Caring and looking out for your dog’s well-being during times of natural calamities is one of your responsibilities as their owner. Never leave your pet dog alone when have to move out of your home in these types of emergency situations as they cannot fend for themselves.
A lot of them can end up with injuries, malnutrition, diseases, or even death since they usually cannot judge whether they are getting into a dangerous situation or not. Prepare the things that they would need for these types of emergencies early on so that when disaster strikes, you can easily get yourself and your pet out into safety. LATEST ARTICLES
Dog Survival Kit – Vital Items for Emergency Situations
Knowing how to pack a dog survival kit is a very important skill for a dog owner. No one can predict just when and where a disaster can occur especially now when storms, floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes just seem to be happening more frequently than before.
Preparing yourself for any type of calamity is a must but sometimes we tend to forget our pet’s needs, too. It is a common misconception that since a dog is just an animal they can survive even with the least amount of assistance during emergencies.
Although this is true in some points, our pets can also need some extraordinary care in some instances. There are some important things to keep in mind when packing this kit. First, it should be easy for you to find and carry when the need arises. Second, it should contain fresh or unexpired supplies and up-to-date information.
Lastly, it must be able to address any special need that your dog might have such as an allergy or a medical condition. The type of supplies that you may need can also vary depending upon the kind of emergency situation that you will most likely be in.
For example, if you are going on a hiking trip then your kit would likely contain fish hooks and flexible saws whereas this would seem unnecessary if you are living in the city and preparing for an earthquake.
Being in an emergency situation such as during earthquakes, storms and floods can be a very stressful situation for you, your family, and your dog. You can help ease your dog’s stress by preparing what your dog will need through a survival kit.
This way, they will not have to face the lack of essential elements such as food, water, and comfortable sleep in case these needs come in short supply or when you have to sleep in a shelter or out in the streets. Make sure that you also bring important documents such as certificates of vaccination just in case the shelter requires it from you.
Caring and looking out for your dog’s well-being during times of natural calamities is one of your responsibilities as their owner. Never leave your pet dog alone when have to move out of your home in these types of emergency situations as they cannot fend for themselves.
A lot of them can end up with injuries, malnutrition, diseases, or even death since they usually cannot judge whether they are getting into a dangerous situation or not. Prepare the things that they would need for these types of emergencies early on so that when disaster strikes, you can easily get yourself and your pet out into safety.
Caring and looking out for your dog’s well-being during times of natural calamities is one of your responsibilities as their owner. Never leave your pet dog alone when have to move out of your home in these types of emergency situations as they cannot fend for themselves.
A lot of them can end up with injuries, malnutrition, diseases, or even death since they usually cannot judge whether they are getting into a dangerous situation or not. Prepare the things that they would need for these types of emergencies early on so that when disaster strikes, you can easily get yourself and your pet out into safety. Off Leash Dog Training – Best Techniques to Apply
There is absolutely nothing quite like seeing your pooch run free; muscles stretching, powerful strides and obvious joy in their movement. This is how dogs are meant to be, running free and exploring their environment.
But what happens when it’s time to go home and your dog will not come back to you for love nor money, or another dog appears and your pooch goes bounding over like the hound from hell? Not good things, I can assure you, little or no off leash training will lead to trouble.
Before you even start off leash training, and you must start off leash training if you wish to be a responsible dog owner, you need to heed a word of warning.
There are no guarantees, even with the best training in the world that your dog will be 100% safe off leash. It would be wonderful to think that with enough training our dogs could become completely reliable off the leash but it just isn’t the case.
There will always be a chance that our dog’s desires and natural instincts may lead them into danger, or that a sudden noise, unexpected object, or animal will startle them into non-wanted behavior.
It would be easy at this point to say that you will just, therefore, keep your dog on a leash at all times. This may be the solution if your dog has any underlying issues which may affect their off leash behavior, but in normal circumstances would be unfair on your dog and you.
Besides which the time may come when your gate is left open unexpectedly or your dog manages to escape the house etc and off leash training will come in extremely handy.
In the long run off leash training is extremely beneficial to dogs kept on or allowed off leash. Whilst 100% reliability cannot be achieved the risks of allowing your dog off leash can be greatly minimized, and your dog and you will get to enjoy its freedoms.
On lead training whilst valuable does not prepare either you or your dog for being off leash.
This principle in dog training is named after the researcher who first formulated it, Dr. David Premack. He discovered that for any two behaviors, the one that your dog prefers can strengthen the one that you prefer.
In simple terms when you were young and your parents said you can go to the mall if you tidy your room; that is the Premack principle. Your guardians took the desire to go to the mall and used it as a reward for cleaning of your room.
We can put this principle to good use when training our dogs off leash. The reward is being off leash with all the exciting distractions; the desired behavior, and regular check-ins from your dog. This is not the same skill as teaching your dog to come back when called, instead, your dog will just come back to you from time to time.
During your dogs wandering around the garden, off leash, it is inevitable that they will pass close by you. In order to get your dog to do this on a regular basis:
Once your dog is reliable in the house and garden, off leash, you can move your training to a fenced park.
This is where your dog will become less predictable in their reactions to training as they are no longer in a familiar environment and you can no longer control the conditions. Noises, people and other distractions are inevitable and you should be prepared for this and ready to act upon it accordingly.
You are also going to be adding the more advanced parts of off leash training such as recall, leave it and distance downs in this new environment. It is unlikely your garden was large enough to train in these successfully. Add new training and new environment together and you have potential for problems.
The biggest of these problems is that as soon as you let your dog off the leash they are more than likely going to go crazy for all the new sights, sounds and smells and you are going to be left chasing them across the park. This, I think you will agree is not what we want and needs to be controlled. Enter the long leash!
Using a long leash gives you control of your dog even when you are a great distance from them. These leashes can be bought at lengths of up to 50 feet and are ideal for early training.
You simply take your dog to the park on their normal leash and swap it for the long leash when you get there or walk them there on the longer leash coiled up. You can then let this leash trail behind your dog as they wander and run around simulating being off leash whilst in the park.
How you control your dog (should the need arise) on these leashes is up to you. You could hold the end reigning your dog in if need be or you can completely let go and just step on the lead if needed. Placing knots at strategic points will help if you choose the standing on method. This will ensure your dogs lead does not slip from beneath your feet.
There are however a few things to consider when using the long leash to train your dog.
These include:
There are many things that might distract your dog including leaves, people, other dogs and noises. It will take time to train your dog to ignore these and obey your recall but you need to persevere.
Make the rewards for ignoring distractions and coming back to you bigger than the reward they will get from the distraction. Use the long leash to restrain your dog from going after the distractions and refocus their attention on you.
This may sound like a lot of work and a long process and it is, but with perseverance you will get there and have a dog who is reliable and as safe as possible off leash. Read our piece on training your dog not to run away from you to help.
The First Steps in Off Leash Training
In order to get your dog to respond when off leash, you need to start off leash training as early as possible. Although this may seem obvious most of us actually spend the majority of our time training our dogs on leash, and then wonder why they behave like they have never had any training when allowed off the leash.
On lead training whilst valuable does not prepare either you or your dog for being off leash.
1. First Training Sessions Off Leash
You cannot simply head to the park, take your dog off the leash and start training. Firstly they will not behave as they do on leash and secondly this could be a dangerous activity. Think distractions, other animals, noises etc; all these may cause your dog to respond inappropriately. You should start your training in your living room, kitchen or other room of the house where you have full control of the situation. These environments are also familiar to your dog and will provide little or no distraction from the training. When your dog is competent at off leash skills in the house you can move your training to the back or front (fenced) garden. This will provide a little more distraction for your dog but still be an environment familiar enough to them that training should be reasonably easily accomplished. For obedience training in dogs, see our article on the topic — it’s a great help.2. The Premack Principle
This principle in dog training is named after the researcher who first formulated it, Dr. David Premack. He discovered that for any two behaviors, the one that your dog prefers can strengthen the one that you prefer.
In simple terms when you were young and your parents said you can go to the mall if you tidy your room; that is the Premack principle. Your guardians took the desire to go to the mall and used it as a reward for cleaning of your room.
We can put this principle to good use when training our dogs off leash. The reward is being off leash with all the exciting distractions; the desired behavior, and regular check-ins from your dog. This is not the same skill as teaching your dog to come back when called, instead, your dog will just come back to you from time to time.
3. Paying Attention
The main point of this exercise is to get your dog to pay attention to you. When off leash in a park or other area you have little control it is imperative you know your dog will pay attention. Here are the Premack principles for achieving this:- Starting in the house or garden as previously stated hold your dog on the leash until they focus on you, even briefly.
- When this happens say ‘good’ and release them from the leash.
4. Returning to You
During your dogs wandering around the garden, off leash, it is inevitable that they will pass close by you. In order to get your dog to do this on a regular basis:
- When your dog is close say ‘good’ and drop a treat.
- Now encourage your dog to go play again.
Advancing Off Leash Training
Once your dog is reliable in the house and garden, off leash, you can move your training to a fenced park.
This is where your dog will become less predictable in their reactions to training as they are no longer in a familiar environment and you can no longer control the conditions. Noises, people and other distractions are inevitable and you should be prepared for this and ready to act upon it accordingly.
You are also going to be adding the more advanced parts of off leash training such as recall, leave it and distance downs in this new environment. It is unlikely your garden was large enough to train in these successfully. Add new training and new environment together and you have potential for problems.
The biggest of these problems is that as soon as you let your dog off the leash they are more than likely going to go crazy for all the new sights, sounds and smells and you are going to be left chasing them across the park. This, I think you will agree is not what we want and needs to be controlled. Enter the long leash!
The Long, Long Leash
Using a long leash gives you control of your dog even when you are a great distance from them. These leashes can be bought at lengths of up to 50 feet and are ideal for early training.
You simply take your dog to the park on their normal leash and swap it for the long leash when you get there or walk them there on the longer leash coiled up. You can then let this leash trail behind your dog as they wander and run around simulating being off leash whilst in the park.
How you control your dog (should the need arise) on these leashes is up to you. You could hold the end reigning your dog in if need be or you can completely let go and just step on the lead if needed. Placing knots at strategic points will help if you choose the standing on method. This will ensure your dogs lead does not slip from beneath your feet.
There are however a few things to consider when using the long leash to train your dog.
These include:
- Working on leash management skills. Practice letting the leash out for your dog to move further away and coiling it up when you want to reign your dog in.
- Always pay attention. You do not want to be pulled off your feet or miss the time to stand on your dogs leash because your dog has bounded off and you haven’t noticed.
- Never try to stop your dog short when they are at a full speed run. Move towards your dog whilst reigning them in so you gradually stop them. Not doing this can result in serious injury to your dog.
- Never leave your dog alone on leash.
- Make sure you use a durable, strong long leash. The last thing you want is the leash to snap or wear away due to trailing on the ground.
How to Off Leash Train Your Dog
First you will need to reinforce the training you gave in your garden. Remembering that off leash training is all about your dog paying attention to you repeat the steps in paying attention and returning to you. This time though when removing your dogs leash as a reward for giving you attention clip on the long leash. This way you can stop your dog from making that dash for freedom whilst giving them freedom.Before We Start
Recall is probably the most important skill when it comes to off leash reliability. Having your dog come to you immediately in almost any environment and situation makes your dog one of the safest off leash. Here are some tips to make recall easier to teach:- Try to train your puppy / dog off leash at every safe opportunity. This will get your dog used to being off leash and behaving in an appropriate manner from an early age.
- Include off leash training in play. For example instead of throwing a ball for your dog to fetch you could encourage him to come to you and get it. Use the word come and voila, early recall training.
- Avoid using food lures every time as a reward. A dog that knows they will get a reward when behaving appropriately will soon learn to behave in the correct ways. However they may also learn that the reward isn’t worth giving up whatever they are doing for. Keep rewards varied and surprising to your dog.
Building on Reliable Recall
Once you have reasonable reliability in recall at home or in the garden through play you can move it to the park or other less controllable area. Here’s how:- Continue to reward anytime your dog returns to you without any recall using various different rewards.
- Allow your dog to move away from you then call them back using the command you have used in the house or garden.
- If they return to you reward them and allow them to move off again. If they don’t return stop your dog from moving any further away by reigning the long leash in.
- Regain their attention by using the already learnt pay attention and try again.
There are many things that might distract your dog including leaves, people, other dogs and noises. It will take time to train your dog to ignore these and obey your recall but you need to persevere.
Make the rewards for ignoring distractions and coming back to you bigger than the reward they will get from the distraction. Use the long leash to restrain your dog from going after the distractions and refocus their attention on you.
This may sound like a lot of work and a long process and it is, but with perseverance you will get there and have a dog who is reliable and as safe as possible off leash. Read our piece on training your dog not to run away from you to help.
Safety Off Leash Training
There will be times when your dog is off leash that you need them to do something for safeties sake. Imagine your dog is running around and sees some spilt food on the floor, you will have no clue what the food is and definitely do not want your dog to eat it. Or maybe your dog has escaped from the garden and gone across the road. There is now a car coming and you do not want your dog to run back across the road to you. This is where the safety ‘down’ and ‘leave’ come into play.The ‘Leave It’ Command
- Place a treat on the floor in front of your dog and instruct them to leave it by saying leave. When they move towards the treat, as they inevitably will, move them away.
- Repeat the leave command until they leave the treat and do not move towards it. When this happens remove the bait on the floor, praising them and giving them a treat from your other hand.
- Repeat this process until they are reliably leaving the bait. Try using different baits so your dog will get used to leaving different things.
- Once they are reliable, move away from the bait and repeat the training so that your dog becomes used to this command being used from a distance.
The ‘Down’ Command
Your dog should already know how to do a down on command when they are near you. To achieve a distance down you just need to reinforce this training but at a distance from your dog. Start with short distances and build up using the long leash to regain control when necessary. Offer rewards for good behaviour and try to increase the speed in which your dog obeys your command. A rapid down could save your dog’s life one day. It is always to be remembered that every dog has their limits. Some dogs may have fears that will compromise their off leash safety and others strong desires that will lead them astray. By paying careful attention to your dog’s particular distractions you will be able to work through some of these challenges and where no solution is possible control the situation. For example if you know your dog does not like loud noises but know a storm is coming, then you can keep them on a leash or wait for the storm to pass before taking them out. Are you curious on dogs that learn commands swiftly? Then see our piece on the top smartest dogs to enlighten you more. The more aware you are of your dog’s limits, the better you will be able to determine when and where to let your dog romp free. The better off leash trained your dog is, the more you will be able to let them off leash safely. Why not see how our piece on training your dog using the clicker method to assist you?Dog Hiking Gear – Guide to Hiking With Your Dog
If you love hiking and camping, then it is no wonder that you would like to take your best furry friend with you. Dogs are always excited to spend time with their masters, however, you are the one who should bear in mind their physical limits and prepare all the necessities beforehand. It is very important to know about the dog hiking gear and prepare it before you decide to go on an outdoor adventure that would lead into the wilderness.
Hiking with your dog also means that you can bond with each other and leave behind all the distractions from the virtual world, such as cell phones and the hustle of the city. It is also very healthy to spend time in the nature and your dog will love it.
This article will provide you with the basic and essential steps that you should cover before actually going on the hiking trip. Some of them help you to understand the possible accidents and troubles, and the others tell you what you should bring in terms of clothes, accessorizes, food etc.
You should also know that hiking is not for a dog that is still getting used to other people and animals. The dog should be not only properly trained but also calm and patient.
There are also some areas and trails that do not require a leash, but you should pay attention that your dog knows his manners and that he is not afraid of wild animals, other dogs or strange noises and smells. Our guide on training your dog to hike without a leash, is a popular piece that you must check out.
When a dog enters a new and wild area, he can go wild, especially for the first time. That is because he gets overwhelmed by the new smells and nature is basically calling him to explore more and more. You do not want him getting lost or wandering off in a forest. You must do a research on the area you plan to visit in order to keep your dog safe.
When it comes to the shelter and sleeping, that usually depends on the weather and how bad it can be. It also depends on your dog’s breed and his coat — if it is short, then your dog will probably need more clothes and blankets in order to not get chilly during the cold nights or days.
That means that besides bringing your own sleeping bag, you should bring one for your dog too. Having a doggy sleeping bag is important, as we’ve outlined in a previous article.
There are special dog beds that can be used for hiking, or you can bring along a kid bed if your dog is of small or medium size. One more possibility is to share a tent or a big bed, but that is up to you to decide.
Speaking of dog hiking boots, do not forget that rough surfaces can be pretty damaging for your dog’s paw pads. Your dog would be thankful for the extra protection, especially if you have to go over the rocky or snowy surface.
You should also put the boots on your pet if you notice that the paws are getting frozen. These boots come in various sizes and your dog will be probably reluctant to wear them. It may seem strange at the beginning, but it is always better to be strange at first than having your dog hurt his paws.
If you are wondering about the models, get the ones that are flexible and of high quality. Most of these dog boots have a flexible lug design that enables your dog to have control on any terrain, especially if it is filled with rocks or sand. They also consist of integrated stretch gaiters that protect the legs and seal out the dirt and debris.
The boots should also be weather-resistant and block any moisture. It is easier if they have intuitive, rip and stick cinch straps so you can easily put them on the pet’s paws.
The straps would not be too tight or loose, otherwise they would slip off, or the dog would not be able to walk if they are too tight. Make sure to try them out on your dog and let him walk around for a bit before purchasing them.
If you are not sure how to get the proper size for your dog, then make your dog stand on a firm surface, place a piece of paper under a front paw. After that lift your dog’s opposite paw so that the weight can be placed firmly onto the paw that is being measured.
Measure both sides of a weighted paw at its widest point on the sheet of paper. Measure the distance and choose the correct boot size from the sizes that are provided.
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Make sure that your dog is trained before you decide to take him with you to the hiking trip. It is always for the best when dogs are trained from an early age, however, you should probably make sure to go over the commands once again and even make a trial.
This trial means taking your dog to the area or route that would be similar or the same to the one you would be taking if you two were really going on the trip. That way you can see your dog’s behavior in the presence of other animals, people, and wilderness in general. Our tips on easy obedience training will help you a lot.
You should always bring a basic first aid kit with yourself, not only for your dog but also because of you. You can find the important information about dogs and their safety at the sites such as The American Veterinary Medical Association and The Red Cross which also offers classes in pet first aid.
Most of these aids also come with a book in which you can find the most important things in case you forget them. It is not possible to find a vet in the wilderness so always be careful and prepared.
Hydration is of utmost importance, so pack enough bottles for both your dog and yourself. Find out in our article how much water your pet needs to avoid dehydration.
You probably won’t be able to find the source of water in the wild, so you should be prepared. Additionally, if you come across a river, lake or swamp, pay attention to what your dog is doing and do not let him drink the water.
The same goes for the ocean, the salty water can be very unpleasant and when it comes to rivers and lakes – they can contain dangerous parasites or algae that can be harmful for your dog. So a piece of good advice would be that you should always keep the bottles of fresh water near you.
You probably do not need to even head a word to mosquitoes, the reaction would be immediately negative. That is perfectly normal, but do not forget that dogs can react in a negative way to insects’ bites, so make sure to apply insect repellent on your dog and yourself before stepping out in the wilderness.
However, do not forget to consult the vet and take into account the medical history of your dog – whether he has had any allergies or reactions to bites or repellents before.
It is also very important to check your dog’s entire body for ticks, foxtails, and other dangerous insects after your trip because your dog can become very ill if you do not take care of these things in time.
There are a lot of important things that you should take care of before you embark on the trip, and there are also even more important things that you should check after the hiking trip.
However, the reason for this is also the opportunity for you and your pet to bond and find out more about each other. It is always a great idea to spend time outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the nature. You will feel healthier and you dog will be happier.
How to Plan a Trip
Before you decide on the area, first check whether there are any dog regulations, otherwise, your pet may not be allowed to enter the national park, for example. There are places that do not allow animals, especially dogs, and that is why you must get to know the area and its regulations before going there. The second thing that you must remember is that you must always maintain control of your dog, and that means that your dog should be properly trained. It is not a good idea to go hiking with a dog that does not answer his master’s call and ignores commands. However, it is known that dogs are required to be on a leash most of the time in public places.
You should also know that hiking is not for a dog that is still getting used to other people and animals. The dog should be not only properly trained but also calm and patient.
There are also some areas and trails that do not require a leash, but you should pay attention that your dog knows his manners and that he is not afraid of wild animals, other dogs or strange noises and smells. Our guide on training your dog to hike without a leash, is a popular piece that you must check out.
When a dog enters a new and wild area, he can go wild, especially for the first time. That is because he gets overwhelmed by the new smells and nature is basically calling him to explore more and more. You do not want him getting lost or wandering off in a forest. You must do a research on the area you plan to visit in order to keep your dog safe.
Food and Shelter
You have probably heard multiple times that hydration is crucial for people, especially the ones who exercise a lot. Do not forget that it is the same for dogs. That means that you should prepare dog hiking packs that would feature a special hydration system that would keep your dog hydrated. These packs can also include food and dishes, and you can find the smaller and collapsible ones that do not take a lot of space. It also depends on the size of your dog whether he can carry his food or not, but bear in mind that the food portion should be almost double of what you feed your dog on a daily basis. That is mostly due to the fact that the trip can be very exhausting and tiring and the dog needs more energy, just like you. Prepare the right amount of calories so your dog won’t starve.
When it comes to the shelter and sleeping, that usually depends on the weather and how bad it can be. It also depends on your dog’s breed and his coat — if it is short, then your dog will probably need more clothes and blankets in order to not get chilly during the cold nights or days.
That means that besides bringing your own sleeping bag, you should bring one for your dog too. Having a doggy sleeping bag is important, as we’ve outlined in a previous article.
There are special dog beds that can be used for hiking, or you can bring along a kid bed if your dog is of small or medium size. One more possibility is to share a tent or a big bed, but that is up to you to decide.
Clothes for Your Furry Friend
Dog clothes represent the important thing when it comes to camping or hiking, especially if your dog has a short coat. In that case, a layer or two can preserve the temperature and save your doggie from getting sick in cold weather. First of all, there are dog vests and jackets. If you plan on hiking during winter or through deep snow, then getting a jacket is crucial. A dog jacket of high quality can keep your dog’s belly and sides warm and also protect from the wet conditions. These jackets come in various colors and sizes, so you can choose one according to your dog’s needs, size, etc. However, if you plan on hiking in hot weather, then consider getting a dog vest. A good dog vest can be soaked with water in order to dissipate all the heat as the water evaporates. You can also find a fleece bodysuit, which covers a dog’s entire body. This suit is very protective and comes in handy during chilly nights. If the budget is tight, check out our piece on how you can make doggy clothes in no time.
Speaking of dog hiking boots, do not forget that rough surfaces can be pretty damaging for your dog’s paw pads. Your dog would be thankful for the extra protection, especially if you have to go over the rocky or snowy surface.
You should also put the boots on your pet if you notice that the paws are getting frozen. These boots come in various sizes and your dog will be probably reluctant to wear them. It may seem strange at the beginning, but it is always better to be strange at first than having your dog hurt his paws.
If you are wondering about the models, get the ones that are flexible and of high quality. Most of these dog boots have a flexible lug design that enables your dog to have control on any terrain, especially if it is filled with rocks or sand. They also consist of integrated stretch gaiters that protect the legs and seal out the dirt and debris.
The boots should also be weather-resistant and block any moisture. It is easier if they have intuitive, rip and stick cinch straps so you can easily put them on the pet’s paws.
The straps would not be too tight or loose, otherwise they would slip off, or the dog would not be able to walk if they are too tight. Make sure to try them out on your dog and let him walk around for a bit before purchasing them.
If you are not sure how to get the proper size for your dog, then make your dog stand on a firm surface, place a piece of paper under a front paw. After that lift your dog’s opposite paw so that the weight can be placed firmly onto the paw that is being measured.
Measure both sides of a weighted paw at its widest point on the sheet of paper. Measure the distance and choose the correct boot size from the sizes that are provided.
Most Important Tips
1. Obedience Training
Make sure that your dog is trained before you decide to take him with you to the hiking trip. It is always for the best when dogs are trained from an early age, however, you should probably make sure to go over the commands once again and even make a trial.
This trial means taking your dog to the area or route that would be similar or the same to the one you would be taking if you two were really going on the trip. That way you can see your dog’s behavior in the presence of other animals, people, and wilderness in general. Our tips on easy obedience training will help you a lot.
2. Do Not Forget to Bring a Dog Pack
This means that bringing a specialized pack for your dog will make it easier for you and you can let your dog help with carrying the load himself. However, bear in mind that dogs can carry up to 25% of their weight, while some of the bigger breeds can carry even 40%. This also depends on the age – if the dog is too young or old, it will be harder for him to carry the load. You should also make sure that the pack is fastened properly and the straps should not be pulled too tight or it would be difficult for your dog to breathe normally. But if it is too loose, then you can lose it. There are four types of packs: dividers (they divide food and water so they would not get mixed up), collapsible food dish (special good packets that can fit perfectly inside the pack or sometimes they can even be zipped on the outside), pockets for cooling (the place in which you can keep the ice from the freezer so they would cool down during the hot weather) and a top handle (it enables you to hand onto your dog, for example, when you are crossing a shallow river). There are also reflective packs in which you can put the light in order to make the visibility better. Here’s a listing of topnotch dog packs to inspire you on your next camping trip.3. Basic First Aid Kit
You should always bring a basic first aid kit with yourself, not only for your dog but also because of you. You can find the important information about dogs and their safety at the sites such as The American Veterinary Medical Association and The Red Cross which also offers classes in pet first aid.
Most of these aids also come with a book in which you can find the most important things in case you forget them. It is not possible to find a vet in the wilderness so always be careful and prepared.
4. Dog Food and Rewarding Treats
As we have already mentioned, you should bear in mind that your dog consumes more energy than on a regular daily basis, so you should pack more food than usual. Prepare food that is able to withstand extreme temperatures and that can be easily stored in a pack. You should also bring along your doggie’s favorite treats, in case you would like to practice in the wild and reward your pet when he is behaving properly.5. Water and Water Bowl
Hydration is of utmost importance, so pack enough bottles for both your dog and yourself. Find out in our article how much water your pet needs to avoid dehydration.
You probably won’t be able to find the source of water in the wild, so you should be prepared. Additionally, if you come across a river, lake or swamp, pay attention to what your dog is doing and do not let him drink the water.
The same goes for the ocean, the salty water can be very unpleasant and when it comes to rivers and lakes – they can contain dangerous parasites or algae that can be harmful for your dog. So a piece of good advice would be that you should always keep the bottles of fresh water near you.
6. Leash and Collar
Even though your dog may be an obedient pet and he listens to your commands and calls, having a leash is very important in order for you to keep him protected. One of the reasons is that some areas demand (and it is also required by law) for you to keep your dog on leash, and you can also avoid accidents by keeping your dog on leash for some time.7. Insect Repellent
You probably do not need to even head a word to mosquitoes, the reaction would be immediately negative. That is perfectly normal, but do not forget that dogs can react in a negative way to insects’ bites, so make sure to apply insect repellent on your dog and yourself before stepping out in the wilderness.
However, do not forget to consult the vet and take into account the medical history of your dog – whether he has had any allergies or reactions to bites or repellents before.
It is also very important to check your dog’s entire body for ticks, foxtails, and other dangerous insects after your trip because your dog can become very ill if you do not take care of these things in time.
8. ID Tags and Dog Boots
It is always possible to get lost or to get into some kind of accident and that is why it is important too, not only bring yours but also your dog’s ID tag and a photo. In that way, if your dog gets lost in the woods, you can ask around and try to find him faster. The even better solution would be to microchip your dog, which is highly recommendable. Dog boots are important for taking care of your dog’s sensitive paws pads, and we have already mentioned some of their properties above.9. Disposing of Waste by Using Bags and a Trowel
These compact rolls of plastic bags and a trowel will be needed in order for you to get rid of your dog\s waste. It is your responsibility, even if you are in the wild. Dig a small hole, deposit the waste in it and cover it with the pile. That means you should deposit that waste at least 200 feet away from the water sources or camps.10. Additional Items
Some of the items that should be also or once again mentioned are: dog harnesses that are used for more technical trails or climbing, then GPS beacons and leashes that fasten to you via karabiners, a dog-specific bike trailer, a dog tent (not all dogs like to spend time in these. However, they can be also used as sun shelters), leashes, cooling collars for hot days and creams that help some dog breeds to stay more comfortable in the snow because they cannot or do not need boots.Limits and Needs
To sum up, the most important thing about hiking with your dog is that you are aware of his limits and needs. According to your dog’s size, breed and fur, decide on the appropriate clothes and boots. This article provided you with the most important steps and a guide to a successful hiking with your beloved furry friend.
There are a lot of important things that you should take care of before you embark on the trip, and there are also even more important things that you should check after the hiking trip.
However, the reason for this is also the opportunity for you and your pet to bond and find out more about each other. It is always a great idea to spend time outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the nature. You will feel healthier and you dog will be happier. Hiking With Dogs – How to Prepare Buster for a Longer Walk
Now that the weather is finally starting to get warm, more and more people are seeking the outdoors to pass the time and get in much-needed exercise.
But instead of biking or jogging, hiking has become an increasingly popular activity to engage in. Not only is it great for cardio, but it can provide you with all the sunshine and fresh air that you need.
However, it’s important to remember that you’re not the only one that needs to work off those winter pounds; Fido could do with a few miles of walking himself! But there are some things you need to know before you start hiking with your dogs in summer.
After all, he’s relying on you to ensure that he’s kept safe and happy during your long trek through the trails.
Medical emergencies should be accounted for, especially when you may be far from home.
Preparing a simple first aid kit for your dog doesn’t require you to bring anything and everything that you can think of. Reading our simple guide on pet first aid is a good start to prepare for any emergencies.
Here are a few simple things you can bring on your hiking trip to ensure the health and safety of your dog.
Remember that hiking trails are shared with other people and other animals. There may be several other people who are hiking with your dogs, so it’s important that your pooch is well-mannered when encountering hikers, bikers and other dogs that you’ll share the trail with. No one wants to have an un-enjoyable experience while being outdoors, so ensure that you don’t create an environment that leads to hostility.
Lastly, remember to pick up after your pet. A few small plastic bags should be kept in your pocket to pick up any waste that your dog leaves behind. In the unfortunate circumstance that you’ve forgotten them, a small hand shovel can be used to bury your dog’s excrement. Holes should be at least six to eight inches deep, and at least two hundred feet away from any water sources.
In order to keep your dog’s feet safe, you can also invest in some outdoor booties. It can prevent cuts on his paws, as well as any nails being torn off. The hard, sharp rocks can also be painful for the bottom of their feet when you’ve been hiking for hours on end, and keep them warm if there is any snow on the ground.
Getting your dog accustomed to foot wear may take some time, so it’s important that they become acclimated to them weeks before your hiking trip. Preparation is key, and our article on hiking accessories for your pooch will help ensure that your dog travels safely.
Post-swim, be sure to check your dog’s ears and dry them out as necessary, especially if your dog has droopy ears. Water in the ears can lead to bacterial infections that are painful and uncomfortable for your dog, and may even require medical attention if it becomes too serious.
If you do decide to camp for the night, taking precautions is necessary to guarantee that you’re not creating a dangerous situation. It can get quite chilly at nights, so investing in an extra small sleeping bag for your dog can be very helpful. Our friends from My Outdoors Life created a list of best backpacking dog beds — it is a must-read, so check it out.
If not, a dog jacket can help to keep him warm at night while you’re sleeping in your tent. Be aware that you may have to get up several times during the night to take your dog out to the bathroom, as these are new surroundings that he is unfamiliar with. When you do, be sure to take your dog as far as possible from your tent to relieve himself.
Urine is known to attract other animals, and that can create a dangerous situation that you may not be fully prepared for. In order to keep track of your dog when you take him out at night, you can affix a small LED light to his collar so you can be aware of his position. This light may also serve to warn off predators.
Just as you would with your own food, it’s important that you don’t store food in your tent with you. Bears are known for having great senses of smell, and will go through anything and everything to get to a food source, and that include the kibble you bring for your dog.
In order to keep your food safe, you can store it in a bear-resistant canister and suspend it from a tree at least ten feet above the ground and four feet away from the trunk of the tree. Bears are known for being excellent climbers, but keeping your food out of reach will ensure that you’re not without provisions during the rest of your trip.
In order to find the right pack for your dog, it’s best to try it on your dog at the store. They typically come in five sizes based on weight — extra small, small, medium, large and extra large — and provide straps that can be adjusted to fit your dog accordingly. The middle of the pack should be on your dog’s back as you fasten the straps to create a snug fit.
You don’t want the pack to be too loose, or you’ll spend more time on your trip picking up stray items than actually hiking. You also don’t want the straps to be too tight, or you’ll make it too difficult for your dog to breathe. Check out the top backpacks specially made for dogs that we have written for you.
After a rousing day or weekend on your hiking trip, it’s important that you go through a few necessary steps to ensure that your dog’s health is still in one piece. Go over your dog’s body with a fine-toothed comb to look for burs, thorns, ticks, or fleas.
These parasitic bugs can transmit diseases that can jeopardize the health of your dog, and you should contact your vet immediately if you find any on your pet.
Not only can they carry Lyme disease, they can also transmit anaplasmosis, but Rocky Mountain also spotted fever and ehrlichiosis. All it takes is one tick bite, and it can be difficult to determine the exact symptoms in your dog until it’s too late.
Stay safe this summer with your dog, and allow them to experience the grand outdoors beyond your backyard. With proper precautions in place, hiking can become one of the most enjoyable experiences for you and your pet.
Not only do they get a change of scenery, but they get to experience a whole new world of sights and smells, and jumpstart their brain activity after a long winter of staying indoors. If you’re wondering what kind of dogs will suit you, see our article on top dog breeds for trekkers and campers.
Do yourself and your dog a favor, and indulge in the wonderful hiking activity, no matter your experience level.
Preparation is Key
As exciting as it is to just pick yourself up and head right out with your dog to the nearest park, preparation is critical. Not only do you have to care for your well-being, but that of your dog as well.
After all, he’s relying on you to ensure that he’s kept safe and happy during your long trek through the trails.
Injuries Require Attention
- Saline solution: good for rinsing out a dog’s eyes. It’s easy for foreign objects to come into contact with your dog’s eyes, such as sticks, bugs and (unfortunately) skunk spray. Fill an empty eye dropper container with saline solution and you have a simple remedy for those eye troubles.
- Rubber gloves: they’re not only good for sanitary purposes when treating wounds, but they can also be used as an emergency booty for your dog if his paw is injured.
- Bandages: heavy duty bandages work best to protect a wound, as well as stay on with your dog’s rigorous activities.
- Bells: these noisemakers aren’t only for cat collars. Having a bell on your dog will help you keep track of him when he runs off ahead, and when it starts to get dark, it can be easy to lose your dog in the underbrush. Bells also serve to warn predators of your dog’s presence so that they will avoid them.
- A sturdy pair of pliers: foreign bodies can get lodged into your dog’s skin, such as thorns and quills from a porcupine. To save yourself from being stuck, having a good pair of pliers to remove them can save you the hassle and reduce your dog’s pain from the experience.
- A towel: towels can serve many purposes. They can be used to dry off your dog, to keep them warm, to be used as a cold compress for bee and wasp stings, to stave off the heat, and can be torn to form crude bandages in case of an emergency. Our piece on how to treat bee stings on dogs is a sure keeper, so read it prior to your camping trips.
Hiking Etiquette
It’s important that you exercise common sense when you take your dog on a hike. Most parks require that dogs be kept on leashes at all times. A sturdy leash that is at least six feet or less in length works best. Extendable leashes do nothing to keep your dog reined in, and getting tangled in the cord can only make the situation worse. In addition to leashes, ensure that your dog’s recall manners are strong. It’s unforeseeable that you’ll lose a grip on the leash, and the last thing you want is your dog getting lost in the woods. Practice recall with your dog a few days before your trip if it’s been a while since his last lesson. It could mean the difference in keeping your dog safe.
Remember that hiking trails are shared with other people and other animals. There may be several other people who are hiking with your dogs, so it’s important that your pooch is well-mannered when encountering hikers, bikers and other dogs that you’ll share the trail with. No one wants to have an un-enjoyable experience while being outdoors, so ensure that you don’t create an environment that leads to hostility.
Lastly, remember to pick up after your pet. A few small plastic bags should be kept in your pocket to pick up any waste that your dog leaves behind. In the unfortunate circumstance that you’ve forgotten them, a small hand shovel can be used to bury your dog’s excrement. Holes should be at least six to eight inches deep, and at least two hundred feet away from any water sources.
Travel Gear for Your Dog
In the event that your hiking takes place during the slightly colder months of the year, it’s important to be prepared for whatever the weather brings. For dogs with thinner coats, a good outer layer may be necessary in order to keep them warm. The hiking experience, after all, should be pleasant for everyone involved. Raincoats are also important to keep your dog dry and happy. They can also stave off hypothermia when the temperatures drop during the night, if you decide on camping.
In order to keep your dog’s feet safe, you can also invest in some outdoor booties. It can prevent cuts on his paws, as well as any nails being torn off. The hard, sharp rocks can also be painful for the bottom of their feet when you’ve been hiking for hours on end, and keep them warm if there is any snow on the ground.
Getting your dog accustomed to foot wear may take some time, so it’s important that they become acclimated to them weeks before your hiking trip. Preparation is key, and our article on hiking accessories for your pooch will help ensure that your dog travels safely.
Swimming Safety
Hiking may seem like nothing but work for your dog, so it won’t hurt to give him a little bit of fun with a dip in the lake. It’s a great way to cool off your dog and giving them a break from the trek for some much needed recreation. However, despite the rumors, not all dogs are natural swimmers. This is something that should be discovered before he makes his first jump into a big lake. There are personal flotation devices that are available for dogs that are unable to swim, as well as providing assistance to dogs that have exhausted themselves swimming. When looking at such devices, it’s important that you get some assistance in finding one that’s the right fit for your pet to prevent it slipping off in the water, and can also support your dog’s weight. Be sure to get a flotation device that is brightly colored to make it easy to spot your dog out in the waters.
Post-swim, be sure to check your dog’s ears and dry them out as necessary, especially if your dog has droopy ears. Water in the ears can lead to bacterial infections that are painful and uncomfortable for your dog, and may even require medical attention if it becomes too serious.
Camping the Night
If you do decide to camp for the night, taking precautions is necessary to guarantee that you’re not creating a dangerous situation. It can get quite chilly at nights, so investing in an extra small sleeping bag for your dog can be very helpful. Our friends from My Outdoors Life created a list of best backpacking dog beds — it is a must-read, so check it out.
If not, a dog jacket can help to keep him warm at night while you’re sleeping in your tent. Be aware that you may have to get up several times during the night to take your dog out to the bathroom, as these are new surroundings that he is unfamiliar with. When you do, be sure to take your dog as far as possible from your tent to relieve himself.
Urine is known to attract other animals, and that can create a dangerous situation that you may not be fully prepared for. In order to keep track of your dog when you take him out at night, you can affix a small LED light to his collar so you can be aware of his position. This light may also serve to warn off predators.
Just as you would with your own food, it’s important that you don’t store food in your tent with you. Bears are known for having great senses of smell, and will go through anything and everything to get to a food source, and that include the kibble you bring for your dog.
In order to keep your food safe, you can store it in a bear-resistant canister and suspend it from a tree at least ten feet above the ground and four feet away from the trunk of the tree. Bears are known for being excellent climbers, but keeping your food out of reach will ensure that you’re not without provisions during the rest of your trip.
Carry His Own Weight
Why bear all of the weight yourself when you can get your dog to help you? Saddlebags for dogs are becoming more and more popular and can help you lighten your load as you travel. They come in a variety of sizes and bright colors and are complete with several storage sections for you to store a variety of things, such as their food, their eating containers, small items from your emergency medical kit, and their booties. Some packs even come with pockets for cooling inserts so that your pooch can stay cool on those hot days. Don’t overburden your dog, however, as this can put unnecessary strain on his back. Young, spry dogs can carry as much as twenty-five percent of their weight, while older and smaller dogs can carry up to ten percent. If you’re not sure what a good weight is, you can always check with your vet.
In order to find the right pack for your dog, it’s best to try it on your dog at the store. They typically come in five sizes based on weight — extra small, small, medium, large and extra large — and provide straps that can be adjusted to fit your dog accordingly. The middle of the pack should be on your dog’s back as you fasten the straps to create a snug fit.
You don’t want the pack to be too loose, or you’ll spend more time on your trip picking up stray items than actually hiking. You also don’t want the straps to be too tight, or you’ll make it too difficult for your dog to breathe. Check out the top backpacks specially made for dogs that we have written for you.
Post-trip Procedures
After a rousing day or weekend on your hiking trip, it’s important that you go through a few necessary steps to ensure that your dog’s health is still in one piece. Go over your dog’s body with a fine-toothed comb to look for burs, thorns, ticks, or fleas.
These parasitic bugs can transmit diseases that can jeopardize the health of your dog, and you should contact your vet immediately if you find any on your pet.
Not only can they carry Lyme disease, they can also transmit anaplasmosis, but Rocky Mountain also spotted fever and ehrlichiosis. All it takes is one tick bite, and it can be difficult to determine the exact symptoms in your dog until it’s too late.
Stay safe this summer with your dog, and allow them to experience the grand outdoors beyond your backyard. With proper precautions in place, hiking can become one of the most enjoyable experiences for you and your pet.
Not only do they get a change of scenery, but they get to experience a whole new world of sights and smells, and jumpstart their brain activity after a long winter of staying indoors. If you’re wondering what kind of dogs will suit you, see our article on top dog breeds for trekkers and campers.
Do yourself and your dog a favor, and indulge in the wonderful hiking activity, no matter your experience level. Overweight Dog – Signs and Solutions
Just like humans, dogs can have serious problems with obesity and that can be really life-threatening. Additionally, an overweight dog is more likely to suffer from diabetes, arthritis, heart diseases, lung disorders, high blood pressure, immune dysfunction, or cancer. If your dog is overweight, he is also more likely to die at a younger age.
The problem is that many pet owners fail to see that their beloved furry friend is obese. You should remember that your pet needs as much exercise as you, and if he is a couch potato, he will most likely become overweight. It is your responsibility to make sure that your pet is healthy and strong.
One of the ways for determining whether your dog is overweight or not, is by feeling around his ribs and spine. If you are unable to locate the thin layer of fat that separates the skin from the bones or find the ribcage, then that means that you have got an overweight dog. You should also take a look of his collar, if it needs loosening, or if your dog has difficulty walking, then he is probably overweight.
Some of other signs include sleeping more than usual and slow movement in general. The other, more precise way is to ask your vet to evaluate the size at the next check-up. If your dog has 15% above his weight, then he is obese; if he has zero to 15%, then he is overweight. According to the studies, obesity in dogs can be found in more than 50% of the dog population in the US.
The beggar – is probably the most famous type. This dog has not been trained properly and the owner does not have a will power to tell him no. This is a huge mistake from the beginning. If you want to stop your dog from creating noise and puppy eyes 10x per day, you should start learning to ignore him and say no, because you are doing him more harm than good.
The good dog – is a type of dog that is so good and cuddly that his owner misinterprets it as that he must eat always. It seems a bit ridiculous, but there are such pet owners. The affection should not be showed by giving excessive amounts of treats. It is better if you play with your dog, cuddle him and spend more time with him than allowing him to eat whenever he wants.
The gourmet dog – this kind of dog has learned that he can eat anything he wants and this is probably the most dangerous because some pet owners give their dogs the ingredients and foods that we have mentioned above in the ‘dangerous list’. Such a dog usually refuses to eat normal dog food and finds everything else dangerous, but you should never give him such food or treats.
You should avoid giving your dog, at any cost:
You should never allow your dog to feed 24 hours a day – or allow him to eat whatever he wants. The dog cannot decide what is healthy or not, it should be up to you to decide what meals are the best for him and when he should eat them.
Every dog breed usually requires two to four small portions per day. If you are unable to feed your dog in such a way (because of your work, schedule etc.) then you can purchase a timed automatic feeder that will make your life easier. Our piece on the right amount of food to feed your furball will be a great help to you, so check it out.
The usual kibble foods that can be found on the market have various labels, but you should be careful, because they contain high level of carbohydrate fillers and calories, which make your dog to feel full, but only for a short period of time.
That is why you should be careful when buying food and you should always read the ingredients and measure the calories. Never guess or be deceived by the descriptions such as ‘diet’ or ‘reduced calories’. Here’s a guide on the best dog food to feed your pet that we’ve written to help you with more options.
If you want to feed your dog with food of high quality, you should look for the food that contains above-average protein, below-average fat and below-average calories. A higher amount of proteins will make your dog feel more satisfied and you won’t have problems with unwelcome side effects such as a muscle loss. Canned food is also better than kibble because these canned products contain higher levels of proteins, lower carbohydrates and fewer calories.
However, the home-cooked food or raw diet is the healthiest choice out there. And you should never forget to exercise and exercise. Never make your dog stay the whole day in one place. Lean cuts of cooker or raw meat are always welcome. And when it comes to fruits, apples, oranges, bananas, and watermelon are great, but you must remove any seeds, stems and leaves first.
Carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices, zucchini slices or baked potatoes make for great vegetables in your dog’s eating schedule. Dogs can also eat cooked white rice and pasta. You can even learn how to make your own dog food, so read our article on the subject for more healthy treats.
Do not forget to measure your dog on a weekly or monthly basis and to provide him with fresh water all the time. What is even more important is to exercise your dog properly. It will improve his muscle tone, metabolism and of course and it will keep his weight even. If you develop an exercise routine, that would improve the dog’s overall health and you will feel better too, because you will be able to exercise too and bond with your pet.
However, not all dog breeds are able to perform any types and intensities of exercises. It is simply is not in their nature.
Do not forget to buy a canine scale and make a chart. You will be able to monitor your pet’s health by yourself, so you can consult the vet if you notice anything extraordinary. You can do it on a weekly and monthly basis and also consult your vet. Forget about the free choice, which means to leave the bowl of food everywhere and anywhere.
The most important thing is to consult the vet and rule out any possible conditions that may be causing your pet to gain weight even if he is moving a lot and eating normally and exercising daily.
However, if he is healthy, then it is important to prevent excessive eating and weight gaining. Your dog can only depend and rely on you to take care of his health because dogs cannot distinguish between healthy and dangerous food and they cannot take themselves out for walks and exercises.
How to Tell if Your Dog is Overweight
Dog obesity is a serious problem, and as we have mentioned above, it can affect your dog in the worst way possible. There are actually some breeds that are prone to obesity more than some other dog breeds. Some of these breeds include:| Small breeds | Medium breeds | Large breeds | Giant breeds |
| Cairn TerriersDachshunds Scottish Terriers Cavalier King Charles Spaniels | BeaglesCocker Spaniels Basset Hounds | LabsGolden Retrievers Rottweilers | Bernese Mountain DogsNewfoundlands Saint Bernards |
Some of other signs include sleeping more than usual and slow movement in general. The other, more precise way is to ask your vet to evaluate the size at the next check-up. If your dog has 15% above his weight, then he is obese; if he has zero to 15%, then he is overweight. According to the studies, obesity in dogs can be found in more than 50% of the dog population in the US.
- The dog’s ribs cannot be easily felt;
- You are unable to locate the thin layer of fat that separates the skin from the bones;
- The dog has an obvious loss of waist;
- The collar needs loosening;
- The dog has difficulty walking or moving in general;
- The dog is sleeping more than usual.
Dog Obesity According to the Dog’s Habits
There are a couple of dog types that are usually encountered and that are great candidates for gaining weight: The nibbler – this type of dog seems to hardly eat a thing and that is probably because he or she has an available bowl of food everywhere and anywhere. So the dog nibbles from time to time, and just like humans, dogs eat when they are bored too. So when the time for dinner comes, the dog just picks at the leftover and seems uninterested, because he has been eating the whole day. However, the total calorie intake after just one day is probably so huge that the dog easily gains weight even though the owner thinks he hasn’t eaten anything.
The beggar – is probably the most famous type. This dog has not been trained properly and the owner does not have a will power to tell him no. This is a huge mistake from the beginning. If you want to stop your dog from creating noise and puppy eyes 10x per day, you should start learning to ignore him and say no, because you are doing him more harm than good.
The good dog – is a type of dog that is so good and cuddly that his owner misinterprets it as that he must eat always. It seems a bit ridiculous, but there are such pet owners. The affection should not be showed by giving excessive amounts of treats. It is better if you play with your dog, cuddle him and spend more time with him than allowing him to eat whenever he wants.
The gourmet dog – this kind of dog has learned that he can eat anything he wants and this is probably the most dangerous because some pet owners give their dogs the ingredients and foods that we have mentioned above in the ‘dangerous list’. Such a dog usually refuses to eat normal dog food and finds everything else dangerous, but you should never give him such food or treats.
What Causes Dogs to Get Obese?
According to a survey realized in 2012, 45.8% of dog owners incorrectly identified their overweight or obese dogs as “normal weight” when asked by their veterinary clinic to assess their pet’s current body condition. According to the National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Survey realized in 2014, an estimated 52.7% of dogs in the US are overweight or obese. Out of these, 17.6% are obese and 35.1% are simply overweight. The problem is that obesity in dogs is an ascending trend and numbers have definitely changed upwards in the last year. The main causes for obesity are:- Age – is a very possible cause for obesity in dogs, because as an adult dog ages, the lean body mass declines which results in a decrease in voluntary activity and energy. Unless you decrease proportionately the intake of food, that will lead to the weight gain.
- Neutering – results in the loss of sex hormones and that slows the pet’s metabolism and makes him eat more than usual. The food intake should be monitored and decreased.
- Certain medications – can contribute to your dog being overweight. For example, Phenobarbital and Glucocorticoids can stimulate your dog to eat more and more.
- Environment and owners – can be some of the causes for a dog being overweight. It all depends on the household income and the habits of the owner. If the owner does not exercise or does not take care of his or her health, it is very possible that the dog would be neglected too.
- Nutrition – can be a very important factor. If a dog is fed bad or dangerous food, such as snacks, cheap canine kibble, table scraps etc that can result in him being overweight. That includes the number of meals which should not be irregular.
- Medical conditions – such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism can contribute to an excessive weight gain.
What Kind of Food to Avoid
Dog’s digestive system is different than ours which is why it is of extreme importance to know what food is bad for your dog. We put together a list of foods and ingredients that do not only lead to obesity, but can be fatal.
You should avoid giving your dog, at any cost:
- High levels of carbohydrate fillers, additives and calories should be always avoided – most of kibble foods contain them.
- Avocado contains a substance called persin which is toxic to dogs.
- Alcohol – some pet owners find it amusing to give alcohol to their furry friends but the thing is that alcohol has a stronger impact on dogs’ bodies and it takes just a little amount of alcohol to cause central nervous system depression, diarrhea, vomiting, problems with coordination and many more.
- Onions and garlic can destroy your dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia. They are very poisoning to pets.
- Coffee, tea and other caffeine can also be fatal and there is no antidote. You should be careful because caffeine can be found in cold medicines, pain killers, chocolate, stimulant drinks etc.
- Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure even though it is still not clear why.
- Milk and dairy products in general cause diarrhea and food allergies.
- Macadamia nuts can be fatal too and cause poisoning
- Candies and gums usually contain xylitol which can cause your dog’s sugar level to drop and lead to a liver failure because this substance makes insulin to circulate faster through your pet’s body;
- Chocolate contains theobromine can cause diarrhea and abnormal heart rhythms, seizures and even death. And there are still many pet owners who treat their dogs with chocolate.
- Bones and fat trimmings are bad for dogs, simply because they can choke on them, or even worse, bones can splinter your dog’s stomach, while the fat trimmings can cause pancreatitis.
- Persimmons, peaches and plums contain seeds and pits that can cause allergies, intestinal obstruction and they also contain cyanide can both poisonous to dogs and humans.
- Raw eggs can cause your dog to get food poisoning from bacteria Salmonella or E. coli. Additionally, there is an enzyme in raw eggs that can cause skin and coat problems.
- Salt can cause excessive thirst, urination and ion poisoning. That is why you should avoid giving chips or other salty food to your dog.
- Too much sugar leads to obesity and dental problems, including diabetes.
- Yeast dough – if your dog eats yeast dough before it is baked, it would rise and swell inside, causing severe pain and lead to alcohol poisoning.
- Medicine should be not only kept out of children’s reach, but dogs’ too. Unless you have consulted your vet, giving any medicine to your dog can be fatal. It is known that dogs do not react in the same way to the ingredients.
Why It’s Bad to Overfeed Your Pet
Food doesn’t mean love and overfeeding your precious doggie can’t lead to anything good. Even if your pet looks cute and round with an extra layer of fat on his ribs you should know the risks you are exposing him to. Obesity has some very unpleasant consequences, and some of them are described below.| Consequence | Symptoms |
| Reduced life span | Obesity is the main cause for early deaths in dogs that are overfed |
| Endocrine diseases | These, including hypothyroidism have always been considered a cause for obesity. Obesity may also have some effect on thyroid homeostasis, even though such changes are unlikely to affect the interpretation of thyroid function tests. |
| Dyslipidemia | An abnormal amount of cholesterol and/or fat in the blood |
| Orthopedic diseases | These including osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis and osteochondritis dissecans are one of the most common disorders associated with obese dogs. |
| Cardiopulmonary disease & hypertension | These can be developed in obese dogs, while the development of tracheal collapse is more usual in small-breed dogs that are overweight. |
| Other disorders | These include laryngeal paralysis, asthma, brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome and obstruction of thoracic movement related to obesity hypoventilation syndrome (Pickwickian-type syndrome). |
| Problems with the arterial blood pressure | Research has also shown that overweight dogs without overt heart disease have preclinical left myocardial systolic and diastolic function changes. Obesity has a major impact on ventricular function in dogs. |
| Genitourinary disorders | Obese dogs are reported to suffer from an increased risk of dystocia which is likely related to excess adipose tissue in and around the birth canal. The urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence has been reported. |
| Neoplasia | Overweight dogs reportedly have an increased risk of developing transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. |
| Other symptoms | Exercise intolerance, heat Intolerance, increased anesthetic risk, mammary neoplasia, hyperlipidemia. |
Prevention: the Best Way to a Normal Life
Depending on your dog’s age and activity level, you should not only pay attention to him eating less, but you should also take care of what kind of food he eats. Just like with humans, starving yourself will bring you more harm than good. But taking care of the calories and exercising at the same time will bring you to the result you need. You can use a Dog Food Calculator (an app found online) in order to help you to determine your dog’s ideal weight.
You should never allow your dog to feed 24 hours a day – or allow him to eat whatever he wants. The dog cannot decide what is healthy or not, it should be up to you to decide what meals are the best for him and when he should eat them.
Every dog breed usually requires two to four small portions per day. If you are unable to feed your dog in such a way (because of your work, schedule etc.) then you can purchase a timed automatic feeder that will make your life easier. Our piece on the right amount of food to feed your furball will be a great help to you, so check it out.
The usual kibble foods that can be found on the market have various labels, but you should be careful, because they contain high level of carbohydrate fillers and calories, which make your dog to feel full, but only for a short period of time.
That is why you should be careful when buying food and you should always read the ingredients and measure the calories. Never guess or be deceived by the descriptions such as ‘diet’ or ‘reduced calories’. Here’s a guide on the best dog food to feed your pet that we’ve written to help you with more options.
If you want to feed your dog with food of high quality, you should look for the food that contains above-average protein, below-average fat and below-average calories. A higher amount of proteins will make your dog feel more satisfied and you won’t have problems with unwelcome side effects such as a muscle loss. Canned food is also better than kibble because these canned products contain higher levels of proteins, lower carbohydrates and fewer calories.
However, the home-cooked food or raw diet is the healthiest choice out there. And you should never forget to exercise and exercise. Never make your dog stay the whole day in one place. Lean cuts of cooker or raw meat are always welcome. And when it comes to fruits, apples, oranges, bananas, and watermelon are great, but you must remove any seeds, stems and leaves first.
Carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices, zucchini slices or baked potatoes make for great vegetables in your dog’s eating schedule. Dogs can also eat cooked white rice and pasta. You can even learn how to make your own dog food, so read our article on the subject for more healthy treats.
Do not forget to measure your dog on a weekly or monthly basis and to provide him with fresh water all the time. What is even more important is to exercise your dog properly. It will improve his muscle tone, metabolism and of course and it will keep his weight even. If you develop an exercise routine, that would improve the dog’s overall health and you will feel better too, because you will be able to exercise too and bond with your pet.
However, not all dog breeds are able to perform any types and intensities of exercises. It is simply is not in their nature.
Do not forget to buy a canine scale and make a chart. You will be able to monitor your pet’s health by yourself, so you can consult the vet if you notice anything extraordinary. You can do it on a weekly and monthly basis and also consult your vet. Forget about the free choice, which means to leave the bowl of food everywhere and anywhere.
In Conclusion
To sum up, it is your responsibility to take care of your dog’s eating habits and monitor his health. We mentioned some of the signs and solutions in this article and we also provided you with a list of the most dangerous foods out there that can not only lead to obesity, but be fatal too.
The most important thing is to consult the vet and rule out any possible conditions that may be causing your pet to gain weight even if he is moving a lot and eating normally and exercising daily.
However, if he is healthy, then it is important to prevent excessive eating and weight gaining. Your dog can only depend and rely on you to take care of his health because dogs cannot distinguish between healthy and dangerous food and they cannot take themselves out for walks and exercises. Dog Allergy Treatment – Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy
You have probably never considered the possibility that your dog may need allergy treatment. Just like we humans can suffer from allergies that range from mild to severe, so can your furry friend.
Dogs are just as commonly affected by allergies as we are and, depending on the allergy, it can affect them in many different ways. It could be horribly itchy and dry skin, ear infections or even diarrhea and vomiting.
If your dog has shown any of the above symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian about the issue. They will be able to advise you on possible allergies your dog may be suffering from and the proper dog allergy treatment you need to follow.
To get a better idea of common allergies your dog could be suffering from, we have compiled a list of types of allergies, common symptoms and possible treatments.
Just remember after reading this: if you think your dog is suffering from allergies, always contact your vet prior to starting any treatment.
While these are common symptoms, there are others that may present themselves less commonly like red or watery eyes, coughing and wheezing or even swelling of the face or limbs.
If your dog presents any of these symptoms you should take your dog to the vet immediately. They will help you to decide what the best course of action is to restore your furry friend to optimum health.
If you’d like an introduction on what allergies are and how they affect your dog, please read our article on how to effectively treat dog allergies.
Allergy tests for dogs work very similarly to those performed on humans. A skin test is done by exposing the skin directly to certain allergens and see which the dog reacts to.
A blood test can be performed as well, but will not often give as quick or accurate results as the skin test. While your dog may not be happy with the trip to the vet, they are sure to love relief from those horrible allergies!
The best way to treat airborne allergies in dogs is to avoid the allergen. If the allergy your dog suffers from is pollen related, then treatment can be as simple as keeping them inside as much as possible during seasons with high pollen count. If your dog is allergic to dust mites in your home, you may be able to aid them with the help of an air purifier.
If keeping your dog away from the allergen is not possible or just very hard to accomplish regularly, your vet may prescribe an antihistamine treatment.
Other possibilities include allergy shots (which are given regularly, usually weekly, slowly immunizing your dog to the allergen) and hypoallergenic shampoo and regular bathing.
You are much better off spending your money on one of these products than to settle for shampoos or sprays.
These sorts of products are only mildly effective in comparison. After all, if you could choose between killing most of the fleas and preventing all of them, wouldn’t you choose to get rid of all of them? You should also consider going out for a few hours and using a bug bomb on your house if you have had a recent infestation (or moved into a place that did).
Now that we know how the four different types of allergies are put into categories and what symptoms are most likely to present, you can start thinking about allergy treatment for your dog. Your vet will likely start off assessing your dogs’ symptoms to decide if this is indeed an allergic reaction.
Some illnesses may present themselves with similar symptoms but can be far more serious, which is why you should always consult your veterinarian when you are concerned about your pets well-being.
If your dog had a severe reaction to a contact or airborne allergy then your vet may prescribe them a medication to relieve the symptoms temporarily, such as an antihistamine.
If your dog is taking this medication and the symptoms go away then the chances of it being something other than an allergy are very slim. This should be a relief for you, knowing that all you have to do now is learn how to prevent future allergic reactions.
Though there is no way to 100% cure a dog of allergies, there are methods that can reduce the reaction to the offending allergen. Allergy shots are one of the best methods to reduce reactions.
Your dog will be injected with a small amount of the allergen weekly for several months to a year. As time goes by, your dog will slowly become able to fight the allergen without help from antihistamines or any other medication.
In some cases, when your dog is suffering an ear infection, runny nose, or digestive problems as an allergic reaction, the best and most immediate course of action is antibiotics.
If your dog’s symptoms return as soon as the medication is completed and you are working on prevention to an airborne, contact or flea allergy, then you may be dealing with a food allergy. Remember a true food test and then cutting out the offending food is the ONLY way to prevent an allergic reaction to food.
While there is no real cure to dog allergies, there is one way to be sure that your dog is not suffering from these allergies. The method of treatment is called prevention and it is the only 100% way to keep your dog from an allergic reaction.
Prevention can be handled in several different ways depending on the type of allergy, but it is always the most effective treatment for dog allergies.
If you’d like a more detailed list on the treatment options that are available to your pet, consider reading our article on the most effective treatments for dog allergies.
If your dog suffers from airborne allergies, then the best method of prevention is to keep him indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are high. When you do have to go outside for bathroom breaks or walks, try to keep them as brief as possible.
Bathing your dog often with a hypoallergenic shampoo is also great to help relieve symptoms of airborne allergies in dogs. This will help wash out any pollen or other allergens that may stick to his coat during his time outdoors.
No matter what sort of allergy your dog needs treatment for, the best course of action is prevention. If you can do anything for your best friend it is to make sure they are not suffering and not only feeling better with temporary relief.
You should consider multiple allergies if you try the prevention treatment for one type, and symptoms do not fully subside. Sometimes the symptoms presented will be related to one allergy or illness, but another symptom may be caused by something entirely different.
If your dog suffers from multiple allergy types here is a good list of treatment options to keep your pet comfortable.
After all, you wouldn’t just look up your symptoms on WebMD and make your own diagnoses about yourself or a child or spouse, would you? Of course not! So why do that for your fur-baby?
While this article is here to inform you of symptoms and possible treatments to allergies in dogs, your vet is the only one you should rely on to give you a diagnosis.
Types of Allergies
According to the main allergen, there are several types of allergies your dog can suffer from:- Airborne
- Food
- Flea
- Contact
While these are common symptoms, there are others that may present themselves less commonly like red or watery eyes, coughing and wheezing or even swelling of the face or limbs.
If your dog presents any of these symptoms you should take your dog to the vet immediately. They will help you to decide what the best course of action is to restore your furry friend to optimum health.
If you’d like an introduction on what allergies are and how they affect your dog, please read our article on how to effectively treat dog allergies.
Airborne Allergies
Just like us humans, dogs can also suffer from airborne allergens such as pollen from trees, grass and weeds as well as dust mites that are common in any household – even the cleanest ones. If your dog is suffering from these types of allergies you may not even know right away. Rather than having respiratory issues like humans, most dogs are affected with intense itching of their skin (commonly on their face, feet and the under arms.) These kinds of allergies can be difficult to control (and impossible to cure), but it is doable when approached the right way. First you will need to figure out what your dog is allergic to. This can be done in many ways, but the most common is a skin test or blood test performed by your vet.
Allergy tests for dogs work very similarly to those performed on humans. A skin test is done by exposing the skin directly to certain allergens and see which the dog reacts to.
A blood test can be performed as well, but will not often give as quick or accurate results as the skin test. While your dog may not be happy with the trip to the vet, they are sure to love relief from those horrible allergies!
The best way to treat airborne allergies in dogs is to avoid the allergen. If the allergy your dog suffers from is pollen related, then treatment can be as simple as keeping them inside as much as possible during seasons with high pollen count. If your dog is allergic to dust mites in your home, you may be able to aid them with the help of an air purifier.
If keeping your dog away from the allergen is not possible or just very hard to accomplish regularly, your vet may prescribe an antihistamine treatment.
Other possibilities include allergy shots (which are given regularly, usually weekly, slowly immunizing your dog to the allergen) and hypoallergenic shampoo and regular bathing.
Food Allergies
Dogs with allergies to food can be a little bit trickier to diagnose, especially since food allergies are often side-by-side with other types of allergies. If your dog is allergic to something in his food, he will often suffer from itchy skin, ear infections, and vomit and diarrhea symptoms above others. Your vet will likely test for airborne, flea or contact allergies first, since those are easier to diagnose. If your dog does not respond to the treatment for other types of allergies, or as soon as the medication is completed the symptoms return, then your vet is likely to assume a food allergy. Unfortunately, the only way to treat your dog for a food allergy is to avoid contact with that food. The hard part about this is finding the proper offender, when their dog food is likely a mix of things. (Usually beef, chicken, wheat, soy and egg – which are the most common foods for dogs to be allergic to.) To diagnose a food allergy in your dog, your vet will have you feed them an exclusive diet of commercial hypoallergenic dog food or a homemade dog food for a minimum of 8-12 weeks. For that time period it is extremely important that your dog eats nothing but the prescribed food. If you give your dog any table scraps, medications or toys with flavoring then the test will be invalid. You absolutely have to stick to this diet for the advised time period. If your dogs’ symptoms clear up, you will slowly reintroduce other foods into the diet until you know which one he is allergic to. Once this is determined then it is easy to keep your dog from further allergic reactions, simply remove the offending food from your dogs’ diet. This is the only proper treatment for a food allergy in dogs and a food test is the only way to diagnose a food allergy in dogs.Flea Allergies
The most common allergy that dogs suffer from, are allergies produced by fleas. While this may seem obvious, you may not have considered how severe of a reaction your dog can have to flea bites. In some dogs the flea bites are just an annoyance, they will itch a little and it will be fine. In other dogs, the reaction can be thousands of times worse. The dog may itch as though he or she was bitten hundreds of times when really they only have two or three bites. This is caused by a reaction to the saliva in the flea bite. Some dogs just have a more severe reaction than others that can leave them miserable and itchy. Your dog will probably be biting around the base of his or her tail a lot or just chewing constantly all over, which will lead to open wounds and hair loss. When you are trying to sooth your dog’s skin after initially being bitten you can try a bath with Epsom salt, but the only way to give your dog the most relief is to kill all the fleas. Many commercial products are out now for treatment of fleas and this is really the only way to cure your dog of a flea allergy. Of course that rather than trying to treat the dog afterwards it is better to prevent it from happening. Products like Frontline Plus, Capstar, and K9 Advantix II are all great for not only killing the fleas already on your furry friend but also preventing them for up to a month.
You are much better off spending your money on one of these products than to settle for shampoos or sprays.
These sorts of products are only mildly effective in comparison. After all, if you could choose between killing most of the fleas and preventing all of them, wouldn’t you choose to get rid of all of them? You should also consider going out for a few hours and using a bug bomb on your house if you have had a recent infestation (or moved into a place that did).
Contact Allergies
Contact dermatitis is actually the rarest of all the allergies your dog could be suffering from. This allergic reaction usually presents itself in the form of extremely irritated skin, usually with a present rash or open sores from chewing. Dogs can suffer this allergy alongside others, so if symptoms do not go away once treated or the offending allergen is removed, consider testing for other allergies. A contact allergy can come from a type of detergent you use to wash the dogs bedding, a specific type of metal used on their collars and leashes as well as chemicals such as commercial deodorizers used on carpets and furniture. To determine what type of chemical or metal your dog is allergic to your vet will probably use a blood or skin test, as they would with airborne allergens. Treatment for this sort of allergy in dogs can be as simple as removing the allergen from the dog’s life. Changing to a natural deodorizer for cloth materials, switching to a cloth collar instead of a metal one or changing the shampoo you bath your dog with are all examples of prevention of contact dermatitis. Once your dog is effected by an allergic reaction you vet may prescribe a temporary relief treatment such as using an antihistamine or antibiotic to reduce swelling or itching. Once your pets’ symptoms have been reduced you can move on to prevention which is the best treatment for any allergy. There are plenty of other diseases and infections that can lead to discomfort in your pet. Here’s our article on skin conditions in dogs so that you can determine what you’re really dealing with.The Most Effective Treatments
Now that we know how the four different types of allergies are put into categories and what symptoms are most likely to present, you can start thinking about allergy treatment for your dog. Your vet will likely start off assessing your dogs’ symptoms to decide if this is indeed an allergic reaction.
Some illnesses may present themselves with similar symptoms but can be far more serious, which is why you should always consult your veterinarian when you are concerned about your pets well-being.
If your dog had a severe reaction to a contact or airborne allergy then your vet may prescribe them a medication to relieve the symptoms temporarily, such as an antihistamine.
If your dog is taking this medication and the symptoms go away then the chances of it being something other than an allergy are very slim. This should be a relief for you, knowing that all you have to do now is learn how to prevent future allergic reactions.
Though there is no way to 100% cure a dog of allergies, there are methods that can reduce the reaction to the offending allergen. Allergy shots are one of the best methods to reduce reactions.
Your dog will be injected with a small amount of the allergen weekly for several months to a year. As time goes by, your dog will slowly become able to fight the allergen without help from antihistamines or any other medication.
In some cases, when your dog is suffering an ear infection, runny nose, or digestive problems as an allergic reaction, the best and most immediate course of action is antibiotics.
If your dog’s symptoms return as soon as the medication is completed and you are working on prevention to an airborne, contact or flea allergy, then you may be dealing with a food allergy. Remember a true food test and then cutting out the offending food is the ONLY way to prevent an allergic reaction to food.
While there is no real cure to dog allergies, there is one way to be sure that your dog is not suffering from these allergies. The method of treatment is called prevention and it is the only 100% way to keep your dog from an allergic reaction.
Prevention can be handled in several different ways depending on the type of allergy, but it is always the most effective treatment for dog allergies.
If you’d like a more detailed list on the treatment options that are available to your pet, consider reading our article on the most effective treatments for dog allergies.
Prevention is the Key to a Happy Pet
If your dog suffers from airborne allergies, then the best method of prevention is to keep him indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are high. When you do have to go outside for bathroom breaks or walks, try to keep them as brief as possible.
Bathing your dog often with a hypoallergenic shampoo is also great to help relieve symptoms of airborne allergies in dogs. This will help wash out any pollen or other allergens that may stick to his coat during his time outdoors.
No matter what sort of allergy your dog needs treatment for, the best course of action is prevention. If you can do anything for your best friend it is to make sure they are not suffering and not only feeling better with temporary relief.
You should consider multiple allergies if you try the prevention treatment for one type, and symptoms do not fully subside. Sometimes the symptoms presented will be related to one allergy or illness, but another symptom may be caused by something entirely different.
If your dog suffers from multiple allergy types here is a good list of treatment options to keep your pet comfortable.
- Feed your dog all natural and hypoallergenic food
- Bathe your dog often with a natural shampoo product or Epsom salt to reduce itching
- Use hypoallergenic detergents on your furniture, carpet and the dogs bedding
- Avoid going on long walks or being outside for extended periods when pollen counts are high
- You can give your dog a Benadryl or similar antihistamine if needed (after consulting with your vet)
- Use commercial flea treatments that are meant to kill and prevent flea infestations
- Use stainless steel bowls for food and water
Always Check With Your Vet
This is why it is so important that you never try to diagnose your pet yourself. Your vet is trained to help your dog stay happy and healthy and they will only do what is best for them. They will test for common allergens and give your dog the proper treatment. If that treatment is only mildly effective, they will keep testing until the proper diagnosis is made. If there is any chance that something more severe than allergies is affecting your dog, your vet will be able to tell you.
After all, you wouldn’t just look up your symptoms on WebMD and make your own diagnoses about yourself or a child or spouse, would you? Of course not! So why do that for your fur-baby?
While this article is here to inform you of symptoms and possible treatments to allergies in dogs, your vet is the only one you should rely on to give you a diagnosis. Skin Conditions in Dogs – Everything to Know About Fido’s Skin
Skin conditions can be extremely irritating and painful for our faithful companions and, according to surveys, are the number one reason we take our dogs to the vet. Costing around $183 per visit they are also probably one of the most expensive, in the long run, conditions we take our dogs to the vet for.
There are many types of skin conditions our dogs may be suffering from and many treatments we can use for them. However, we need to be entirely sure what is causing our dogs to itch, scratch, and bite at themselves before we start any treatment.
Common causes of skin conditions can include:
The first is a medicated flea bath, a simple shampoo that should rid your dog of his visitors. Not all dogs like baths though and it can be a struggle to get them in the water. So if you have one of those dogs why not try a flea spray that will kill them off just as effectively?
It would be useful here to note that flea collars are not a particularly effective way to prevent fleas and are certainly not suitable to get rid of fleas. Also if your dog is distressed by his itching or is causing himself harm by scratching and biting you could try giving him some Benadryl. This should settle your dog and relieve his itch.
It can be extremely difficult to pin point what your dog is allergic to with this allergy and even harder to avoid the cause of it. For example, imagine never allowing your dog on grass again. You could however ask your vet to perform tests which will pin point the allergy.
These can be expensive though and may not end in a solution to the problem. It is nigh on impossible to avoid pollen for example or dust mites for that matter. Probably the best you can do is give your dog regularly medicated baths and Benadryl to ease the itching.
It would be useful here to note that inhalant allergies can increase as your dog gets older and you may find he becomes allergic to more and more things and possibly more intensely.
It should be noted that there are no treatments for food allergies other than discovering and cutting the food out of your dog’s diet.
Also, it can take one to two years for a food allergy to develop so be careful not to rule this possible allergy out just because your dog has been eating the same food for a long period of time.
Middle age dogs or young adults are most prone to skin allergies and dandruff, whilst older dogs or senior dogs are liable to develop alopecia and skin tumors.
You should seek immediate advice from your vet if you think your dog has developed a tumor.
Common causes of skin conditions can include:
- Poor quality dog food
- Parasites
- Toxic environmental factors
- Pollutants
- Vaccinations
- Psychological Factors
- Suppressed disease
- Skin allergies
- Bacteria
Common Canine Skin Disorders
The following are common skin disorders dogs can suffer from:- Dry/oily skin
- Yeast
- Dandruff
- Hot Spots
- Mange (sarcoptic and demodectic)
- Skin Infection
- Fleas/ticks
- Allergies (food, flea, contact, inhalant)
How to Examine Your Dog
If you think your dog has a skin condition you will need to examine them and gain as much information as possible. To do this get your dog to sit or lie with you whilst you gently part their hair with your hands and examine the skin underneath. Look out for the following and make a note of all your findings:-- Sores
- Redness
- Dandruff
- Parasites
- Rashes
- Lumps
- Bumps
- Bald spots
- When did the itching begin? Was it at a certain age, time of year?
- Does your dog itch all the time, or is it just at certain times of year?
- Can you link the itching to somewhere you go, or something you do?
- Have you tried any treatments and did they work?
Common Symptoms of Common Skin Diseases
Once you have listed your dog’s symptoms you can now check them against the table and list below. This should hopefully give you a diagnosis. If your dog does not match anything below you should seek the advice of your vet.| Flea Allergy | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11 |
| Inhalant Allergy | 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| Food Allergy | 1, 8, 10, 12, 13 |
| Contact Allergy | 1, 14, 15 |
| Dry Skin | 1, 7, 19 |
| Bacterial Infection | 1, 4, 16, 17 |
| Yeast Infection | 1, 17, 18 |
| Dandruff | 1, 5, 16, 19 |
| Mange | 1, 2, 5, 12, 16 |
- Constant itching.
- Inflamed skin, severe itching.
- Itching at the base of tail and the rump.
- Chewing at the affected areas.
- Skin scaly and dry. Hair loss.
- Itching in warm weather (seasonal).
- Itching in cold weather (seasonal).
- Rubbing the face.
- Licking the stomach.
- Licking the paws.
- Ear infections (recurrent).
- Itching and scratching (non-seasonal).
- Small red bumps and raised patches. Rashes.
- Itching suddenly.
- Skin becoming inflamed and or having red itchy bumps.
- Open sores, pimples and bumps.
- Scratching of the ears. Shaking the head and holding it to one side.
- Smelly and greasy skin.
- Flaky skin.
Understanding a Skin Condition and Treating It
Once you have diagnosed your dog’s skin condition you will need to understand it and how to treat it. There are many ways in which you can treat the various skin conditions, it is just a matter of finding what is right for you and most importantly your dog. If you have any doubts about your diagnosis or how you should treat your dog it may be best to contact your vet.1. Allergies
This is simply when your dog is allergic to something he has come in contact with, inhaled or eaten.2. Flea Allergy
This is probably the easiest allergy to spot. Fleas bite on your dog and crawl around looking for the warmest spots on their bodies to settle, they are hard to miss. This causes your dog to itch, scratch and even bite at themselves as these little parasites drive them crazy. Prevention is the best way to deal with these pesky critters and a simple topical flea treatment every month will do just that. However if your dog is unlucky enough to get fleas there are a couple of remedies you can try.
The first is a medicated flea bath, a simple shampoo that should rid your dog of his visitors. Not all dogs like baths though and it can be a struggle to get them in the water. So if you have one of those dogs why not try a flea spray that will kill them off just as effectively?
It would be useful here to note that flea collars are not a particularly effective way to prevent fleas and are certainly not suitable to get rid of fleas. Also if your dog is distressed by his itching or is causing himself harm by scratching and biting you could try giving him some Benadryl. This should settle your dog and relieve his itch.
3. Inhalant Allergy
An inhalant allergy is when your dog is allergic to something that he has inhaled or has absorbed through his skin. The cause of this type of allergy can be varied but most commonly it is associated with grasses, dust mites, molds, and pollens.
It can be extremely difficult to pin point what your dog is allergic to with this allergy and even harder to avoid the cause of it. For example, imagine never allowing your dog on grass again. You could however ask your vet to perform tests which will pin point the allergy.
These can be expensive though and may not end in a solution to the problem. It is nigh on impossible to avoid pollen for example or dust mites for that matter. Probably the best you can do is give your dog regularly medicated baths and Benadryl to ease the itching.
It would be useful here to note that inhalant allergies can increase as your dog gets older and you may find he becomes allergic to more and more things and possibly more intensely.
4. Food Allergy
Food allergies are not all that common in dogs, but when they do occur it is generally natural components of dog foods such as meat, milk, eggs and grain that they are allergic to. A good indication that a dog has a food allergy would be if Benadryl does not relieve the itching. Diagnosing exactly what food they are allergic to is no easy feat, there are no tests that can be run to pin point the food that your dog is allergic to. Discovering the culprit is a matter of running a food trial cutting out any possible foods one by one until you hit the jackpot.
It should be noted that there are no treatments for food allergies other than discovering and cutting the food out of your dog’s diet.
Also, it can take one to two years for a food allergy to develop so be careful not to rule this possible allergy out just because your dog has been eating the same food for a long period of time.
5. Contact Allergy
Contact allergies are exactly what they say are, an allergy to something your dog has touched. Common causes include carpet cleaners, air fresheners, shampoos, some plants and stings from wasps and bees. You may be thinking this sounds very similar to an inhalant allergy that has been absorbed through the skin, but there is a difference. A contact allergy is usually instant. Treatment of this allergy can vary dependent on what has caused the reaction. If it is something like carpet products then using a gentle shampoo and stopping the use of the product will usually be sufficient. If it something like a plant or sting reaction your dog may need antibiotics or corticosteroids. A trip to the vets or consultation with your vet is imperative with the latter. Worthy of note is that severe swelling and possible breathing difficulties can be a consequence of this type of allergic reaction. It would be sensible to remove your dog’s collar and to monitor them carefully for the first few hours. If your dog show any signs of struggling to breathe take them to the vets immediately.Skin Infections
Skin infections are usually a secondary condition to allergies caused by fleas and mites, but can also be caused simply by your dog having certain breed standards.Bacterial Infections (Pyoderma)
Bacterial infections are usually the result of having an allergy and if your dog develops one they will scratch and bite at their skin spreading the infection further over their body. Also as well as scratching their ears they may develop a yellow / green discharge. Treating the original allergy will not clear up the infection unless your dog has been prescribed antibiotics. If you think your dog has got infection you should take them to the vet.Fungal Infections (Yeast)
Characterized by the smell your dog will omit, fungal infections are usually found in the more moist areas of your dog’s body such as the ears, armpits, feet and skin. It will also often be accompanied by a brown waxy discharge from the ears. Commonly caused by an already existing allergy in your dog this condition will again need a vet’s consultation. This is because they will more than likely need medicated creams to clear up this problem. Other dogs to suffer with fungal infections include dogs with floppy ears and lots of skin folds such as the Sharpei and the Bulldog.Dandruff and Oily Skin
It is not only humans that suffer from dandruff and oily or greasy hair, dogs do too, and just like different ethnic groups who typically fall into one category or the other, dog breeds can too.| Dry Skin (dandruff) | Oily Skin (greasy coat) |
| Dachshund | Basset Hound |
| Doberman Pinscher | Cocker Spaniel |
| German Shepherd | English Springer Spaniel |
| Irish Setter | Labradors |
| Sharpeis | |
| West Highland Terrier |
Other Skin Conditions and Considerations
Ringworm is a fairly common fungal infection that especially affects puppies under the age of six months. Recognised by inflammation of the skin, scaly patches, hair loss and a small red ring that grows it requires immediate veterinary attention. This is because people can also become infected quite easily. Puppies can also suffer from bacterial infections and mange as already covered.
Middle age dogs or young adults are most prone to skin allergies and dandruff, whilst older dogs or senior dogs are liable to develop alopecia and skin tumors.
You should seek immediate advice from your vet if you think your dog has developed a tumor. Dog Skin Allergies – How to Help Your Dog Overcome Itchy Skin
“Happiness is having a scratch for every itch,” said Ogden Nash, and probably there is no dog in this world who wouldn’t agree with this statement. Pruritus (itching) and skin problems in dogs can be caused by different causes, however, itching represents one of the most typical symptoms of dog skin allergies.
You’ll notice that your dog is scratching the ears, the face, and the armpit area frequently, or it is licking and chewing the skin in the area of the stomach and hind legs…
But, first, let’s explain the way how allergic reactions occur in the dog’s body… Probably you have witnessed a situation when an angry dog is running after a car, attacking ordinary passers-by without some reason, barking at the postman, or trying to fight with another dog during a walk.
Actually, we talk about extremely aggressive behavior in ordinary situations when there is absolutely no need of aggression. This may help you understand the way allergies occur in the body. Allergic reaction is a synonym for an extremely aggressive response of the immune system to substances from the environment which in fact are not dangerous for the health.
Different substances from the environment may be responsible for causing allergic reactions in dogs, and the most common among them are food and some food ingredients, pollens, dust and dust mites, fleas and flea control products, and different groups of medications, cigarette smoke, cleaning products etc.
These substances are called allergens and when a hypersensitive dog comes in contact with them a series of events occur in the dog’s body creating an immune response known as an allergic reaction.
The body creates specific antibodies called immunoglobulins E (IgE) against those allergens. The antibodies bind to special cells in the blood called mast cells.
When allergen links with an antibody, the mast cells which are connected to the antibodies start producing histamine, a substance that causes inflammation and is responsible for all of the symptoms typical for allergic reactions. Allergies in dogs include atopic dermatitis caused by airborne allergens from the environment, flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) caused by proteins found in the saliva of the fleas, and food allergies which can be caused by different food ingredients.
Allergic reactions may occur in dogs of any breed, in males and females at any age. The main characteristic is that dogs in most of cases react with skin problems and itching is the most typical sign. The symptoms of skin allergies in dogs include frequent scratching and chewing of the skin, hair loss, skin lesions, bad smell of the skin, and possible occurrence of the syndrome of hot spots. Keep in mind that allergies can be hereditary, so the breeding of animals with significant allergy problems is not recommended!
Foul odor from the dog’s skin can also be present in cases where bacterial skin infection has developed. German Shepherds, retrievers, brachiocephalic dogs (breeds with short noses), west highland white terriers, and Shih Tzu, are the most predisposed dog breeds to atopic dermatitis, but this disease can occur in any other dog breed including mixed-breed dogs.
The symptoms may be present seasonally or throughout the whole year, depending mostly on the fact if the suspected allergen is found indoors or outdoor. The scratching can be more pronounced in certain body areas but it can also occur all over the dog’s body. The frequent scratching and biting can cause skin lesions and wounds where secondary bacterial infections can develop.
Other signs of atopic dermatitis may include licking and chewing the paws and rubbing of the face and the eyes. This type of allergy can also cause problems with a dog’s ears and has a significant role in the development of chronic inflammation of the inner ear. This type of allergy can be managed but not cured, and long-term medical treatment and re-checks are required.
Immunotherapy is the most common method to manage the course of this disease nowadays. It is usually implemented through a series of allergy vaccines that gradually increase the amounts of the allergen in the dog’s body till the immune system becomes accustomed to these substances and its reactive responses become reduced, making the symptoms of the allergic reaction less pronounced.
Having in mind that this allergy is actually caused the flea saliva, it is recommended to bathe your dog to eliminate all traces of flea saliva and feces. Bathe your dog often, at least once a week, and always use proper shampoo because clean animals are less attractive to ectoparasites, including fleas. Have in mind that using the wrong shampoos may cause problems with the dog’s skin and coat.
Do your best to prevent the flea infestation of your dog and your home. Pick a good quality flea control product for your dog and the environment recommended by your veterinary doctor.
When it comes to skin allergies, the best way to take care of it is with a quality shampoo. Read our handy list of some of the most helpful dog allergy shampoos on the market.
There are a few nutrition tips that can help you prevent the appearance of allergies. Always use different sources of protein in the diet of your dog and rotate them constantly in order to reduce the chances of occurrence of hypersensitivity. It has been proven that puppies fed with food reached with probiotics are less likely to develop food allergies in the future as adults.
Besides this, a significant role in allergies controls plays using fish oil in your dog’s diet as well as minced flax seed. Essential fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-3 showed very good results in the treatment of many atopic dermatitis cases. Vitamin C addition to the dog’s diet is also recommended.
There are other kinds of allergies too that can affect your dog’s way of life. Interested to know what those are? Read ahead in our article about common dog allergies and how to treat them.
Try to do everything in your power to eliminate the substances that can irritate your dog and cause allergic reactions because prevention is always a better solution. Inform your trusted veterinarian as soon as you notice that some unusual changes have appeared at your dog’s body or in his behavior.
Make sure you do everything you can for your dog to be healthy and happy because your dog absolutely deserves to feel good in his skin!
Airborne Allergies in Dogs
Atopic dermatitis (allergic skin disease due to environmental allergens) is the most common type of allergy in dogs. Common environmental allergens include dust mites, fleas, molds, and pollen from flowers, grasses, and trees. Itching is the most typical symptom of this airborne allergy and the intensity of scratching is individual for each animal. Anti-itch therapies will help your dog feel better for a while but you must have in mind that this medication only eliminates the symptoms but they don’t fix the root cause of the problem. Besides the frequent scratching, you can also notice symptoms like hair loss, scaly areas, or acne-like bumps on your dog’s skin.
Foul odor from the dog’s skin can also be present in cases where bacterial skin infection has developed. German Shepherds, retrievers, brachiocephalic dogs (breeds with short noses), west highland white terriers, and Shih Tzu, are the most predisposed dog breeds to atopic dermatitis, but this disease can occur in any other dog breed including mixed-breed dogs.
The symptoms may be present seasonally or throughout the whole year, depending mostly on the fact if the suspected allergen is found indoors or outdoor. The scratching can be more pronounced in certain body areas but it can also occur all over the dog’s body. The frequent scratching and biting can cause skin lesions and wounds where secondary bacterial infections can develop.
Other signs of atopic dermatitis may include licking and chewing the paws and rubbing of the face and the eyes. This type of allergy can also cause problems with a dog’s ears and has a significant role in the development of chronic inflammation of the inner ear. This type of allergy can be managed but not cured, and long-term medical treatment and re-checks are required.
Immunotherapy is the most common method to manage the course of this disease nowadays. It is usually implemented through a series of allergy vaccines that gradually increase the amounts of the allergen in the dog’s body till the immune system becomes accustomed to these substances and its reactive responses become reduced, making the symptoms of the allergic reaction less pronounced.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
This type of reaction is not caused by the flea itself but by the proteins coming from the flea’s saliva and feces. In most cases, this problem appears in dogs that are occasionally exposed to fleas, rather than dogs that are constantly infested. The dog will scratch and chew the skin making skin lesions and wounds without hair that sometimes can bleed. This condition is known as the syndrome of hot spots in dogs.
Having in mind that this allergy is actually caused the flea saliva, it is recommended to bathe your dog to eliminate all traces of flea saliva and feces. Bathe your dog often, at least once a week, and always use proper shampoo because clean animals are less attractive to ectoparasites, including fleas. Have in mind that using the wrong shampoos may cause problems with the dog’s skin and coat.
Do your best to prevent the flea infestation of your dog and your home. Pick a good quality flea control product for your dog and the environment recommended by your veterinary doctor.
When it comes to skin allergies, the best way to take care of it is with a quality shampoo. Read our handy list of some of the most helpful dog allergy shampoos on the market.
Food Allergy in Dogs
Dogs may also be hypersensitive to some foods or certain food ingredients, such as beef, chicken, fish, soy, eggs, etc.. The key thing in the whole issue is locating the substance that the dog’s immune system is considering an allergen. Speaking on this topic we have to mention the difference between food allergies (that are based on the immune response to specific nutrients) and food intolerance, which represents a digestive problem that occurs when the dog’s body doesn’t have a specific enzyme required for the digestion of certain food ingredient. If it is suspected that the allergic reaction is caused by a substance present in the food or the dog treats an elimination diet in consultation with your veterinary doctor is recommended. It means that your dog will be put on a 12-week exclusive prescription diet based on proteins from meat sources that your dog has never consumed before and are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. This diet can also be provided by using a commercial hypoallergenic dog food made from novel food ingredients consisting of proteins from limited sources. If the allergy was really caused by food the symptoms will start disappearing very soon. The next step is to gradually introduce your dog to the food he used to consume previously and try to conclude the type of food that caused the problem by noticing the first symptoms of allergic reaction which usually appear between one hour to two weeks after the allergen was ingested.
There are a few nutrition tips that can help you prevent the appearance of allergies. Always use different sources of protein in the diet of your dog and rotate them constantly in order to reduce the chances of occurrence of hypersensitivity. It has been proven that puppies fed with food reached with probiotics are less likely to develop food allergies in the future as adults.
Besides this, a significant role in allergies controls plays using fish oil in your dog’s diet as well as minced flax seed. Essential fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-3 showed very good results in the treatment of many atopic dermatitis cases. Vitamin C addition to the dog’s diet is also recommended.
There are other kinds of allergies too that can affect your dog’s way of life. Interested to know what those are? Read ahead in our article about common dog allergies and how to treat them.
Diagnostics – the Most Important Part
You must have in mind that many skin problems require long-lasting medical treatments so the exact diagnosis plays a key role in solving dermatology issues. Remember that a good veterinarian will never rush with a diagnosis trying to impress you with his knowledge and security. He will always approach the issue very carefully and patiently and he will use all the available diagnostic methods before he sets the final diagnosis. Your trusted vet and his ability to recognize and locate the real cause of the allergy is of the utmost importance for allergy treatment. Therefore, one of the favorite veterinarian quotes says that the diagnostic in veterinary medicine is an art that requires passion, while therapy is just a boring duty. If you’re not sure what’s going to be involved when you get your dog tested, you can adequately prepare yourself and your pooch by reading our article on testing your dog for allergies. After a general clinical examination of the dog, if it is necessary your veterinarian may recommend additional tests and diagnostic methods in order to determine the main cause of the allergic reaction. These methods may include different blood tests and if it is considered that the allergic reaction is caused by a substance present in the dog’s environment, indoor or outdoor, the vet can recommend additional tests such as an intradermal allergy test, very similar to the allergy test used in the human medicine that should help to detect the root cause of the allergic reaction. The intradermal allergy test consists of series of intradermal shots that contain samples of the most common allergens from the environment. After that, the veterinary dermatologist will simply check which substance caused the most significant skin reaction in order to detect the main cause of the immune response. Then you and your veterinarian should carefully develop a long-term treatment strategy in order of successfully deal with this complicated health condition. A good treatment strategy will consist of plan for avoiding exposure of the dog to the allergen, providing immunotherapy (allergy vaccines), anti-itching symptomatic treatment that should help your dog feel comfortable, and a wide spectrum of antibiotic therapy. Corticosteroid therapy has the effect is to turning off the immune system and thus stopping the allergic reaction. It is often used in combination with antihistamine therapy (the most commonly used drug is Benadryl), but however, this treatment only works for eliminating the symptoms and it doesn’t fix the root cause of the problem. The use of these drugs is very risky and carries many side effects which could be dangerous for the dog’s health, so therefore the long-term use of this kind of therapy is not recommended unless necessary. A good vet will certainly avoid the use of these drugs unless the case requires their use and there is no better solution available. It must be noted that corticosteroid therapy can interrupt the reproduction cycle in females (heat) so the owner must be informed of the consequences, especially if it is a breeding female. Cyclosporines as immunosuppressive drugs are very effective in the treatment of many cases of atopic dermatitis and have fewer side effects than corticosteroid/antihistamine therapy. If the dog makes scratching skin lesions and wounds it is necessary to apply antibiotic therapy to prevent complications in form of secondary bacterial infections of the skin. Topical antimicrobial therapy (sprays with antibacterial and antifungal effect) are often used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.Prevent Your Dog’s Exposure to Cigarette Smoke!
Cigarette smoke is irritating for most of dogs and some of them can also develop an allergic reaction to it. As a veterinarian by profession. but first of all, as a conscientious dog owner, I became allergic to the behavior of certain smokers which concerned that smoking in presence of pets is normal and can not be harmful. I personally believe that there is nothing wrong if you politely ask smokers to avoid smoking in the presence of your pets just as you would ask them not to smoke in the presence of your children. At least this is a type of allergy where you really have a chance to take the allergen away of your dog. Be up to date with your dog’s vaccination protocol and don’t allow over-vaccination of the dog as well as excessive use of medications without any important reason because these things significantly affect the state of the dog’s immune system. Always provide good hygiene of the dog’s coat, the place where the dog resides as well as his toys, dishes and water bowls because it plays a major role in preventing of different environmental allergies. Make sure you perform effective dust mite control because dust and dust mites represent a very common cause of allergies in dogs that live indoors. Bathe and brush the dog’s coat often and use proper products. Consult with your veterinarian when picking a shampoo for your dog, because long-term use of inappropriate products for dog bathing can cause dry skin and lead to dermatology problems.The Flea Control Products
Make sure your dog is free of ectoparasites such as fleas and ticks. Always use proven flea control products. Indoor allergens can cause allergic reactions in dogs during the whole year and the best solution would be to identify those substances and eliminate them from your home if it is possible. Outdoor allergens usually cause problems with seasonal allergic reactions. Make sure you brush and bathe your dog often enough, at least once a week. It is also recommended to clean your dog’s paws after returning home from walks, to make sure the dog does not convey a specific substance with him in the house from the outside.Hygiene Maintenance
If your dog is sensitive to pollen limit the dog’s outdoor exposure during a season when pollen counts are high. Try to eliminate indoor moisture if the dog is sensitive to fungi and mold. Maintain hygiene and always use clean food dishes and water bowls. Reduce carpeting and upholstered furniture to prevent possible allergy to dust mites. Vacuum the dogs bedding often. It is recommended to do it at least twice a week.
Try to do everything in your power to eliminate the substances that can irritate your dog and cause allergic reactions because prevention is always a better solution. Inform your trusted veterinarian as soon as you notice that some unusual changes have appeared at your dog’s body or in his behavior.
Make sure you do everything you can for your dog to be healthy and happy because your dog absolutely deserves to feel good in his skin! What Can I Give My Dog for Allergies – Types of Dog Allergies and Treatments
If you are asking yourself, “What can I give my dog for allergies?” then it means that your doggy is suffering from some sort of allergy. Before you start worrying too much or panic, you must know that dog allergies are as common as human allergies. Alike humans, dogs develop allergic reactions because their immune system has an overreaction on contact with certain allergens.
Almost any particle that is foreign to a pup’s body such as pollen, dust or something from its food, as well as a chemical substance or an insect bite, can trigger a reaction of the dog’s immune system. This reaction causes the release of white blood cells, hormones and other substances such as histamines (responsible for inflammations) in the pup’s bloodstream, which, in turn, triggers hypersensitivity or allergy.
Allergies are chronic problems that cannot be healed for good. A dog with an allergic reaction will keep having symptoms for the rest of its life. The best solution is for the allergic pooch to be kept away from that allergen. However, there are other treatments and vaccines that can be recommended by an experienced veterinarian.
However, although you might be able to identify the type of allergy your pup suffers from and treat it accordingly, you should not skip over the confirmation of a vet.
As it follows, there are 4 categories of therapies used to treat dog allergies.
If you’re interested in more natural options, we have a great article on natural home remedies for your dog’s allergies.
In conclusion, patience and perseverance are really important in case your dog develops any kind of allergy. As shown above, the available treatments for allergies do not have an immediate effect and they are definitely not curing your dog for life or preventing it from having an allergic reaction ever again.
Therefore, the reoccurrence of any type of allergy is possible. So, it would be ideal to identify the causes and the best treatment for your canine friend’s allergy and do what it needs to be done when the symptoms come back. Observing and knowing when your pup is about to have an allergy is important because you can ease its discomfort by starting to treat it early.
Of course, you can also learn how to avoid these nasty allergens and keep your pooch happy and allergy-free for the rest of its life.
However, such factors are hard to control, so keep yourself informed and spoil your dog with the best there is.
Remember to also clean the areas of your house where your dog spends time, not to only wash it and leave its bedding, toys or favorite blanket for later.
If you let your dog stay in bed or on the couch, you must also disinfect or wash these two furniture pieces because they might be infected or filled with allergens that are bad for your lovely canine friend.
Allergies are chronic problems that cannot be healed for good. A dog with an allergic reaction will keep having symptoms for the rest of its life. The best solution is for the allergic pooch to be kept away from that allergen. However, there are other treatments and vaccines that can be recommended by an experienced veterinarian.
Types of Allergies in Dogs
There are 4 categories of allergies that can occur in dogs, as it follows:Medication and Treatment for Dog Allergies
Based on these 4 types of allergies, you can identify the one that is causing a dog to scratch a lot and determine what you can give a dog for allergies.
However, although you might be able to identify the type of allergy your pup suffers from and treat it accordingly, you should not skip over the confirmation of a vet.
As it follows, there are 4 categories of therapies used to treat dog allergies.
If you’re interested in more natural options, we have a great article on natural home remedies for your dog’s allergies.
In conclusion, patience and perseverance are really important in case your dog develops any kind of allergy. As shown above, the available treatments for allergies do not have an immediate effect and they are definitely not curing your dog for life or preventing it from having an allergic reaction ever again.
Therefore, the reoccurrence of any type of allergy is possible. So, it would be ideal to identify the causes and the best treatment for your canine friend’s allergy and do what it needs to be done when the symptoms come back. Observing and knowing when your pup is about to have an allergy is important because you can ease its discomfort by starting to treat it early.
Of course, you can also learn how to avoid these nasty allergens and keep your pooch happy and allergy-free for the rest of its life.
However, such factors are hard to control, so keep yourself informed and spoil your dog with the best there is.
Remember to also clean the areas of your house where your dog spends time, not to only wash it and leave its bedding, toys or favorite blanket for later.
If you let your dog stay in bed or on the couch, you must also disinfect or wash these two furniture pieces because they might be infected or filled with allergens that are bad for your lovely canine friend. List of Best Natural Remedies to Soothe Your Dog’s Allergic Reactions
Finding natural remedies for dog allergies can be the best step that you could take towards healing your dog’s condition as well as improving their overall health. Not only will it provide relief from the various irritating and annoying symptoms of dog allergies, it will help improve their immune and digestive functions.
We are not saying that the use of natural remedies do not have its own risks as most companies do. These ingredients also need to be used in their proper amounts as an overdose or wrong use can also lead to health problems.
What is good about them however is that they do not pose the same health risks that pharmaceutical and conventional allergy treatments have towards the organs and the health of your dog?
Remember that dogs, just like us, need natural food and treatment in order for their bodies to thrive. The presence of a wide variety of nutrients in their composition allows the natural body to function more properly and to heal properly. You may not be able to see immediate results, as you can experience with synthetic drugs, but they can provide a longer effectively compared to conventional drugs.
Aside from that, they also help to address other health concerns such as digestion and circulation. Going for a more holistic approach to your dog’s treatment can provide you with better results in the end aside from the fact that they also cost a lot cheaper.
There are plenty of common allergies that could be responsible for your dog’s suffering, so please read our article on what those common dog allergies are so you can help your dog find the best treatment.
Homeopathic approaches have some similarities in its application with traditional medicine although the difference is that you will have to make use of some unconventional ingredients. Since homeopathy is based on the idea that “like treats like,” you can expect the use of powdered fleas or dried dog saliva with rabies as a type of cure.
If you are quite sensitive with this stuff then perhaps you may try the soaks and baths which involve more normal ingredients. You will make use of tinctures, oils, and essences of herbs as well as salts and other types of natural ingredients. Lastly, you can choose acupuncture treatments for your dog. Now, you may think that it could be hard to get your dog to lie down or sit still during the treatment, but the fact is that your dog will actually be put into a kind of daze or stupor by putting needles in the proper acupuncture points.
Benefits of natural remedies:
There are some options need to be considered:
When push comes to shove, however, your dog may still be experiencing some discomfort when it comes to his itchy skin. Why not consider our article on the best dog allergy shampoos? It could be just what your pooch needs.
Aside from that, synthetic drugs also tend to negatively affect the functions of the other organs such as the liver and the kidney. Since these contain substances which cannot be assimilated by the body, these substances can accumulate in the liver where they are “screened” and in the liver as well. This in turn will affect the efficiency of these organs and will affect the overall “cleaning” system of the body.
If these organs are not functioning well, then the entire body will suffer with various toxic wastes running throughout the body through the bloodstream. In some way, these drugs tend to “overload” your dog’s system making it quite unable to cope with the new demands that these drugs are putting on it.
Methods of Using Natural Remedies for Dog Allergies
There are different ways in which you could apply or use these natural remedies on your dog’s allergy. The method will usually rely on the type or “school” of treatment that you prefer. You can choose between dietary, traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathic treatments, soaks and baths, and even the use of acupuncture. So whether you have a large amount of time or if you need to hurry to go to work, there are natural treatment options for you. What you would need though is the resources and the availability of the products right on hand and most of the time, they may be sitting in your home without you knowing it. If you want to take the dietary way then you would only have to remove or add a specific food to your pet’s diet. This includes adding some vitamins or supplements as well to your pet’s food in order to provide the nutrients that they need. Another method is through the use of traditional medicine which involves the use of herbs or other unconventional ingredients in order to treat the disease. One of the most commonly used method is traditional Chinese medicine which is based on the principles of Yin and Yang. Chinese herbs are commonly used in order to get the “balance” between the hot and cold effects on the body.
Homeopathic approaches have some similarities in its application with traditional medicine although the difference is that you will have to make use of some unconventional ingredients. Since homeopathy is based on the idea that “like treats like,” you can expect the use of powdered fleas or dried dog saliva with rabies as a type of cure.
If you are quite sensitive with this stuff then perhaps you may try the soaks and baths which involve more normal ingredients. You will make use of tinctures, oils, and essences of herbs as well as salts and other types of natural ingredients. Lastly, you can choose acupuncture treatments for your dog. Now, you may think that it could be hard to get your dog to lie down or sit still during the treatment, but the fact is that your dog will actually be put into a kind of daze or stupor by putting needles in the proper acupuncture points.
Benefits of natural remedies:
Your Natural Treatment Options
There are several ways and treatments that you can choose from in order to treat your dog’s allergies. Some of them are directed towards the immediate symptoms while others help to improve your dog’s overall health and hence help it fight against their unstable immune system, which is the root cause of the allergy. Remember that these treatments may not act as quickly as conventional medication but you can be sure that the process to healing has already started. It is therefore important to continue applying the natural medication and wait for days or weeks to see the results that you want.
There are some options need to be considered:
When push comes to shove, however, your dog may still be experiencing some discomfort when it comes to his itchy skin. Why not consider our article on the best dog allergy shampoos? It could be just what your pooch needs.
Advantages of Natural Remedies Over Synthetic Drugs
There are several advantages in using natural remedies instead of pharmaceutical drugs in treating dog allergies. One of them is that they don’t develop dependencies on the treatment. Natural remedies help to improve your dog’s immune system so they can slowly regain their own body’s defense against the allergy and not rely on it for a long time. Allergy medications on the other hand will only address your dog’s symptoms immediately, but with side-effects that can make them dependent on the drug as they tend to worsen the symptoms in the long run due to the suppression of the immune system functions.
Aside from that, synthetic drugs also tend to negatively affect the functions of the other organs such as the liver and the kidney. Since these contain substances which cannot be assimilated by the body, these substances can accumulate in the liver where they are “screened” and in the liver as well. This in turn will affect the efficiency of these organs and will affect the overall “cleaning” system of the body.
If these organs are not functioning well, then the entire body will suffer with various toxic wastes running throughout the body through the bloodstream. In some way, these drugs tend to “overload” your dog’s system making it quite unable to cope with the new demands that these drugs are putting on it.