What Are the Common Causes of Dog Allergies?

Allergies occur when a dog’s immune system overreacts to a substance it perceives as harmful, even though it’s not. The common triggers for dog allergies include:

Food Allergies

Some foods can trigger allergic reactions in dogs. Common culprits include:

Beef
Chicken
Dairy products
Wheat
Soy

If your dog has a food allergy, they may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or chronic ear infections

Environmental Allergies

Environmental allergens can affect dogs just as much as humans. These include:

Pollen
Mold spores
Dust mites
Grass

Dogs exposed to these allergens may develop seasonal allergies, which cause symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, and irritated skin.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

When flea saliva gets on the skin of some dogs, it can cause severe itching and skin inflammation. For dogs with flea allergy dermatitis, even one bite from a flea can cause a serious response.

What Are the Signs of Dogs Allergies?

The first step to getting your dog’s allergies under control is to learn how to spot the signs. Some common signs are:

Itching and Scratching: Dogs with allergies often scratch, lick, or bite their skin all the time.
Skin Inflammation: When dogs have an allergic response, their skin may turn red, swell up, or get hot spots.
Ear Infection: Having repeated ear infections could indicate an allergy to something in your surroundings or to food.
Problems with the intestines: Throwing up, diarrhea, or gas may be signs of a food allergy.
Breathing Problems: Sneezing, coughing, or stuffy noses could be signs of outdoor allergies.
Hair Loss: Scratching and rubbing too much can cause bald spots or fur to thin.

If you see any of these signs, you should take your pet to the vet to get a correct evaluation.

How Are Dog Allergies Diagnosed?

Diagnosing allergies in dogs can be complex. Most likely, your vet will use a mix of techniques, such as:

Physical Exam: The vet will look for redness, swelling, or sores on your dog’s skin that could be caused by allergies.
Allergy Testing: Certain outdoor allergens can be found through blood tests or intradermal skin studies.
Elimination diets: If you think your pet has a food allergy, your vet will suggest a special diet to help you figure out which item is causing the problem.

Dog Allergies Treatments

A good dog allergy treatment depends on the type and severity of your dog’s allergies. Here are some options:

Medications

Medications can provide quick relief from allergy symptoms. These include:

Antihistamines: Reduce itching and swelling.
Corticosteroids: Effective for severe inflammation but should be used short-term.
Immunotherapy: Over time, allergy shots can help your dog become less sensitive to certain allergens.

Topical Treatments

Shampoos, sprays, and creams can soothe irritated skin. For the best results, look for products containing oatmeal, aloe vera, or hydrocortisone.

Flea Prevention

If your dog has flea allergy dermatitis, it is essential to keep it flea-free. Use a veterinarian-prescription flea prevention product regularly.

Dietary Changes

Switching to a safe or limited-ingredient diet can help a lot. Before making big changes to your pet’s food, you should always talk to your vet. Remove suspected foods carefully and one at a time over a period of weeks, to see if there is any change in your dog’s behavior.

How Can You Prevent Allergies in Dogs?

While it’s impossible to prevent all allergies, these steps can minimize the risk:

Regular Grooming: Bathing and brushing your dog can remove allergens like pollen and dust.
Flea Control: Use flea prevention products year-round to avoid flea infestations.
Clean Environment: Regularly vacuum and wash your dog’s bedding to reduce exposure to environmental allergens.
Balanced Diet: Feed your dog high-quality food to maintain a strong immune system.

Are Allergies in Dogs Seasonal?

Many dog allergies are seasonal, especially those caused by environmental factors like pollen or grass. Symptoms often peak during spring and fall. If your dog’s allergies are seasonal, your vet may recommend preemptive treatments during high-allergen periods.

Can Allergies in Dogs Be Cured?

Unfortunately, allergies in dogs cannot be cured. However, they can be managed effectively with a combination of treatments and lifestyle changes. Your dog can live a peaceful and happy life even though they have allergies if you take the right steps.

How Long Do Dog Allergies Last?

The duration of allergy symptoms depends on the cause. Seasonal allergies may only last a few weeks, while food allergies can persist until the offending ingredient is removed from the diet. Chronic allergies, such as those caused by dust mites, may require long-term management.

Is It Safe to Use Over-the-Counter Allergy Medications designed for humans?

Some over-the-counter medications, like antihistamines, can be safe for dogs when used under veterinary guidance. But you should always talk to your vet before giving your dog any medicine because the right amount and safety depend on the size and health of your pet.

Tips for Managing Dog Allergies at Home

In addition to veterinary care, you can take steps at home to keep your dog comfortable:

Wipe Paws After Walks: Wipe your dog’s paws down with a damp cloth after being outside to get rid of allergens like grass and pollen.
Use Air Purifiers: Reduce indoor allergens with a high-quality air purifier.
Provide Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supplements like fish oil can improve skin health and reduce inflammation.
Invest in Hypoallergenic Bedding: Special bedding can reduce allergen exposure and improve your dog’s sleep quality.
Monitor for Flare-Ups: Keep an eye on your dog’s symptoms and adjust their care plan as needed.

Conclusion

Dealing with dog allergies can be difficult, but knowing the reasons and signs is the first step to improving. You can take specific action if you know what causes your allergies—whether it is food, the surroundings, or fleas. Medicines, changes to your dog’s food, and regular doggie baths can make a huge difference in his or her happiness and health.

Remember, allergies in dogs require ongoing attention and care. Working closely with your veterinarian and making small changes at home can help your furry friend live a happy, allergy-free life. If you suspect your dog has allergies, don’t wait—seek professional advice to get started on the path to relief.

Research shows that young animals treated with antibiotics could potentially be predisposed to problems later in life because antibiotics change the environment inside the gut, which is the largest immune organ in the body. That could be a predisposing cause, but then the trigger would be being exposed to the allergen. Was your dog given antibiotics as a pup?

One of my clients has had very good luck using a food allergy dog food, which she purchased from her vet office, but you can get it online. It is called Nature’s Variety INSTINCT Limited Ingredient Diet. It is Grain Free, Turkey Meal Formula Natural Dry Dog Food. It is raw nutrition and the dogs gobble it up like candy. It can be used as a treat, so you do not need to give them anything else for them to be happy and healthy. Give it a try! AND remember! Nothing Else! See what happens!

Chronic Diarrhea in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Solutions

Janet Slissman · Nov 1, 2024 ·

Tips from The San Francisco Dog Walker

You’ve likely dealt with the occasional upset stomach if you’re a dog owner. But what happens when diarrhea becomes a chronic issue? For many of us, our dogs are like family, and seeing them struggle with persistent digestive problems can be stressful and confusing. Chronic diarrhea is more than just an inconvenience—it’s often a sign of an underlying health problem that needs to be addressed.

What is Chronic Diarrhea?

Chronic diarrhea is frequent loose or watery stools that last over three weeks. Unlike acute diarrhea, which usually resolves independently, chronic diarrhea requires a deeper investigation to identify the root cause. If your dog’s symptoms do not improve with changes to food or medications you can buy on your own, they may have a serious condition.

Common Causes of Chronic Diarrhea

Acute or chronic diarrhea in dogs can be caused by many factors, from the type of foods fed to the dog to serious health complications. Here are some of the most common culprits:

1. Dietary Intolerance and Allergies

Many cases of chronic diarrhea are linked to what your dog eats. Some potential dietary causes include:

Food allergies: Dogs can suffer from specific protein allergies, such as chicken, beef, or grains.
Dietary indiscretion: Toxins found in spoiled food, garbage, and foreign and non-food objects can irritate the tract.
Bacterial Infections: Your dog can get chronic diarrhea from bacterial infections, like salmonella, or viral illnesses, like parvovirus. Often, these conditions come with other signs, like throwing up, fever, or constant tiredness.
Diet changes: Your dog may experience digestive upset when you change foods concerning their diet. So be sure to introduce new food brands or types in small quantities mixed in wheir regular diet. Increase the new food gradually until you have switched over completely. This will help to minimize any discomfort for your dog.

2. Parasites

Internal parasites like giardia, hookworms, or roundworms can cause persistent diarrhea. Even dogs that take regular parasite medicines can sometimes get sick, so it’s important to test them regularly.

3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD is characterized by the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which is attributed to immune responses. This condition can be managed only in the long term, and a very strict diet plan should be prescribed for the patient

4. Stress or Anxiety

You may not know this, but your dog’s stress level depends on its emotional state, which has consequences for its stomach. Stress and changes in the dog’s environment, like moving to a new home, can also cause diarrhea.

5. Serious Health Conditions

Chronic diarrhea can also point toward organs like liver disease, kidney disease, or even cancer. Even though these are not common, they can only be determined by veterinary examination.

Diagnosing Chronic Diarrhea

If diarrhea has occurred for several weeks, you should take your dog to a vet. A thorough diagnosis typically involves:

Medical History: The vet will probably ask you about what you feed your dog, what he likes to do for fun, and any changes or upsetting events in his life.
Examination: An examination of the body may also show signs of pain, swelling, or loss of appetite from insufficient food and water.
Fecal Tests: Stool samples are examined for parasites, bacteria, and high or low amounts of fat or blood.
Blood tests: The vet can look for signs of illness, organ function, and inflammation.
Imaging: X-rays or ultrasounds can show if something is wrong with the digestive system.
Biopsies: Sometimes, tissue samples are needed to prove certain conditions, such as IBD.

Treatment Options for Chronic Diarrhea

As soon as your vet figures out what’s making your pet sick, they will tell you what to do. Here are some common treatment options:

1. Make Adjustments in the Diet

When it comes to changing the diet pattern, there are usually three factors that one needs to consider.

Elimination diets: One way of removing potential allergens from the dog’s diet is to eliminate allergens in normal foods.
Prescription diets: Special meals for the digestive system can help to calm an irritated stomach lining.
Probiotics: They help in healthy gut flora and digestion.

2. Medications

Anti-parasitic drugs: If parasites are the cause, your dog may need deworming treatments.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics can help treat bacterial infections.
Anti-inflammatory drugs: Conditions like IBD may need corticosteroids or other medications to reduce inflammation.

3. Stress Management

If stress is highlighted, efforts should be made to establish and avoid areas where dogs are commonly attacked. Making a schedule, giving the dog lots of exercise, and using items that help soothe the animal can all be useful.

4. Long-term care for Chronic Conditions

In many cases, such as IBD or liver disease, dogs receive lifelong treatment where diet plays a significant role besides drug prescriptions and occasional follow-up of the disease’s progression

At-Home Care Tips

While you’re working with your vet, there are steps you can take at home to support your dog’s recovery:

Hydration: They include the fact that long-term diarrhea morbidity results in dehydration. It is important to note that your dog should always have access to fresh water.
Monitor stool: Keep track of changes in color, consistency, and frequency to report to your vet.
Avoid table scraps: Stick to your vet’s recommended diet to avoid further irritation.
Slow transitions: If switching foods, gradually over 7-10 days to prevent further upset.

When to Seek Immediate Help

In some cases, chronic diarrhea can escalate to a medical emergency. Contact your vet right away if your dog shows any of the following:

Blood in the stool
Vomiting
Severe lethargy
Fever
Signs of pain, such as whining or a hunched posture

Preventing Chronic Diarrhea

Even if not every situation can be avoided, you can lower the risk by:

Feeding a high-quality diet
Taking pets for vet check-ups frequently
Continue with the practices of parasite prevention.
Restriction from garbage or toxic foods
Manage your dog’s stress levels

Conclusion

Chronic diarrhea in dogs is challenging but can be managed with the right approach. Find the root of the problem and do what your vet tells you to to help your dog return to a happy, healthy life. Remember that diarrhea that won’t go away is not ok; getting help immediately is crucial to avoid more significant problems. You are responsible for your furry friend’s health, so don’t be afraid to get help if something doesn’t seem right.

As dog owners, we know our pets bring endless joy and companionship. Addressing their health concerns promptly ensures they’ll continue to do so for years to come.

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Here Are 3 Reasons Monitoring Your Dogs Poop Is Important

Janet Slissman · Jan 25, 2024 ·

As a dog walker in San Francisco, it’s clear I have a passion for dogs, but that passion extends beyond socializing them or helping them release their energy. I also have a passion for ensuring dog owners are equipped with the knowledge they need to keep their dog happy and healthy well into their senior years. Though it isn’t a glamorous topic, dog poop is a massively important to ensuring your dog’s health. Your dogs poop talks to you far more than your dog can.

As an important reference point, you need to have an awareness of your dog’s typical poop. A healthy dog poop is decently firm and a bit moist. Once you understand the look and frequency of your dog’s typical poop, consistently monitoring your dog’s poop for irregularities becomes much easier. Here are three reasons checking your dog’s poop is so important to their health:

Early signs of illness first present themselves in your dog’s poop. The way those signs present themselves can vary, depending on the ailment, but their poop is one of the first places the issue will appear. As a more dramatic example, your dog could have worms in their poop. That is certainly terrifying to see (occasionally looks like rice in their poop), but actually quite common, especially with puppies. Another signal of a potential illness is black, tar-like poop – a sign of potential internal bleeding in their stomach or small intestine. Both of those types of stool are cause for a trip to the vet immediately.
Changes in your dog’s poop could be a signal they are experiencing anxiety. If your dog suddenly starts experiencing diarrhea, that may mean they are dealing with anxiety that was triggered by something new in their environment. Sometimes the cause can be something like a move, which may just take time to adjust, while other times, you may be able to remove the trigger from their environment. Either way, if you notice your dog is dealing with frequent diarrhea, you should be sure to keep them hydrated. Additionally, if the problem persists for more than 24-48 hours, it’s worth a call to your vet.
Food issues or allergies appear in your pooch’s poop. Though the signals can vary, if there is something wrong with your dog’s diet, their poop is the first place you’ll notice the issue. As an example, if your dog’s poop is white or gray in color, that could mean they are getting too much calcium in their diet. If their poop is greasy, you may need to cut back on the coconut oil. Yellow poop is a sign of too much fat in their diet, while diarrhea after a diet change could mean your dog has a food allergy.

Every color, texture, and frequency change in your dog’s poop means something different. Being able to spot those changes is massively important to maintaining your dog’s health. Some issues can be monitored for a couple of days at home, while others signal an immediate vet visit. Regardless of the issue, spotting it early is always essential to keeping your pooch healthy and happy.

Now equipped with three reasons monitoring your dog’s poop is so important, it’s time to start examining your pooch’s #2!

Reference Links:

https://noochypoochy.com/what-dog-poop-is-telling-you/

How to Remove Ticks on Dogs

Janet Slissman · Oct 7, 2023 ·

The San Francisco Dog Walker’s Guide to Removing Ticks

While ticks may seem like little nuisances to our canine companions, they can carry illnesses threatening health. As dogs spend warm seasons roaming the great outdoors, these parasites cling to their fur. An informed owner knows ticks endanger more than our dog’s comfort—detection and disposal defend against diseases spread. However, vigilant examination and effective removal can eliminate the hazards of hitchhiking ticks.

Most Common Ticks in San Fransisco

The American dog tick

The American dog tick is perhaps the most well-known of the North American hard ticks. This tick does not carry Lyme disease but can carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. As a San Francisco dog walker, I have encountered them numerous times. The American dog tick

The black-legged tick

The Western black-legged tick lives in the western part of North America and is responsible for spreading Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. It tends to prefer livestock such as cows as its adult host. The Western black-legged tick

Why Ticks Are Dangerous for Dogs

Ticks are external parasites that latch onto your dog’s skin to feed on their blood. Unfortunately, ticks can transmit Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. That makes it critical to understand how to get rid of dog ticks quickly and effectively. Golden Gate Park and Fort Funston are crawling with ticks. Even if your dog has prevention, such as a tick collar, they still crawl off of him and on to you! Be sure to check your dog over carefully when you return home and frequent grooming and chemicals for control may help to control the spread.

Ticks can detect heat emitted from dogs and humans from far distances and will often situate themselves on well traveled paths to gain access to hosts. They will generally drop off the animal when full, but this may take several days. In some cases ticks will live for some time on the blood of an animal. Ticks are more active outdoors in warm weather, but can attack a dog at any time. Ticks can be found in most wooded or forested regions throughout the world. As a San Francisco dog walker, I find that they are especially common in areas where there are deer trails or human tracks. Ticks are especially abundant near water, where warm-

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can be lethal. Initial signs and symptoms of the disease include sudden onset of fever, headache and muscle pain followed by development of rash. The disease can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages, and without prompt and appropriate treatment, it can be fatal. Tetracycline has dramatically reduced the number of deaths caused by Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Video/How-to-Remove-a-Tick-from-Your-Dog

Frequent grooming and chemicals may help control the spread. Check your dog over when you get home. Put your clothes in the dryer on high heat or just simply wash them in hot water. Be sure to check yourself over too!

Tools You’ll Need for Tick Removal From Dogs

Before you begin the process, gather the following tools to ensure you can safely handle tick removal from your dog:

Tick Remover Tool or Tweezers: Designed for safe and effective tick extraction.
Gloves: Protect your hands from direct contact with ticks.
Antiseptic Solution: This is used to clean the bite area after removal.
Sealable Container: This is for storing the tick if testing for diseases is required.
Magnifying Glass: Helps spot small ticks that are difficult to see.

Having the right tools makes the process smoother and reduces the risk of leaving parts of the tick embedded in your dog’s skin.

How to Remove Ticks From Dogs at Home

If you’ve discovered a tick on your dog, here’s how to remove ticks from your dog at home safely:

Prepare and Restrain Your Dog Keep your dog calm and still to make the removal process easier. You can use a leash, treats or another person to help gently hold your dog in place.
Find the Tick Ticks like hot places in the body, like on the ears, under the collar, in the armpit, and between the toes. Unearth your dog’s fur with a magnifying glass if you want.
Ticks can detect heat emitted from dogs and humans from far distances and will often situate themselves on well-traveled paths to gain access to hosts. They will generally drop off the animal when full, which may take several days.
Remove the Tick Using a Tick Remover Tool: Slide the tool under the tick and gently twist it to remove it completely.
Using Tweezers: Grab the tick as close to the skin as possible without pinching your dog. Pull upward slowly to remove the tick without breaking it apart.
Ticks are more active outdoors in warm weather but can attack a dog anytime. In some cases, ticks will live for some time in the blood of an animal.
Dispose of the Tick Place the tick in a sealable container or submerge it in rubbing alcohol. If you suspect it may have transmitted a disease, save it for testing.
Clean the Area Use antiseptic to disinfect the bite site. Monitor the area for signs of redness, swelling, or infection.

Common Tick Hot Spots and Prevention Tips

Ticks are a vector for diseases and thrive in areas frequented by warm-blooded animals. As a San Francisco dog walker, I find ticks are especially common in places with deer trails, human tracks, and water sources where animals come to drink.

Ticks can be found in most wooded or forested regions throughout the world. In San Francisco, areas like Golden Gate Park and Fort Funston are hot spots. Always check your dog after walks, as ticks often hide in shrubs and meadows and brush near woody surfaces. Golden Gate Park and Fort Funston are crawling with ticks. Even if your dog has prevention, such as a tick collar, they still crawl off of him and onto you! Frequent grooming and chemicals may help control the spread. Check your dog over when you get home. Put your clothes in the dryer on high heat or just simply wash them in hot water. Be sure to check yourself over too!

Preventing Tick Infestations

While knowing how to get rid of dog ticks is important, prevention is even better. Here are tips to minimise your dog’s exposure:

Buy Tick Preventative Products: Pick veterinarian-approved products, such as collars and topical or oral medicines.
Look Your Dog Over After Walks: Check their coat and skin closely, looking in common hiding places for ticks.
Avoid the Tick Zones: Avoid high grass, brushy paths, and hot mattress area constraints.
Groom Regularly: Brushing helps remove ticks before they latch onto your dog.
Maintain Your Yard: Clean your outdoor space by mowing the lawn and trimming bushes.

When to See a Veterinarian

Seek your vet within 24 hours for any signs of fever, lethargy, joint pain, or swelling around a bite. Identifying and treating tick-borne diseases early is important to keep your dogs safe.

Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Dog Tick-Free

Knowing how to get rid of ticks on dogs is a must if you own a dog. Whether you handle tick removal at home or be proactive, keeping your pup safe takes diligence and consistency. Watch for ticks after going to tick-heavy areas like Golden Gate Park or Fort Funston.

Following this guide and incorporating regular grooming, chemical preventatives, and routine checks ensure your dog stays healthy, comfortable, and tick-free. Let ticks be one less thing to worry about while enjoying the outdoors with your furry friend!

Top Content

What Are the Common Causes of Dog Allergies?

Food Allergies

Environmental Allergies

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

What Are the Signs of Dogs Allergies?

How Are Dog Allergies Diagnosed?

Dog Allergies Treatments

Medications

Topical Treatments

Flea Prevention

Dietary Changes

How Can You Prevent Allergies in Dogs?

Are Allergies in Dogs Seasonal?

Can Allergies in Dogs Be Cured?

How Long Do Dog Allergies Last?

Is It Safe to Use Over-the-Counter Allergy Medications designed for humans?

Tips for Managing Dog Allergies at Home

Conclusion

Tips from The San Francisco Dog Walker

What is Chronic Diarrhea?

Common Causes of Chronic Diarrhea

1. Dietary Intolerance and Allergies

2. Parasites

3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

4. Stress or Anxiety

5. Serious Health Conditions

Diagnosing Chronic Diarrhea

Treatment Options for Chronic Diarrhea

1. Make Adjustments in the Diet

2. Medications

3. Stress Management

4. Long-term care for Chronic Conditions

At-Home Care Tips

When to Seek Immediate Help

Preventing Chronic Diarrhea

Conclusion

The San Francisco Dog Walker’s Guide to Removing Ticks

Most Common Ticks in San Fransisco

The American dog tick

The black-legged tick

Why Ticks Are Dangerous for Dogs

Video/How-to-Remove-a-Tick-from-Your-Dog

Tools You’ll Need for Tick Removal From Dogs

How to Remove Ticks From Dogs at Home

Common Tick Hot Spots and Prevention Tips

Preventing Tick Infestations

When to See a Veterinarian

Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Dog Tick-Free

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