Dog Allergies - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Allergies in Dogs

One of the most common conditions affecting dogs is allergy, dogs can show allergic symptoms when their immune systems begin to recognize certain everyday substances-or allergens- as dangerous. There is a wide variety of allergies that dogs can suffer from, but the most common is itching of the skin, sometimes localized (one area) or generalized (all over the dog). Some other manifestation involves the digestive system, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea. Allergic dogs may also suffer from secondary bacterial or yeast skin infections, that may cause hair loss, scabs or crusts on the skin.
Dog Allergies Symptoms

Dog Allergies
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  +Itchy, red, moist or scabbed skin    
  +Increased scratching
  +Itchy, runny eyes
  +Itchy back or base of tail (most commonly flea allergy)
  +Itchy ears and ear infections
  +Sneezing
  +Vomiting
  +Diarrhea
  +Snoring caused by an inflamed throat
  +Paw chewing/swollen paws
  +Constant licking
In some cases, the symptoms involve the respiratory system, with coughing, sneezing, or wheezing. Sometimes, there could be runny discharge from eyes or nose.
Causes of Dog Allergies
There are five main categories of allergies in dogs
+Food allergies: The most popular symptoms of food allergies consist of skin irritation, excessive itching and hair loss or hot spots. Also, they may be cause the dog to have loose bowel movements and even cause them to throw up from time to time. Some of causes for food allergies including a built-up intolerance to beef, dairy products or chicken, corn and soy.  The easiest solution is to change to a different dry dog food, and if this is not the answer, a visit at your vet is necessary for further assistance.
+Flea: Such as food allergies, the dog will develop redness to the skin, become itchy, and can start chewing in spots. The main cause of dog fleas is the saliva of fleas that irritates dog’s skin. As well as mosquitoes, fleas suck the blood out of the dog. Can treatment is giving the dog a bath in cool water with a shampoo designed for fleas. If your dog has chewed his own skin, antibiotics might be sometimes necessary, depending on the severity of the problem.
+Bacteria: Bacterial allergies is usually identified by red blotches, pus pockets or hair loss and skin formation that looks like ringworm. Sometimes, bacteria allergies are secondary to other problems the dog may have such as parasitism or hormonal disorders.
+Contact Allergy: The symptoms of contact allergies are very similar to flea and bacteria allergies symptoms. The main cause for contact allergies is the dog coming into contact with any kinds of allergens. Anything from the bedding, chemicals and plants, or household cleaning products can bring on contact allergies. There are many different treatment methods including using a certain kind of shampoo, a prescribed oral form of steroids, and any natural treatments like omega-3.
+Atopy(Airborne Allergy ): Atopy allergies start with itching, biting or hair loss and face rubbing. Some other symptoms may be papules, that are small red bumps, or pustules, that are small pimple-like lesions. Atopy allergies are usually caused by fleas, but can also be caused by airborne and chemical.
Dog Allergies Treatment
+Anti-inflammatory therapy: Treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids and antihistamines, will easily block the allergic reaction in many cases. Fatty acid supplements of the diet will improve the response to steroids and antihistamines in some cases.
+Shampoo therapy: Frequent bathing with a hypoallergenic shampoo may be soothing. The bathing can also rinse out allergens in the coat that could be absorbed through the skin. Some other therapeutic shampoos contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that may further benefit your dog.
+Hyposensitization therapy: If the specific offending antigens are identified by allergy tests, an allergy injection serum or "allergy shots" may be given to the patient. Using this treatment, small amounts of the antigen are injected weekly. Success rates vary with this treatment.  Approximately 50% of treated dogs will see significant improvement in their clinical signs while approximately 25% more will see a decrease in the amount or frequency or corticosteroid usage.

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Dog Ear Mites- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Ear Mites in Dogs

What is Dog Ear Mites?
Ear Mites in Dogs isn't  disease but rather a symptom. Otodectes cynotis mites, most commonly called ear mites, common and relatively mild parasite infection. Ear mites are not like fleas, because they do not eat of their host’s blood. Rather, ear mites will eat of ear wax, ear tissues and other oils inside the ear canal.  Ear mites are the most common cause of ear symptoms in puppies and young adult dogs. Dog ear mites symptoms are the same to an ear infection, however there is one major difference between ear infections and dog ear mites. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, you consult with your veterinarian to obtain a correct diagnosis.
Symptoms of Ear Mites in Dogs
When it comes to symptoms of ear mites in dogs, because you will not see them, you may have to look for other signs. Don’t worry, your pet will display obvious enough signs of discomfort that you will know. Affected dogs will have extremely itchy, irritated or sensitive ears and will be very uncomfortable. They will try to reduce their discomfort by scratching at their ears, and head or neck vigorously and relentlessly. They will rub their ears on the ground and on furniture or will shake their heads violently. You may also notice a foul odor coming from the ears. Some other symptoms include:

Dog Ear Mites
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+Itching of the ears, head and neck                            
+Sometimes generalized itching
+Excessive scratching at ears or around head
+Frequently shaking the head
+Thick red-brown crusts in the outer ear
+Scratches on the back side of the ears
+Crusting and scale on the neck and rump or tail
Causes of Ear Mites in Dogs
The number one most common reason for ear mites in dogs is coming in contact with an infected animal. Ear mites are transmitted from dog to dog from both direct and indirect contact, however all mites begin their life on infected animal. Fortunately, they are not contagious to people, because they won't live very long on the skin of humans.
Treatment of Ear Mite in Dogs
You have two options for treatment of your dog’s ear mites, and that is to do it yourself or carry your dog to the veterinarian. However, in any case the first step in treatment will include a thorough cleaning of the dog’s ear to remove debris and other waxy substances to allow the medication to reach the dog’s skin and not just make contact with the wax. The best way to clean the ear is by using cotton balls and canine ear cleaner. When the cleaning is completed, the vet will often prescribe either an antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medications. It also popular to see topical ointments and drops used to get rid of ear mites in dogs.

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Cat Ear Mites- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Ear Mite in Cats

Ear mite infection is one of the most common health problems seen in cats. Ear mites are tiny parasites that live out their life cycle mostly inside the ear canal.They are very common, and will cause severe irritation and itchiness of the ears. Complications may arise when an animal has an immune hypersensitivity reaction that results in intense irritation of the external ear. Ear mites are most often seen in kittens, but they can influence cats of any age.
Symptoms of Ear mite in Cats
Cats that are afflicted with ear mites will typically scratch at the ears excessively and shake their heads, even dragging out their own hair and drawing blood as they scratch. This type of mange is common in young cats, although it may appear at any age. It is known for being highly contagious, regularly passing from parent to newborn, as well as between animals of different species (this mite does not affect humans). Not all cats will display symptoms of ear mites but often they will scratch at their ears & or shake their heads.
Other symptoms can include:
+Itching of the ears, head and neck
+Sometimes generalized itching
+Frequently shaking the head
+Thick red-brown and black crusts in the outer ear
+Coffee ground as bumps in the ear canal
+Abrasions or scratches on the back side of the ears
+Crusting and scale on the neck, rump and tail
+Reddish/brown discharge in the ear
+Bleeding from the ear
+Scratch marks
+Odour

Cat ear mites
photo by animalswecare.com

Cause of Ear mite in Cats
Ear mites thrive in the warm moist area where the air flow is restricted. They eat epidermal debris and ear wax. Ear mites primarily live in the ear canal, where they eat skin debris. Their presence causes inflammation, and may lead to secondary ear infections. Cats are more commonly affected than dogs. Ear mites are spread generally by direct contact with another animal that has ear mites (they are commonly seen in outdoor cats).
Treatment of Ear mite in Cats
You can purchase ear mite treatments from your usual pet supply store or your veterinarian will prescribe an oily insecticide to treat the ear canals.The best way to do this is with a cotton ball or soft cloth dipped in vegetable oil. Your veterinarian will be able to prescribe a commercial insecticide to kill the mites and you must continue for two weeks to beat the life cycle of the mite.

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Cat Diarrhea- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Diarrhea in Cats

Diarrhea in cats is not a disease but rather a symptom.  Diarrhea is characterized by frequent loose or liquid bowel movements. In most cases, cats experience diarrhea from exposure to an outside factor such as parasites, bacteria, or protozoa. A single bout of diarrhea is generally not a cause for concern in cats-but if it persists for more than a day or two, it can lead to dehydration. This could be a minor problem or could signify a more serious illness.
Causes of Diarrhea in Cats
+Parasites
One of the most often causes of diarrhea in cats is parasites. Hookworms, tapeworms or roundworms, and whipworms will all cause cats to experience diarrhea. Cats may also have diarrhea if they become infected with certain types of protozoa, such as Giardia, which thrive in contaminated drinking water.
+Intestinal Bacteria.
Diarrhea in cats can also occur if the number of healthy intestinal bacteria with the number of bad intestinal bacteria becomes disrupted. This disruption can appear from a change in diet, eating foul meats or stress, such as colitis, that may interrupt the normal healthy balance of bacteria in the intestines.
In some instances, cats can experience diarrhea due to an underlying disease or infection. An underlying infection, like an abscessed tooth, may cause diarrhea in cats. Also, other causes could include: food allergies(A sudden switch in your cat's food can cause diarrhea. Food allergies and food intolerances can also cause diarrhea).
Symptoms of Diarrhea in Cats
If your cat has any of the following symptoms as well as diarrhea then you should consult with your vet:

Cat Diarrhea
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+Fever
+Pain
+Vomiting
+Blood in the diarrhea
+Lethargy or depression
+Weight Loss
+Dehydration
+Loss of appetite
+Foul smelling diarrhea
Treatment for Diarrhea in Cats
If your cat is only mildly ill, it may be treated on an outpatient basis, but patients with severe dehydration or vomiting should be hospitalized for fluid and electrolyte therapy. Shock fluid therapy could be necessary. Potassium supplementation could be required in very ill patients but it should not be given simultaneously with the shock fluid therapy. Patients that are mildly ill, and aren't vomiting should follow a period of fasting (12–24 hours), which is usually followed by a bland diet, like boiled rice and chicken or a prescription diet. Your veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate medicine for your cat’s diagnosis. Anti-secretory drugs, intestinal protectants or dewormers are the most commonly prescribed medications.
As you can see there are many causes of diarrhea in cats and kittens. If diarrhea persists you need to seek advice from your vet.

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Dog Bite - Treatment for Dog Bite

Dog bites are common, especially in children. Almost one half of all dog bites involve an animal owned by the victim's family or neighbors. In most cases, the wound that results from an animal bite is minor and can be treated with simple first aid. This includes: cleaning the wound immediately and thoroughly by running it under warm water for a couple of minutes encouraging the wound to bleed by gently squeezing it, unless it is already bleeding freely using painkillers, like ibuprofen or paracetamol, to help relieve the pain and infection.
The most common complication of an animal or human bite is the bite becoming infected by bacteria. The saliva of any mammal contains hundreds of million bacteria from many different species, many of which can cause an infection. Signs that a bite has become infected include the following:

Dog Bite
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+Redness and swelling around the wound
+The wound becomes more painful
+Fluid or pus is leaking from the wound
What is the treatment for a dog bite?
There are three important treatment issues that need to be addressed with a dog bite:,the skin damage, injury to underlying tissues like muscle, nerve, and bone or infection.
Treatment for Dog Bite ( with Puncture Wounds)
Puncture wounds are those in which the dog's teeth pierce into the skin but no tearing of the skin takes place. The treatment must be administered as soon as the victim has managed to set himself free of the dog or at least within eight hours of the bite. Secure the dog up in a crate and take the victim as far away as possible from the dog. Begin administering the treatment by following basic first aid guidelines. If the victim is bleeding badly, consider stopping the bleeding by applying pressure. When the bleeding stops, clean up the area of the bite with an antibacterial or anti-septic solution
Treatment for Dog Bite (with Laceration)
In case of laceration wounds, the skin is torn by the penetration of the dog's teeth into the skin. This is a serious type of wound and demands immediate medical attention. Stitches might be required to cure this type of wound and it often leaves back a noticeable scar. This type of wound might also require more time to heal as compared to the puncture wounds.
Dog Bite Care
In both the types of dog bites, antibiotics should be administered to prevent infections that can be caused by the bacteria deposited by the dog's teeth. Allowing the blood to flow for some minutes after the bite will also help eliminate the bacteria. If the dog has it vaccinations in place, the victim could require a tetanus shot, else rabies vaccination must be administered. It is essential for the prevention of rabies and sepsis.

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Cat Eye Infection- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Eye Infection in Cats

Eye infections in cats are quite common and are caused by a variety of pathogens. There are a number of disorders that result in eye infections in cats and they may be viral, protazoa, or bacterial, parasitic or fungal. Eye infections can affect one (unilateral) or both eyes (bilateral). Luckily, most feline eye disease can be successfully treated by a veterinarian.
Causes of Cat Eye Infection
Different parts of the eyeball and surrounding area can become infected or inflamed. If it's the conjunctiva (the pink membrane which covers the front of the eyeball & the inside of the eyelids), it is known as "conjunctivitis". Conjunctivitis is probably the most common eye infection in cats. There are several causes of cat eye infections including viral, and bacterial, or fungal infectious agents. Viral eye infection in cats caused by the Feline herpesvirus-1 is the most frequent cause of feline conjunctivitis, or redness the eye. Feline herpesvirus-1 is very frequent in cats. Eye problems in cats are not as common as in dogs, but are still usually encountered in veterinary clinics.
What are the symptoms of eye infection in cats?

Cat eye infection
Photo by stb-dannenmann.de

Symptoms can include:
+Redness in the eye
+Squinting
+Itching
+Discharge
+Swelling
+Swollen eyes or eyelids
+Itching
+Excessive tearing
+Crusting over the eyelid
+Change in appearance of the eye (cloudy colour)
The most common symptoms are redness and discharge in the eye. Bacterial infection must be treated with antibiotics or medicated eye drops prescribed by your veterinarian.
Treatment of Cat Eye Infection
Oral treatments such as interferon and lysine can help shorten the course of infection and/or prevent future infections. Cat eye infections which are caused by bacteria are also treated with topical antibacterial ointments twice daily for 14 days. Treatment for fungal eye infection in cats includes the use of oral anti-fungal medications as fluconazole, triazole or voriconazole and itraconazole. If the vet prescribes certain antibiotic medications you will have to administer them on time. You may also have to use eye drops to bring relief from the itching and inflammation. Also wash your hands thoroughly after you touch your cat eyes as you could contaminate other surfaces even though you may not contract the infection yourself.
Cat eye infections can cause your pet a lot of discomfort. So as to protect your cat eyesight you must make sure that the infection doesn’t progress. You need to therefore seek medical help soon after the symptoms arise.

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Dog Upset Stomach- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Upset Stomach in Dogs

Stomach upset in dogs is a common problem that most dog owners have to deal with. Dogs can be vulnerable to stomach ailments like human. Eating large volumes of food or the wrong types of food can lead to an upset stomach. Almost dogs recover quickly but some may need to visit the veterinarian. In any case, consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Causes of Upset Stomach in Dogs
The most common causes of upset stomach are dog diet related. Dogs may be allergic to the food they are eating, or eat too fast, or eat too much. It’s also popular for dogs to eat things they shouldn’t like coins, string, balls, food wrappers, etc . Stress, motion sickness and physical trauma may also cause upset stomach. Any of these issues can cause upset stomach in your pet. Some  more possible causes are:
+Changes made in a dog’s diet
+Parasites like worms
+Stale food
+Injury to the stomach area
+Serious Stomach Issues
Symptoms of Upset Stomach in Dogs
Dogs get an upset stomach from several causes that might range from eating too fast to an obstruction in their intestines. Below are some of the most common symptoms that your dog may have an upset tummy:

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+Dry-heaving
+Vomiting
+Diarrhea
+Gas
+Lack of appetite
+Increased thirst
+Bloating
+High fever
+Lethargy
These symptoms can appear individually or in combination with some other symptoms.


Treatment for Upset Stomach in Dogs
If the cause of your dog’s upset stomach is not something serious, your vet will may tell you to rest your dog’s stomach for 24 hours and don’t feed him in order to let his stomach calm itself. After the completion of 24 hours, you will feed the dog a little bland food to check if the upset stomach is any better. While feeding the dog bland food, you may add a little yogurt to the food. The bacteria in the yogurt can help regulate the dog's bowel movements and will also reduce intestinal inflammation. Your vet may also give you other instructions to help your queasy pet feel better by telling you to give him an appropriate dose of something like Pepto-Bismol.
Monitoring is Important
It’s important to monitor the situation to make sure things aren’t getting worse, be sure to pay attention to your dog’s condition. If the above methods aren’t working, your vet may have to intervene. For example, sometimes upset stomach and throwing up can mean your dog has an infestation of parasites like round worms and must be treated accordingly
Generally, by knowing the symptoms and causes of upset stomach in dogs, you can better be able to recognize your dog's discomfort and get him treated quickly.

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