, or tries to scratch his ears, he may very well be suffering from an ear infection. Take the time to inspect your dog’s ears at least once a week, and if you notice any discharge, odor, swelling, or redness, you should probably call the vet. Cleaning your dog’s ears on a regular basis may also help prevent ear infections in the future. If you are unsure of how to do this, talk with your vet, or do some research online.

If your vet does in fact decide that your dog is suffering from an ear infection, you will likely be given medication to put directly into the dogs ear at least once a day. To do this, you must first clean the dog’s ear well. Your vet will suggest an ear cleaner for your dog, and you will start by putting a couple of drops of the cleaning solution into each ear. Once you have that done, you will gently massage the outside of your dog’s ears, to allow the cleaner to get down into the ear canal, and loosen up debris and dirt that may be inside the ear canal. Then you will need to take a cotton ball or soft cotton towel to wipe the ear cleaner and loosened debris out of the dog’s ears. Once this is done, you can put the medication into the dog’s ears as directed on the package.

Depending on the severity of the infection, your vet may also prescribe oral medications as well. If your dog has frequent, recurring ear infections, surgery may also be suggested, if no underlying causes, such as allergies, are found.

Learning how to care for your dog’s ears properly and how to spot the early warning signs of an ear infection are important for your dog’s health. Take the time to read more on the subject online, or from books at your local pet store or public library.

by Cristy & David Giacomini - Holistic Dog (www.holisticdog.com)
For your dog’s mind, body & soul.

This article may be reprinted as long as it’s reprinted in its entirety including the signature line.