Flea | |
What causes it? | Allergic
reaction to saliva of the flea when it bites |
What does it look like? |
Very
persistent itching or chewing on flanks, lower back, tail |
Diagnosis |
Presence
of fleas, flea dirt on pet or in the house |
How to treat
it |
Many products available. Unfortunately many natural products are not efficacious with heavy infestation |
How to prevent
it |
Flea
combs, monthly preventative especially during warm months of year |
Other points |
Do
not have to see fleas! Just takes
one bite! |
Environmental | |
What causes it? | Allergy to nearly anything in the environment |
What does it look like? |
May
be localized hot spot or can be generalized. Often seasonal. May end up with secondary bacterial or fungal infections |
Diagnosis | Intradermal skin testing with a dermatologist |
How to treat
it |
May
require antibiotics/anti-fungals to get secondary infections down, omega 3 fatty acids, special shampoos, probiotics, diet trial, antihistamines, judicious use of steroids or immunosuppressants in some cases |
How to prevent
it |
Avoid
contact with the allergen. Keep them
on hard floors or vacuum religiously. Use HEPA filters. Rise feet/legs after walks |
Other points |
Also
called atopy. May also have some food
allergy component to it as well |
Food | |
What causes
it? |
Immune
system response to proteins in the food |
What does it look like? |
Vomiting,
diarrhea, ear infections, hot spots, red belly, paws, or ears |
Diagnosis |
Strict
novel protein/carb elimination diet for 8-12 weeks. Note: the food allergy blood test is NOT reliable! Too many false negatives/positives |
How to treat it | Elimination
diet, slowly add in potential allergens back in |
How to prevent it | Avoid all forms of that particular food, including treats and heartworm meds. Raw vs cooked may help, but not necessarily |
Other points |
Food
allergies & intolerances are not the same thing, but present almost identically. Always save at least one relatively obtainable protein source for testing. |
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself http://www.happenwithpet.com/
ReplyDeleteThe dog is one of the best pet who loves you so much and be a good family member of your family. It is very important for all dog owners take care of their dogs and prevent them from disease.
ReplyDeleteCalifornia Boxer Breeders
this is really fantastic step to see. i just loving the way you are working with this blog, i am just loving the way you are working here. dog food recipes
ReplyDeletei really appreciate it, fantastic work you have done. Lost and found
ReplyDeleteWow great ideas!I just discovered your blog and I enjoyed going through it. I find lots of useful information here. Visit here for Best Dog Food for PUGS and Best dog foods pitbulls.
ReplyDelete