How to Diagnose and Prevent Skin Allergies in Dogs

Guest columnist Ashley Sanders offers her insights on dog skin allergies:

 

Skin allergies in dogs are identified through a thorough evaluation of the dog's medical history, a physical examination, and diagnostic procedures to detect certain allergens, such as blood tests or skin testing.

 

Based on the patient's medical history, veterinarians can identify skin allergies. After going over the patient's medical history and doing a physical examination, vets may suggest allergy testing to identify what causes skin allergies. To determine which allergen is triggering the dog's symptoms, veterinarians can administer intradermal skin tests, serum allergy testing, dog probiotics or use elimination diets.

What Dogs Can Do to Avoid Skin Issues?

Following is a list of things you can do to keep your dog's skin healthy.

• The best way to keep your dog's hair and skin healthy and free of allergens is to groom it regularly. Before bathing, brush the dog's coat to eliminate loose fur and avoid matting.

• Maintaining good skin and coat is easier with a balanced diet that includes water and nutritional foods. Make sure the dog gets enough protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals in its food. Never be without access to clean, fresh water; it's essential for staying hydrated and maintaining healthy skin function.

• The goal of environmental management is to protect dogs from potentially harmful substances by reducing their contact with pollen, dust mites, mould, and other allergies. Reduce exposure by keeping the house clean, using air purifiers, and washing the dog's bedding regularly.

• Fleas are a known allergen and a contributor to skin issues like flea allergy dermatitis in dogs. Incorporate a flea control program that is regularly executed and includes

• Maintaining a dog's skin and coat health requires frequent veterinary examinations. A veterinarian can spot the first symptoms of skin issues and provide you with the best advice on how to avoid them.

• Skin irritation and infections can be caused by parasites like ticks, mites, and lice. To prevent them, it is important to take measures against them. Protect your dog against parasites by taking the necessary precautions, like giving them mite and tick preventatives.

• Keeping your dog active and mentally engaged is essential for their entire health, including their skin. Getting a charming gift for your dog for outdoor adventure looks is always a good idea.

• Anxiety and stress can compromise a dog's immune system and make skin issues worse. Create a safe and secure space for dogs to live in, and deal with any problems that may cause them discomfort or anxiety.

 

If an allergic dog gets a secondary bacterial or yeast infection, the vet can give antibiotics or antifungal medicine to treat the problem.

What Steps Can I Take to Minimise My Dog's Risk of Skin Allergies?

Dog owners can help their canines avoid skin allergies by keeping them away from common allergens, feeding them a balanced diet, and grooming them regularly.

 

When it comes to controlling dog allergens, environmental measures are crucial. Dust mites and pollen can be lessened by maintaining a clean living space by frequent vacuuming and washing of bedding.

 

For a healthy immune system and skin barrier, dietary factors are crucial. Supporting a dog's overall health and lowering the danger of allergic reactions is a balanced diet that is rich in necessary nutrients.

 

Ensuring that dogs get regular grooming is crucial for the prevention of skin disorders. To promote good hygiene and remove allergies from fur, bathe pets using mild, hypoallergenic shampoos.

What is the Life Expectancy of a Dog with Skin Allergies?

Although skin allergies can reduce a dog's quality of life, cause discomfort, and increase the risk of secondary skin infections, the dog can still enjoy a normal lifespan. According to a study titled "Quality of life of dogs with skin disease and their owners. Part 2: administration of a questionnaire in various skin diseases and correlation to the efficacy of therapy, 2011," dogs whose skin allergies go untreated have a worse quality of life overall. The top five skin diseases in dogs are scabies, pododermatitis, complicated atopic dermatitis, pemphigus foliaceus, and endocrine alopecia.

 

Itchy, scratchy skin is a common symptom of untreated skin allergies, which can develop into infection-prone wounds and ulcers. Irritability, restlessness, and aggressiveness are symptoms of chronic irritation in dogs, which impacts their relationships with people and other animals.

How Can We Keep Our Dogs' Skin Healthy and Problem-Free?

Consistent grooming, a healthy diet, and limiting exposure to allergens are the ways to keep dogs' skin in good condition and less likely to develop problems.

 

To prevent skin problems caused by clogged pores and excess oils, regular grooming is necessary. A dog's coat can be brushed to spread its natural oils and protect it from dryness and allergy sensitivity. Proper nutrition, in the form of high-quality, well-balanced meals, is an important factor in maintaining healthy skin.

 

How to Keep Track of Your Pets While Traveling

Chris Cantrell offers advice as to how to best keep track of your pets while traveling.

Summer is nearing soon!  You might be looking forward to getting out and visiting different places or scratching off some things on your travel bucket list. "But what about my pet?"

Every fur parent can relate to this dilemma. When traveling, one of the most common concerns is leaving your pet alone. But what if there are things you can do to alleviate your worries?

How to Keep Track of Your Pets While Traveling

With these practical tips, leaving your pets at home as you travel is not such a big deal. There are practical ways you can do to ensure their safety before you go.

1.     Put a tag on your pet.

Every fur parent's nightmare is to have their pet lost in an unknown location. Fortunately, it is available in the market. You may use it to keep track of their site.

Its low price point compared to GPS pet trackers makes it one of the most affordable tracking devices on the market. In addition, it includes a built-in speaker that can ring and a lengthy battery life that lasts up to a year. That way, people near your pet would know to guide them back to your home.

The most beneficial feature of AirTag for pets is its range. You'll get the location where someone last spotted your pet. It can help you contact the previous person who found your pet. The UWB technology can direct you to your dog with compass-like accuracy.

2.     If you're keeping your pet at home, get a pet monitor.

Technology for pets has drastically evolved. Thanks to technology, pet owners may stay connected to their furry friends.

Pet cameras and monitors are a great option if you’re concerned about leaving your dog or cat home alone. Wi-Fi pet cameras double as a treat dispenser are available. In addition, you can use your phone to check in on your buddy throughout the day.

3.     Find a good pet sitter or pet hotel you can trust

If you're going away for an extended period, hiring a pet sitter is worth considering. You can maintain your fur friend's routine with a pet sitter even when you're not around. Keep in mind that your pet's daily routine is crucial to their general health. Routines help them thrive and make sure that they are slowly adjusted to not having you around. In addition, it minimizes their stress and separation anxiety.

However, in some cases, keeping your pet at home when you're on vacation may be impossible. The great news is, boarding your pet can be a more practical solution. When boarding your pet, make sure that they have all the necessary vaccinations. Most kennels require influenza, bordetella, rabies, and distemper vaccines.

Assume your pet has never before been kenneled. A trial day to observe how your pet behaves is a good idea. Bring any pills, treats, or food your pet is on to the kennel so they can keep up with your pet's routine while you're gone.

4.     Provide all essentials, including your pet's medical history and routines

Whether you board your pet or hire a pet-sitter, you must leave clear, detailed instructions. For example, it might be helpful for your pet sitter if you leave a note specifying exactly how much food your pet gets every meal, how often they get treats, and when they go for walks.

If your pet is on medication, provide your sitter information on the medicines your pet needs to take, the best method to give them, and when to share it.

It's also a good idea to give your pet-sitter a tour of your place ahead of time so you can guide them through your pet's routine and behavior. Show your pet-sitter where everything is, and if they haven't met yet, introduce them to your pet. Finally, to reduce your pet's anxiety while away, give it its favorite toys and something that smells like you.

Wrapping It Up

Leaving your pet behind can be challenging, but you don't have to go on your trip feeling anxious and worried with a bit of planning. With these helpful tips, you can be assured that you can go with less worry and ensure your pet’s safety before you go.

 Chris is a writer and consults for a refurbished Macbook retailer. He is an avid collector of “vintage” gizmos and loves to watch 80s sci-fi movies in his leisure time.

Plant Safety Tips for Pets

Luke Strauss sent us this valuable chart that might be a good guide to the safest plants to have around pets. He says:

Plants and pets have been proven to reduce stress and improve cognitive ability, but can you safely have both in your home? To help reap the many benefits of both furry friends and potted plants, my team created a guide that lists 27 non-toxic plants as well as tips on how to keep your pets safe around toxic ones.

My favorite tip is to hang plants where pets can't reach — my dangling snake plant keeps me company at work without compromising my dog Angie's safety!

Best Selling Items

Amazon just sent me very interesting and best selling items for our blog. I would like to share these with you.

PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box, No Scooping Automatic Cat Litter Box for Multiple Cats

 

 

 

 

Topmart High Density Foam Dog Steps 4 Tiers,Extra Wide Deep Pet Steps,Non-Slip Pet Stairs,Dog Ramp for Bed,Soft Foam Dog Ladder,Best for Older Dogs Injured,Older Pets,Cats with Joint Pain

 

 

 

 

Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food

Milk-Bone Original Dog Treat Biscuits, Crunchy Texture Helps Clean Teeth

Birding Bob

If you live in New York City or are planning on visiting, you may want to check out Birding Bob who offers bird watching tours of Central Park. Central Park has a range of different birds from sparrows to ducks and you may even spot an owl or a hawk along the way.

What could be better than getting a bit of fresh air, in a park and learn something or see something new?

How to Love Your Pet on a Budget

How can you love your pets without spending a lot? Possible Finance has some suggestions --

Puppy Sleep Habits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casper Mattress company believes that puppies have distinct sleeping habits

There are specific daytime and nighttime sleep habits unique to puppies.

> Daytime sleeping habits: Puppies tend to sleep a lot more than dogs during the day. This excessive sleeping helps them mature, grow, and process the variety of information they have learned. You may also notice your pup napping several times during the day. Some puppies may even sleep every hour. These power naps are normal and may even come out of the blue! Puppies can fall asleep in the oddest places and may even fall asleep in the middle of a training or play session.

> Nighttime sleeping habits: When you first bring your pup home, you may notice that they’re very restless at night. They may get up to go to the bathroom, get water, or eat several times. After a few months, this should stop and you will notice your pup getting around 10 full hours of sleep.

Just like human babies, puppies need an adequate amount of sleep so they can develop and grow properly. To make sure your pup is getting enough sleep, it’s important for them to stick to a consistent sleep schedule.

How Long Do Dogs Sleep?

Typically, adult dogs will sleep 12–14 hours a day. However, just like humans, these numbers can vary based on your dog, their age, activity level, and personality. Dr. Linda Simon says that you “will likely find that your pooch sleeps more on days they have been most active.”
 
According to Veterinarian Dr. Joanna Woodnutt from DoggieDesigner, “dogs sleep the most between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM, although usually have afternoon naps.” These naps can happen several times a day depending on your dog.
 
Puppies, on the other hand, need significantly more sleep and can even sleep to up to 20 hours a day. If you notice that your dog starts to sleep a lot more or is staying awake longer than usual, consider scheduling a vet exam to check for any underlying issues.

How to Help Your Pup Get the Best Sleep

It’s important to always keep an eye on your dog’s sleeping habits. The position they sleep in or the amount of sleep they get each day can be little clues into how they are feeling — both mentally and physically.
 
Dr. Jennifer Coates says that “dogs who are sleeping more or less than normal or in new positions or locations may be suffering from an illness or injury.” It’s always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s sleep habits.
 
To help your dog get the best sleep possible, make sure their sleeping environment is comfortable. You can do this by buying a dog bed they love, filling their sleep area with their favorite toys, and keeping water nearby. Casper Dog Bed is made with pressure-relieving memory foam and supportive foam bolsters so your dog can sleep safe, supported, and comforted all night long. If your dog is a cuddler and likes to snooze in bed beside you, make sure to get a mattress protector to safe-guard against any accidents or spills.

 

Important Information About Deadly Pet Food Recall

Pet food recalled after at least 28 dogs die, 8 sickened: FDA

MEREDITH DELISO

Wed, December 30, 2020, 6:35 PM PST·2 min read

 

From Yahoo News -----

Several pet food products have been recalled after 28 dogs died, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday.

Three brands of Sportmix products for dogs and cats made by Midwestern Pet Foods may contain potentially fatal levels of the toxin aflatoxin, according to the FDA.

The FDA said it is aware of at least 28 deaths and eight illnesses in dogs that ate the recalled pet food.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture tested multiple samples of the food and found "very high levels" of aflatoxin, which is produced by a mold that can grow on corn and other grains used in pet food, the FDA said.

Midwestern Pet Foods has committed to recalling nine lots of Sportmix products, the FDA said. The FDA and Missouri Department of Agriculture are working to determine if any others need to be recalled.

The lot code, which begins with the letters "Exp," is located on the back of the bag.

As of Dec. 30, the recalled products are:

Sportmix Energy Plus

50 lb. bag:

Exp 03/02/22/05/L2

Exp 03/02/22/05/L3

Exp 03/03/22/05/L2

44 lb. bag:

Exp 03/02/22/05/L3

Sportmix Premium High Energy

50 lb. bag:

Exp 03/03/22/05/L3

44 lb. bag:

Exp 03/03/22/05/L3

Sportmix Original Cat

31 lb. bag:

Exp 03/03/22/05/L3

15 lb. bag:

Exp 03/03/22/05/L2

Exp 03/03/22/05/L3

The products were distributed to online retailers and stores nationwide, the FDA said.

Pet owners who have the recalled products should contact the company for further instructions or throw the products out in a way that children, pets and wildlife cannot access them.

Signs of aflatoxin poisoning include sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice and diarrhea. There is no evidence that pet owners who handle the products are at risk of aflatoxin poisoning, the FDA said.

If your pet has symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Pet food recalled after at least 28 dogs die, 8 sickened: FDA originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

The Value and Importance of Dog Drying Cages

Helene Petersen of KVP Orthotics  offers her views on the value of Drying Cages especially for long haired dogs. There are profession grooming businesses that can find benefit in them and there are smaller drying cages (for dogs and cats) that you can use at home after bath time.

 

Dog Drying Cages- You Can Thank Us Later

There is no denying the fact that dog grooming is a form of art. And just like most art forms, it is painstakingly time-consuming. Ask any professional groomer, and they’d agree that it takes forever for any long-haired pet to dry after a bath. And it doesn’t take long for a pet with wet hair to get dirty again.

A simple solution to avoid this problem at professional grooming facilities is dog drying cages. Take a look at what they are and how they help-

What are Dog Drying Cages?

Dog drying cages are cages exclusively designed to dry pets after a bath. It is a highly efficient and safe alternative to use blow dryers, which might not be safe for pets or wait for hours for air drying. The cages can be attached with blow driers to dry the pets quickly.

The cages are available in many different configurations and can be customized as per your requirements. But only a handful of brands offer the customization option.

Top Benefits of Using Dog Drying Cages

Here are some of the top reasons why professional grooming facilities should consider drying cages.

1. Saves Time

Needless to say, the most significant advantage of using cage driers is that they save a lot of time. Once a dog is groomed and bathed, he/she can be placed in the cage for drying. While the pet is drying, the groomer can start working on the next pet.

In facilities that receive a lot of paw traffic, this is an effective way for the groomers to multi-task. It also keeps the facility organized and clean.

2. More Comfort for Nervous Dogs

It is not uncommon for pets to feel anxious or nervous in a grooming facility, especially if it is their first time. Once such dogs are groomed and bathed, it can be challenging for the groomer to hold them in a place for drying.

Dog drying cages can be very helpful in such cases. After the bath, pets can be placed inside the cage to make them feel more comfortable and calm. Nervous dogs can also be placed inside the cage before grooming or bath so that they feel more relaxed and safe. You can read this SitStay post for some more tips on how to keep dogs calm while grooming.

Purchasing Dog Drying Cages

There are plenty of reasons that make dog drying cages an excellent choice for professional grooming facilities. Look for a reputed dog grooming supplier to browse through their range of cage dryers.  

Advancements in Dog Orthotics Over the Year

Helene Petersen of KVP Orthotics writes to us to describe the available methods of improving the quality and mobility of our beloved dogs.

 

Over the years, there have been plenty of breakthroughs in the field of dog orthotics. As pet owners, this is certainly to our benefit. If before, there weren’t very many options for us to help
improve our dogs’ quality of life, now, there is hope.

 

Here are some of the recent advancements in dog orthotics.

Orthopedic Braces
One of the biggest advancements in dog orthotics today is orthopedic braces. Before, most injuries and orthopedic problems only have surgery as the solution. Nowadays, orthopedic braces can be used both as an alternative or adjunct to surgery. Our dogs no longer have to suffer from the pain and discomfort if they are not able to get surgery.

Back Brace
There is a wide range of orthopedic braces available for our dogs. One of the most common is a back brace. This is often given to dogs who have problems with their vertebral column or spine. Whether it’s for an injury or for correction of wrong posture, back braces are an excellent solution.

Knee Brace
Knees are perhaps the most commonly injured part of a dog’s limbs. This is specially for susceptible dog breeds like German Shepherd, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, and many more. You may ask your veterinarian if your dog is susceptible to this issue. A knee brace is often indicated for problems like anterior cruciate ligament or ACL tears as well as other ligament or tendon injuries in the knee.

Hock Brace
Hock braces are certainly unique to dogs. They are used to support our dog’s back legs. Oftentimes, dogs injure or strain their hock joint from trauma, overuse, and other factors. A hock brace can help them become more comfortable by reducing the swelling and inflammation in the area. Because of this, they are also great for old dogs suffering from arthritis.

Elbow Brace
Although less commonly injured, our dogs’ elbows are certainly not immune to problems. Elbow dysplasia is a disease of large dog breeds. They can be a very painful condition for the dog if not addressed properly. With an elbow brace, we can help improve their mobility and lessen the pain.

Fortunately, dog orthotics is a continuously evolving field. Through this, we can always rely to find the perfect solutions for our dog’s orthopedic problems. We can expect more innovations to come in the field. Thus, we can also expect more options and ways for us to improve our dogs’ lives."