Food Allergies in Dog and How You can Prevent it?

Published on: 05 February 2018 Last Updated on: 21 October 2020

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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How Your Pet Will Change Your Life

All those who have watched “Marley and Me” know exactly what I am talking about when I mention pet parents and how a lot of couples think of being a pet parents before they become parents. Having a pet, whether you live with your family, with your spouse, or you live alone, can change your life in so many ways. Apart from the fact that your family has a new totally adorable and definitely the most photogenic member in your family that would make you want to shop for amenities and accessories from petsho, we have decided to work out ways in which having a pet can change your life and why you should definitely adopt one if you haven’t already. 1. For Practicing Parents: Having a pet is parenting a child for as long as your pet lives. No pet ever grows up, and this is especially true for dogs. They will most definitely grow old, and there will come a time when they wouldn’t be able to jump about like they did when they were younger, when their eyesights will grow weaker, but they will always be your little child, only bigger in size. It is not an easy job to be a parent to your pet for all the years that they live, but every pet parents will tell you without a doubt that those years will forever be the best years of their lives. From toilet training to training your pet for food, everything involves not only ample mistakes that will remind you of all the good times you shared with somebody who loved you selflessly. Apart from helping you learn to be patient till your child grows up, having pets also give your child a constant friend in every little thing they do. 2. Pets as Therapets: It is a well-known fact that pets have often been trained as therapy support for patients suffering from depression, autism, Alzheimer’s among the few issues people grapple with. They are known to not only help people de-stress, but also provide constant support and alert people if they are about to have a seizure. 3. Becoming More Active: Having a pet will completely change your daily routine. Your day will revolve around that furry little family member who is now a major part of your home. There will be someone who will love you right from the moment you step onto the threshold of your house, someone impatiently waiting for your return. Your priorities will begin to change and you won’t regret any of it, because this won’t be a responsibility anymore. The unconditional love that your pets will have for you will make you value them and their presence. It is also the best way to adopt a very healthy lifestyle owing to the ways you might have to adapt to keep your pet healthy and fit. Apart from being trained as therapists, pets, in general, improve your health by their mere presence and the infectious energy they carry with them. 4. A Boon for Introverts: Unlike those who are naturally outgoing and can easily socialize or often become the life of the party, having a pet can help you create a bond or a connection without the need for any verbal communication. It can also be a great way to socialize with people if you are naturally drawn to animals more than human beings, yet you want to hone your socializing skills. Having a pet makes it easier to begin any conversation. 5. Your Child’s Best Friend: As mentioned earlier, pets often become great company for your children. Often, pets react differently around a new family member, especially if it’s a baby, where most of the attention gets diverted and irrationally divided. However, this can be the best opportunity for you to help your pet befriend your child. Having a pet not only will help boost your child’s immune system but will also be their forever lifeguard helping them around or protecting them and communicating in their own forms of gibberish. 6. Your Trip Companion: This option comes with a lot of terms and conditions applied because unfortunately, not every place whether a cafe or a tourist spot is animal-friendly. However, there are a lot of locations and a lot of eateries that allow you to visit and spend some quality time with your loved ones and also introduce them to other people’s pets. A solo trip can often become a lot more fun, interesting and adventurous if you can take your pet along. Having said all of these, it is true how wonderful and how drastically your life will change once you adopt a pet. However, it is also important to remember that this is a responsibility. It is always a good idea to weigh out the odds against keeping a pet before you decide to adopt one. They look forward to being a part of your family and more often than not, these pets are traumatized once they are abandoned. Always choose adoption over the purchase of a pet. Read Also: What Are The Best Hamster Toys For Your Pet? Different Steps On How To Clean Pet Stains On Couch

7 Elk Hunting Tips to Follow

One of the most beautiful sounds in the world to a hunter may be the bugle of a male hunter calling his harem. These majestic animals often weighing up to 700 pounds are grazers that chew their cud. Depending on where you plan on hunting, you can hunt elk from late July through mid-December. Whether you go elk hunting regularly or are fixing to go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, following some elk hunting tips will give you a better chance of killing a big elk. Know Your Weapon's Capabilities : Whether you choose to hunt with a bow and arrow or with a shotgun, it is important to know your weapon's capabilities. There is nothing worse than getting into the field on a beautiful fall day to discover that your equipment is not working properly. Many hunters discover that their accuracy greatly decreases after 100 yards, but they fail to wait with bated breath until the buck or doe is close enough. Practicing with your weapon at home ensures that you know how it operates and what you can trust in its reliability. Additionally, make sure to practice with any equipment that you plan on using in the field like rangefinders and shooting sticks. Practice in the position that you plan on shooting from when you see that majestic animal walk in front of you. Know The Habitat : If you do not live in the area where you plan on elk hunting, then get a topographical map of the area and study it before making your trip. Otherwise, get out in the field before hunting season begins and learn the territory first hand. Elk often uses grassy ridges as travel corridors between feeding and bedding sites. Mark wide flat valley areas that contain headwaters to small creeks and streams as elk often congregate there during the early hunting season. Consider hunting creek bottoms because elk love the variety of vegetation often found there. Determine the direction of the wind so that you keep it in your face blowing your scent behind you when getting into position. Most state wildlife divisions publish reports of estimated elk numbers, and reading these reports can often give you an indication of what part of the state you need to hunt in when possible. Get Into Physical Condition : If you are looking to go on an elk hunt, then you need to be in great physical condition. It is not unusual to cover at least five miles while hunting. Keep in mind that you will likely do it while carrying your gun, a daypack, and other supplies. While you may wish that the buck would choose the top of a hill with amazing scenery, they will often choose to stay more hidden, especially as the season wears on. Getting into good physical condition also means that you will not be so out of breath when he walks in front of you that you cannot take an accurate shot.Additionally, ensuring you have the right shotgun ammo is crucial for a successful hunt. Think About the Elk's Diet : Understanding what an elk eats will let you position yourself correctly depending on the season. If it is still summer when you begin to hunt, then look for them in grassy areas with lots of forbs. As the temperatures begin to drop, then they will be in areas where grasses are still present. Elk spends a lot of time grazing during the fall as they try to store up fat to get through the cold winter months. As the days become cold, they are opportunistic grazers who will feed on tree bark and small branches. After the first snow, they often avoid going into valleys, but they choose to stick close to the edge of wooded areas. Look for Signs : You will want to watch for signs that elk are in the area. If you are an experienced deer hunter, then realize that elk hoofprints are about twice the size of deer impressions. Additionally, their pellets are about twice as big as those of deer. Finding these signs are great ways to know that elk are in the area where you are hunting. While getting to a high vantage point can be rough physically, use it to your advantage as it will allow you to see elk from far away. Then, devise a plan to get there moving against the wind. This will often require you to circle the herd before closing in. Stay in the Field : Many hunters choose to go hunting in the early morning and about the time the sun goes down. Staying in the field all day can result in you getting a big elk because as hunters return to camp, they often scare the elk toward you. This can take advance planning as you will want to stay warm throughout the hours in the field when you may not move much. Dressing in layers helps you adjust to changing temperatures. Wearing hiking boots with rugged soles can help you get through rugged terrain better. Pack a lunch in your daypack. Avoid using a campfire as elk can smell the fire and will stay away. Look Up : Many hunters spend the majority of their time looking at the ground. While this may be tempting while moving across rugged terrain, there are no elk located right under your feet. Instead, spend your time looking around you. That is where the large elk buck will be located. They may, however, try to hide from you, so paying attention helps you spot that glimpse of brown fur behind an object. At the same time, wear clothes that you can easily be spotted in and watch for other hunters in the vicinity. Use these tips to have a successful elk hunt. Before going, ensure that you have a way to transport the elk home because you will want to fill your freezer with delicious elk meat or donate it to a worthwhile charity. Read Also : Hunting Tips For Beginners Time For A Rush Of Adrenaline

A Quick Look At Dog Bite Statistics And Increasing Safety

Americans, as a whole, love their dogs. Many millions of American households are home to at least one pooch, and many families keep multiple dogs. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years. They are generally friendly, and they become productive members of households. Dog bites remain common. Many of these bites are relatively harmless, resulting in no substantial injury. However, some people do end up needing to seek medical treatment. Sadly, some people pass away from injuries sustained by dog bites, although fatalities are rare. If you or a loved one have been injured, you should speak with a lawyer. You may receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other things. You can search for a dog bite lawyer in the Detroit area or for a lawyer based nearest you. Curious about dog bite data and increasing safety? Read on! Looking at the Data Regarding Dog Bites Data covering dog bites can come from many different sources. Immediately, one clear challenge emerges: data collection is often sporadic, and the methods used by different organizations and by researchers at different times. As a result, they may make the data hard to compare. For example, the Centers for Disease Control has conducted various studies over the years. But they need to collect and publish standardized statistics on the issue regularly. Some of the most commonly cited statistics conclude that 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Roughly 800,000 require medical treatment. However, this data comes from a CDC study examining bites from 2001 to 2003. It’s hard to say if this data still accurately reflects the situation in recent years. On the one hand, dog ownership has increased, so perhaps dog bites are increasing. On the other hand, increased education and efforts to ensure healthier human-dog relationships may result in fewer bites. Dog Biting Statistics Moving further away from the dog statistics, the average cost per claim for dog attacks keeps on escalating from the year 2003 to that of 2017. They are driven by the increasing cost of medication and the higher settlements. According to a study, around 28000 dog attacks resulted in hospitalization (the figures range between the years 1993 to that of the year 2008). The statistics kept on increasing therefrom. Presently, a dog bite treatment in a hospital (hospital stay) costs around $18200. Looking at the number of dog attacks on US postal employees in 2019, one can understand cities notorious for dog bites. They include Chicago, Los Angles, Dallas, Columbus, Philadelphia, Toledo, and others. These figures point out the increasing number of dog bites and also the cost of treatments. The concerns keep mounting high with time. The Most Crucial Statistics Let us know about some of the most crucial statistics on the dog bite. According to statistical figures, almost around 4.5 million people became victims of dog bites. Nearly half of them are children. Around 70% o dog bites are untreated. Dog bite accounts for around 46 fatalities, as recorded in 2019. The Pitbull and the Rottweiler are responsible for 77% of dog bites. According to global figures, millions of dog bites occur Annually! These statistical figures call for introspection; therefore, the concerned authorities must be aware of the dog bites. It is important for the sake of awareness. Keeping Children and Safety in Mind With Canines Children rank among the most vulnerable to dog bites, and educating them to reduce the risk of bites is important. Since children are not as large or robust as the typical adult, they are more vulnerable to injury. Further, many children don’t understand how to interact with dogs properly. What may seem like innocent rough play may cause a lot of harm to canines. If a child injures a dog, it may be more likely to bite. It’s important for parents to properly educate children on dogs and how to interact with them. Supervision at home is crucial for households with both kids and dogs. It’s also wise to teach children not to approach strays or unknown dogs. While many dogs are friendly, some may be dangerous. Also, larger dogs can pose more of a threat. Even if a small dog bites a child or adult, it will likely do less damage. A larger dog, no matter the specific breed, will be able to inflict more damage if it should decide to bite someone. Remember, if you’re looking for a dog for your family. What If A Dog Bites Your Child You need to be mindful of health and safety measures when the dog bites your child (especially if it is not your own dog). At the same time, you also need to take your kids to the emergency department. Though rate, infections like rabies and others are fatal. Therefore you must not delay at all and take your child to the nearby hospital for treatment. Your doctor will let you know if the child needs stickers or if antibiotics will suffice. Moreover, you can help your doctor by providing some important tips on the risk factors associated with dog bites. You can name the location of the dog’s owners. It will enable the doctor to procure updated data on the vaccinations. It can also help you understand whether or not the dog attacked was provoked or unprovoked. If the attack was unprovoked, let the doctor know if the dog is sick. It might completely affect the treatment decision. Have You Safely HENDled Them? Take note of some of the safest ways to handle dogs so that you do not have to be in trouble. Never try to squeeze the dog too tightly as they feel uncomfortable. Also, never tease them by pulling the ears and tail tightly. It is a sensitive organ. Do not disturb the dog when they are eating. Dogs give their utmost concentration while they are eating. If you do it, be prepared to face the heat. Never put your fingers before them, especially when they are eating. These precautions can save you from dog bites. Read Also: When Every (Dog) Year Counts: The Pros and Cons of Adopting a Puppy vs. An Older Dog 4 Cool Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Service Dogs What Can You Do When Bitten By a Dog?

Food Allergies in Dog and How You can Prevent it?