My Dog Has Allergies?! How to Stop the Itching, Scratching, Hair Loss, Diarrhea and Other Symptoms
By Kathy Hrach
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About this ebook
Few things in life are as difficult as having a sick pet. "My Dog Has Allergies" explains why your dog suffers from common allergy symptoms and what you can do about it.
You’ll first learn about common dog allergy symptoms, some of which you may know very well. You’ll then read about the many different indoor and outdoor elements that can cause allergic reactions in dogs. You may be surprised to learn that dog food is only one of many causes. Finally, you’ll learn about a number of different techniques that other dog owners are using to successfully treat their dog’s allergies. Since each dog and each situation is different, it will be useful to know about the different options that are available to you.
Most importantly, you’ll realize that you’re not alone, and that many dog owners just like you have been able to help their pet live a long and happy life by successfully treating their allergies.
"My Dog Has Allergies" is an indispensable guide to help your family determine the best course of treatment for your dog’s allergies.
Kathy Hrach
I am not a veterinarian and would never claim to be one. I am simply a dog owner who has a very allergic dog. My boxer dog, Elsie started to exhibit allergy symptoms when she was a puppy. By the time she was two years old, my family was spending over $2,000 a year on allergy treatments and vet visits. We were spending money like crazy yet her health was continuing to deteriorate. Faced with the possibility of not being able to afford our dog, I took to the Internet and tried to figure out how we could “fix” our sick dog. After much trial and error and the help of a great Veterinary Dermatologist, Elsie is finally living a normal dog life – and our finances have been saved! Since no two dogs are the same, I wanted to share what I know and continue to learn from others. Although there is no magic solution for dog allergies, there are ways to keep them under control.
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My Dog Has Allergies?! How to Stop the Itching, Scratching, Hair Loss, Diarrhea and Other Symptoms - Kathy Hrach
My Dog Has Allergies?!
How to Stop the Itching, Scratching, Hair Loss, Diarrhea, and Other Symptoms
Kathy Hrach
Copyright 2011 Kairos Venture Group, LLC,
Publishing Series
Smashwords Edition
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, any form or by any means now known or hereafter invented without permission in writing from the publisher. This publication may not be resold or distributed in any manor without permission in writing from the publisher. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or acts of plagiarism will be vigorously litigated.
Disclaimer: This material is designed to provide accurate information on the subjects covered. However, it is sold with the understanding that neither the author nor the publisher is engaged in rendering medical services. Readers should consult with a qualified veterinarian regarding the treatment and care of their dogs. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no representation is made as to the absolute accuracy of the material contained herein. The authors and publishers therefore cannot assume any responsibility for omissions, misstatements, mistakes or ambiguity contained within this product, and shall neither be liable nor responsible to any person or entity for any loss caused, or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by such omissions, misstatements, mistakes or ambiguity contained in this product.
Allergy Dog Central is a trademark of Kairos Venture Group, LLC, Publishing Series.
All products mentioned in this book are trademarks of their respective companies.
To my husband Ray and our Allergy Dog
Elsie.
Introduction
Dog Allergies
Dog Allergy Symptoms
Itchy, Scratchy Skin
Ear Infections
Gas and Digestive Problems
Licking and Foot Chewing
Bacterial Skin Infections and Skin Bumps
Hair Loss
Dark, Red Skin
Loose Stools and Diarrhea
Elsie's Story
What Causes Dog Allergies
Inhalant and Environmental Allergens
Pollen, Grass and Trees
Dust Allergies
Gator's Story
Air Fresheners and Cleaning Products
Flea Allergies
Food Allergies
Bad Breeding Practices
Backyard Breeders
Puppy Mills
Mixed Breeds Can Have Allergies Too
Common Breeds Affected by Allergies
Bailey's and Opal's Stories
Dog Allergy Treatments
Avoid Outdoor Inhalant Allergens
Frequent Bathing
Wipe Their Paws
Keep Grass Short and Stay Out of Fields
Stay Indoors During High Pollen Counts
Avoid Indoor Inhalant Allergens
Dust Mite Covers
Wash Fabrics in Hot Water
Vacuum, Sweep and Mop Often
Remove Mold
Control Humidity with a De-Humidifier
Allergen-Free Cleaning Products
Flea Prevention
Allergy Medication
Antihistamines
Topical Sprays
Steroids
Allergy Testing and Allergy Shots
Atopica®
Our Experience With Atopica
Treating Food Allergies
Simplified Diet and Limited-Ingredient Food
Homemade Food
Clayton's Story
Conclusion
Dog Allergy Resources
Dog Allergy Books
Dog Allergy Web Articles and Websites
INTRODUCTION
If someone had told me ten years ago that I would someday write a book about dog allergies, I would have laughed. Dog allergies? You mean when people are allergic to dogs? That was the only kind of dog allergy I was aware of. I had no idea that dogs themselves could have allergies.
When I was growing up, people never talked about dog allergies. If you had a dog, you took him to the vet once a year for his vaccinations and that was that. Looking back, I remember our family dog Buffy would lick and chew on his feet each night while we watched television. I figured he was just a fastidious groomer who liked clean feet. Knowing what I do now, I bet old Buffy had a touch of seasonal allergies. It wasn’t severe and he lived a long and happy life, but that was likely my first introduction to dog allergies.
Five years ago, I was re-introduced to the world of dog allergies in a much more serious way when we brought our sweet Boxer puppy Elsie home. She was a smart, rambunctious, and happy puppy. But, within the first year of living with us, she started to have pretty serious health problems that I’ll share throughout this book.
ELSIE, RELAXING IN HER FAVORITE SPOT IN OUR YARD.
Elsie first started to exhibit her allergy symptoms when she was less than a year old. I remember giggling to myself one night, as I watched her rub her chin on the floor. I thought she looked so cute, bobbing her head back and forth on the rug. Oh, does someone have an itchy chin?
I said. Little did I know how itchy her chin and the rest of her body would become.
Over time, the cute itching turned into violent scratching and chewing. Her scratching would create sores on her ears that would open and bleed each time she shook her head. Her chewing would turn her paws dark red and cause hair loss on her haunches. In the beginning, I thought she was just being a dog. Later, I learned she was losing a painful battle against her deficient immune system.
When her allergies were at their worst, I was convinced she wouldn’t live to be four years old. She was on a constant diet of prescription allergy drugs and antibiotics, which did little more than keep her from tearing out her fur. In the second year of her life, we spent over $2,000 on veterinary bills. All we had to show for it was a sick dog.
I’ve since learned that Elsie isn’t alone in her battle against dog allergies. Other dogs, like yours, are struggling with allergies that