Food Allergies in Dog and How You can Prevent it?

05 February 2018

Is your dog itching and shaking like hell? Does he suffer from a recurring ear infection? The symptoms point towards food allergy and a visit to the vet might be in order.

Allergies, be it skin or food, can be devastating and frustrating for you as well as your fluffy-friend. The non-stop scratching of ear, face, and paws can drive him crazy. Make sure you are covered with dog insurance if you want to be prepared for these situations.

Now, you must be wondering where did these allergies come from when your pet is vaccinated regularly and eats healthy?

Really!

Is your pet really having a healthy diet? Ponder-upon! Unlike humans, a dog’s food is different. You could be taking your pet toward distress if you are feeding him food he is allergic to. For many dog owners, dog allergies related to food are a rising concern.

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As a dog owner, it’s important to know that food allergy and food intolerance both are different. While food intolerance leads to poor digestion, food allergies are the result of your dog’s immune system’s response to an invading problem.

How do you know he is suffering from a food allergy?

If your dog is showing the following symptoms, he/she might be suffering from a food allergy:

Itching
Paw biting
Obsessive licking
Poor coat quality
Chronic ear inflammation

Some other symptoms of food allergy in dogs are:

Skin Rashes
Chronic diarrhea
Itchy rear end
Vomiting
Chronic gas
Nausea
Hives

Now, if your dog is showing the above symptoms and is diagnosed with a food allergy make sure you keep him away from foods like:

Dairy:

Some dogs are dairy intolerant and have problems digesting lactose. This further can lead to problems like diarrhea, vomiting, and gas which a dog suffers from. A dairy allergic dog may also have skin itchiness or paw itching.

Wheat:

People have so many misconceptions about carbohydrate-containing foods such as grains that are made for dogs. Some dogs show an allergic reaction to wheat, so if your pet is one of them, consult a vet and treat your loving fluffy pet.

Eggs:

Egg allergy in dogs means your dog’s immune system is overreacting to the protein which presents in the egg yolk. However, for this allergy, you don’t have to visit a vet, just avoid giving them and your monster will be fine.

Beef:

Dogs mostly suffer from protein allergies. Also, if you are feeding the same food over and over, the chances are that your dog will develop an intolerance or allergy to those foods. And food like beef is one such. However, to avoid this, don’t repeat the same food over and over. Instead, run the repeat cycle after 4-5 days.

Chicken:

Like beef, offering your dog only chicken over and over will make them intolerant to that.

Lamb:

Since many dog foods are made from chicken or beef, lamb can be a healthy option for your pet. However, some pets still experience allergies to this meal. But you can try sweet potato, rice or mix with some other food to avoid allergies.

Soy:

Offering soy to dog’s can cause various health issues that are beyond allergies. Your pet may face problems like thyroid, liver disease, and much more.

Which Breads are More Prone To Allergies?

Although no specific breed is prone to allergies, some of the most common breeds are:

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Collie
Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
Boxer
Cocker Spaniel
Springer Spaniel
West Highland White Terrier
Shar-Pei
Dachshund and much more

Although it’s overwhelming to have a cute, cuddly monster at home, taking good care of them is a job that needs attention and dedication. Following a proper diet can keep allergies at bay, but in case if your pooch does catch one, Benadryl is a good OTC drug that you can also give to your dog. CertaPet features a very detailed article covering everything you need to know about Benadryl for dogs – make sure you read it.

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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8 High-Need Animal Shelter Donations

Every year, there are more than 6 million animals all across the country that end up in animal shelters. Most of these shelters are staffed by volunteers who rely on the donations of others to keep the shelters up and running. Without these animal shelter donations, the volunteers wouldn't be able to do their jobs and care for the animals that come through their front doors. Do you want to donate items that could potentially make a huge difference and allow shelters to give animals the TLC they need? If so, animal shelters have a long list of items they need on a regular basis. Here are 8 animal shelter donations you should consider dropping off at the shelter in your area. 1. Pet Food : This might be one of the more obvious animal shelter donations. But it's still worth mentioning because shelters simply can't have enough extra food hanging around. There are new dogs and cats coming into the average shelter every day. And from the moment they arrive, they have to be fed regularly so that they get the right nutrition. If you have extra dog food lying around in your home and it hasn't expired yet, you should consider calling your local animal shelter to see if they have a need for it. Just make sure the food hasn't been opened. Shelters won't be able to use opened bags or cans of food. 2. Dog Beds : In addition to providing dogs and cats with food upon their arrival, they also need to provide them with a place to sleep. Many dogs and cats that are turned into animal shelters haven't gotten a good night's rest in quite some time. Therefore, you should consider making animal shelter donations that include dog beds and beds for cats. They will really come in handy when dogs and cats are set up at animal shelters for days, weeks, or months at a time. 3. Litter : Kitty litter is one of the other items that animal shelters are always on the lookout for. From the moment cats step foot inside of a shelter, they need to have access to clean litter to handle their business. If possible, you should make sure your animal shelter donations include clumping litter that will be easy for shelter volunteers to clean up. You should also consider adding a litter box to the mix if your shelter needs one. It's a good idea to get in touch with a shelter ahead of time to see if they have a specific litter they prefer to use. Animal shelters will be ecstatic if you're able to provide them with fresh litter for their feline friends. 4. Blankets and Towels : Blankets and towels are a necessity whenever you're caring for animals at a shelter. They can be used for cleaning up messes or setting up a quiet space for the animals to rest. Either way, shelter volunteers will definitely find good uses for your blankets and towels. They don't have to be new, either! In fact, you're better off donating older blankets and towels to animal shelters that you don't need anymore. These items often don't have much value when you donate them elsewhere. But at an animal shelter, they'll come in handy in a variety of different ways. 5. Zip-Lock Bags : One of the keys to running a successful animal shelter is keeping everything organized. From food to treats to toys, you want to keep items where they belong. Zip-lock bags will help your local shelter do just that. So if you have a bunch of Zip-lock bags sitting in your house right now, you should donate them to a shelter. Shelter volunteers will be able to keep everything straight when they have places to put the things they use on a regular basis. 6. Pill Pockets : The Humane Society and other organizations insist on shelter animals receiving the best medical care possible at shelters. Often times, this means that dogs and cats have to take medications during their shelter stays. The problem, of course, is that many of them won't willingly take these medications. Pill pockets make it possible for shelter volunteers to give dogs and cats their medications without a problem. One box of pill pockets can last for a long time and make it easier than ever for animals to get the medications they need. 7. Kongs : As you can probably imagine, dogs that are placed in animal shelters can get very bored over time. They can, as a result, get themselves into trouble by chewing on things they shouldn't. Kongs are a great solution to this problem. Shelter volunteers can place treats into Kongs and provide dogs with hours and hours of fun. Shelters are always looking for large Kongs since they usually have a lot of larger dogs in their care. When you donate even just one Kong, you'll provide a dog with the entertainment it needs in a shelter. 8. Cleaning Supplies : Keeping an animal shelter clean is of the utmost importance. Shelters usually fly through cleaning supplies on a daily basis. You can make things easier on them by donating: Disinfectant wipes Bleach Powdered laundry detergent Dish soap Paper towels And more If you're not sure about which cleaning supplies would be best for your local animal shelter, give them a call and ask. They would probably be more than happy to let you know which supplies they use most often. You can help keep your local shelter a lot cleaner by setting them up with the supplies they need. Make Your Animal Shelter Donations Today : When you make animal shelter donations, you'll be helping both the animals in the shelters as well as the volunteers who give up their time to work in them. You'll feel great about yourself and know that you did what you could to help the animals even if you couldn't adopt them. Animal shelters rely on people like you to allow them to assist as many animals as possible. Check out our blog for other lifestyle tips that will help you become a better person.

Medical Marijuana Can Take New Dimensions in the Treatment of Pets

CBD is very famous in recent years. What is CBD? This is a substance that occurs both in the cannabis plant and in the human body. CBD and THC are the most famous and most important substances from the cannabis plant. The advantage of CBD is that this substance has no psychoactive effect. THC does have this, therefore you can get stoned or high from THC and not from CBD. It can, however, alleviate the effects of THC. The human body has an endocannabinoid system. This system consists of cannabinoid and cannabinoid receptors. The cannabinoid from this system corresponds to the cannabinoid from the cannabis plant. It is, therefore, a body substance which is also the reason why CBD is so well absorbed by the body. An imbalance in the endocannabinoid system: It is important that there is sufficient cannabinoid present in the body to keep the endocannabinoid system in balance. An imbalance can cause all kinds of different complaints and ailments such as fatigue, headache, dull skin, muscle pain and cognitive problems. By using CBD oil or CBD capsules, the cannabinoid in the body can be replenished, which may bring the system back into balance again. That is why many people choose to use these products preventively to support good health. CBD in US market: Medical marijuana is worth billions of dollars in the United States market. Many consumers turn to this form of 'therapy' for a variety of reasons. Legalized in 29 states of the country, the industry is focused on turning the focus to a new target: pets. For information, CBD oil for dogs has become popular among animal lovers. Did you know that many of our customers in the United States already treat their dogs and cats with Cannabidiol? That's because all mammals - and possibly all vertebrates - have an endocannabinoid system, which means that animals can benefit from CBD the same way you do. The benefits of cannabis are recognized: fighting pain, anxiety, inflammation and even side effects of cancer treatments. For all this, in recent years has been multiplying the companies dedicated to this new market, with dozens of products derived from cannabis for pets to appear every month. Cannabinoids interact with regulatory processes that occur naturally through the endocannabinoid system, responsible for maintaining the body's homeostasis, including regulation of immune responses, communication between cells, appetite, and metabolism. Due to this parallel between the systems of the human body and other mammals, some people have treated their pets with hemp products. According to the founder of Treat Well (California), Alison Ettle, it is possible for CBD products for pets, especially CBD for pet anxiety, to grow in this market about 20% every month. The company specializes in non-psychoactive cannabis products for both humans and animals and reveals that demand has continued to grow. They get between one and five patients with cancer per day and the results they are achieving are impressive. And while the substance continues to be considered illegal by the US federal authorities and the laws do not provide for its consumption by pets, more and more pet owners are getting prescriptions on their behalf to treat their animals later. The country's veterinarians have been widely consulted on the issue, since a recipe used incorrectly may not only help the animal but be harmful. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, since 2009, reports of animal exposure to cannabis use in the US have not stopped growing, estimating a 50% increase. These reports include cases of dogs and cats that were taken to clinics and veterinary hospitals in critical condition. In fact, veterinarians are still divided over the use of CBD, just as some doctors still have doubts about the use of cannabis in humans. Lack of research and clinical studies prevents organizations from endorsing the CBD for animals. But gradually this is changing as we have heard success stories directly from professionals in the field, especially in some cases related to separation anxiety. CBD oil for dog separation anxiety has been sold freely on the market. For all that, the association has strengthened its communication on the subject, noting that, despite the legalization trend in many US states, making cannabis more available in many households, it remains highly toxic to animals. Cinomose: One of the most common serious veterinary problems in the world is Cinomose, a viral disease that attacks the immune and nervous systems of canines, presenting a very high mortality rate. Recently we have been contacted by veterinarians intrigued by the results of clinical studies of cannabidiol in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in humans, and by analogy, believe that cannabidiol may help in the treatment of dogs, but there is no regulation yet. The access to cannabidiol in the US was an achievement of the mothers and doctors in the country next to the regulatory agencies. Veterinarians and pet owners who choose to treat them with cannabis have preferred to use hemp products because it naturally has a high concentration of CBD, which avoids exposure to the psychoactive effects of THC, common when extracting the oil of marijuana. It can be concluded that the use of CBD has benefits for animals; even many experts predict that this substance might be used for several other animal diseases. Hopefully, this article can provide you with initial information about the prospect of cannabis in the form of CBD to deal with some diseases that attack pets. Read Also: CBD The Solution To Insomnia Is CBD Oil & Edible Treats Safe For Pets – Dogs & Cats

Ways to control and get rid of pests

Pests are common but they can be troublesome as well. Even though not all pests are dangerous and harmful, they do not spread diseases, however, it is difficult to distinguish between them. Most of the pests can be harmful to your garden, your own self, as well as the things in your house especially the wood. Getting rid of pests is every individual’s first priority especially if they are moving into a new house. Mentioned below are some of the things people should consider doing or not doing so they can avoid and get rid of pests. Ways to control and get rid of pests: 1. House Inspection: The first and foremost thing one should do is to get the house inspected by professionals. One of the best pest services is provided by Amco Ranger Termite & Pest Solutions and they provide free inspection and consultation for all types of pests. Obviously, there are other really good pest control services as well so do check all of them out. 2. Know the type of pests: You should know the type of pests you are dealing with so you can use proper prevention solutions for them. For example, the skunk creates havoc in your garden. Know how to get rid of skunks. They can be stopped and come across with them reduced on your property by taking steps such as locking up trash cans, removing food sources, and setting humane traps. 3. Stagnant water: Even if you do not have the pest problem, you should not leave stagnant water anywhere in your house or even the garden. Stagnant water welcomes all types of harmful pests and those pests will cause harmful diseases. 4. Cover: It is extremely important that you cover the eatables. Do not throw the bad or leftover food in the dustbin or fruits that have gone bad in the trash. Properly cover them in a bag and then throw it away. Keep your fruits in the refrigerator, food in covered containers, water in a jug or dispenser. 5. Clean: Cleanliness is important. You need to always keep your kitchen clean no matter what. A dirty kitchen is the best place for pests to attack. It is also important to keep your rooms, drawers, cupboards, and every nook and corner clean to keep the bugs away. 6. Lock: It is for the best that you keep your windows locked at night and your door closed as well. All kinds of insects can enter the house without you being aware of them and reproduce in corners you did not even know existed. 7. DIY Solutions: Try to use do-it-yourself methods to prevent and get rid of pests. However, if everything fails, then use harmful products or pest control services. DIY methods are really eco-friendly and safe to work with as well so they do not cause any harm to either your furniture or your family. 8. Pesticides: Try to avoid harmful pesticides as much as possible. Only use them when it becomes a necessity because the chemicals inside the pesticides can be injurious to your health and can cause diseases. 9. For the Garden: Also, keep in mind that you should not forget your garden or yard, and make sure that you clean it every other day and keep an eye out for grass, insects, and bushes. 10. Pets: Last but definitely not least, make sure that your pets are clean after they spend the day in the garden or park playing and bathe them every other day. Brush their entire body and keep a check on the dogs specifically if they are excessively scratching themselves. Read Also: What you should expect from a pest control visit 5 Tips to Keeping Animals Away From Your Garden

Food Allergies in Dog and How You can Prevent it?