Guest post by Eric Blair
License: Creative Commons image source
If you have a dog the last thing you want to do is worry about any type of health problem. Sadly allergies are an ever-present worry in most dog owners.
There are many sources of itching, scratching, or just plain discomfort in dogs. Here is a list of some of the most common allergens or allergy inducers in dogs:
- Some foods like wheat, soy, corn, chicken, etc.
- Insects and flea bites. If your dog gets bitten by a flea he can get itchiness for up to three weeks.
- Colognes and perfumes
- Pollen
- Dust
- Mold
- Dander
- Cleaning products
Let´s analyze in more detail how some of these allergens can affect your dog.
Mold:
The first thing you need to know about reducing your home´s humidity levels is to eliminate the source of humidity.
Keep fans on inside bathrooms, the kitchen, your basement, and any other places where moisture can build up in your home. You should also buy a dehumidifier. If you don´t control mold in your house, your dog may end up chewing on his paws and legs and rubbing himself to furniture to relieve the itching. You should go to a vet you trust and ask him to do blood and skin tests on your dog. The vet will most likely put shots to increase your dog´s immunity and he may also prescribe some other type of medications.
Pollen:
It comes from trees and flowers and you can keep track of pollen levels by checking the internet, or your local newspaper and news. One way to keep pollen levels low inside your house is to buy your dog a hypoallergenic bed and use hypoallergenic furniture covers. It is also a good idea to place air purifiers inside your house. Some of the problems that pollen brings are swelling and skin rashes. You should go to your vet and ask him to run some tests so he will decide if an antihistamine is a right option to cure your dog´s pollen allergy.
Insects and fleas: Bugs are seasonal and summertime is when mosquitoes, fleas, and others start growing their numbers. The first step you should take is to spray your backyard with an all-natural pet-safe bug repellent.
When an insect bites their saliva gets under your pet´s skin. Your dog´s body reacts to this and his skin will become itchy.
One solution I found works wonders in helping your dog get a shiny coat of hair and prevent fleas and ticks from biting is virgin olive oil. Give your dog a teaspoon 2 or 3 times a week or pour it his bowl of food and after a few weeks, you will notice some positive changes.
Please don´t try any of the above solutions before you ask your vet if it is safe for your dog.
Eric Blair writes about NuVet review and other issues that dog owners face when choosing the right supplements for their ‘best friend’.
