After we started thinking more seriously about expanding our family, my husband brought up the idea of getting a pet or two. While I was completely against the concept at first, I realized that it might be helpful for our children to warm up to the idea before having another sibling. We got a dog and our kids were tasked with the job of feeding it every day and doing other tasks, and it was amazing to see how much the animal helped our family to grow. Pets can be a wonderful addition to a home, which is why I made this blog. Check out these fun pet posts.
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Unraveling the Art of Dog Grooming 29 January 2024
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Discovering The Wonders Of The Aussiedoodle Puppies 16 October 2023
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Does Your Dog Need Frequent Grooming? Choose Free-Roam Grooming 20 December 2022
Selecting Better Pets
A Look At Often-Missed Signs Of Allergies In Dogs
Natalie Baker
Many mammals can have allergic reactions to things they encounter in their environment or their food, and dogs are included. Here are a few signs a dog has allergies that are often missed by the dog owner.
Excessive Biting, Gnawing, and Scratching
Dogs to scratch and gnaw at themselves on occasion; some of it can be due to fleas, but this is also usual grooming behavior. However, if this behavior becomes incessant, it can be a sign that your dog has an allergy to something in their environment. Just like humans, canine can have issues with contact dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction that occurs when the skin comes in direct contact with an allergen.
For dogs, allergens can be anything from certain plants outside and tobacco smoke to fleas and other insects. A dog with allergies may bite and scratch so much that they develop large patches of redness, abrasions, and other obvious problems on their skin. This symptom of allergies is not always overlooked, but it is frequently associated with something else.
Swelling of the Face, Ears, or Lips
Since dogs have fur, it can be a bit harder to notice if their faces, ears, or lips start to swell, but this is a sign of a more severe allergic reaction to something the dog has come in contact with. Swelling can show up in places like ears and lips, but it can quickly escalate to more dangerous areas, such as the tongue or the back of the throat. If you notice something looks a bit off about your dog's face or ears and they seem a bit lethargic, it is best to get them in for vet treatment immediately. Dogs can go into anaphylactic shock just like humans when a reaction is severe.
Vomiting or Diarrhea
Food allergies are a common thing among all mammals, but this is something that a lot of dog owners do not know. If a dog is having consistent issues with vomiting after they eat their kibble or they are needing more trips outdoors to go potty than usual, it could be a sign of a food allergy. Some dogs will have reactions to fillers and additives in their food, but they can also have allergies to things like wheat gluten, soy, or other typical ingredients that make up high-quality dog food. Abstinence is the best route of treatment for canine food allergies, but obtaining a proper diagnosis is key.
If your dog is experiencing allergies, take them to a local animal clinic.
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