DOG ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

Dogs react to allergies differently than humans. Dog allergy symptoms are itchy skin and other skin related problems. Mast cells are where the allergy reactions occur. In humans they are concentrated in the respiratory tract, but in dogs (and cats) the majority are located in the skin areas. So itchy, red, and inflamed areas can develop on your dog.

The same type of irritants that affect humans can affect dogs. Airborne or inhalant particles like household dust, plant pollen, and molds can cause the same discomfort. Usually the skin problems develop in the front areas around the face, head, and front legs.

Dogs are also susceptible to food allergies. Some food items that are often used in commercial dog foods like dyes, by products, and artificial chemical additives can cause allergy symptoms too. These food irritants are worse since they are ingested.

Dogs will rub their faces, start licking their paws and legs, and often inflammation in the front portions of their body. Dogs have often have a bigger reaction to these irritants since dust, pollen, and mold particles can get attached to their fur. If bad enough, they can even be absorbed through the skin. Dog's foot pad areas are also a key area where irritation can develop. There are an abundance of small blood vessels near the surface on the pad areas and between the toes. 

One of the quick fixes that is easy to do is give your dog a bath with cool water (hot water can aggravate the itch). A good soaking with cool water for about 15 to 20 minutes will offer some quick relief from skin irritations and reduce inflammation. You are treating the symptoms and not the cause but it does offer some comfort to your pet.

You can also use oatmeal in the bath to further sooth your dog's skin. Take a sock and fill it halfway with oatmeal then attach to the hose or water facet and turn the water on slow. As the water travels through the sock and oatmeal it creates a solutions that combined with the cool water will be very effective for skin problems (that goes for you too).

You can also give your dog essential fatty acid supplements. The essential fatty acids will help your dog's skin and give his coat a sheen in addition to the anti itch benefits. A natural source of omega-3 is cold water fish, or fish oil. There are many health benefits to Omega-3 fatty acids. You can buy fish oil in capsule form and pour it over your dog's food once a day.

The best way to eliminate the allergies is to try and keep your dog away from areas with high pollen and mold particles. Spring and fall bring the biggest concentrations of these airborne irritants for both dogs and humans alike. Keeping your dog away from areas that have a lot of flowers and damp areas that receive little sunlight can always help.

Dog allergy symptoms are easy to spot and can be a big source of discomfort. Proper treatment and avoidance of areas know to have airborne pollutants can help a lot. If severe, you can also ask your vet about allergy tests to determine exact cause and a series of shots can often eliminate allergic reactions.

article by freedogtrainingarticles.com

Training benefits

A trained dog has more freedom and is generally happier because her owner trusts her more and restricts her less.

A trained dog better understands his roles and responsibilities in the "pack" and is therefore more confident.

Generally, a trained dog has a better chance of staying with its owners because dogs that are unfortunately given away to shelters are usually dogs that have developed various forms of behavioral problems due to lack of training.

A trained dog is always more welcome in all social settings because he is better behaved and under control.

A trained dog can serve many purposes inside and outside the home such as family protection, searching and tracking, etc.

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