As the temperature and humidity increase, so does the incidence of allergies in dogs and cats. Allergies your pet may be the result of several factors, such as flea bites, mites, atopy (inhaled allergies), skin infections, skin fold in diseases and food allergies. If your pet shows any of the following signs, which may be suffering from allergies to pets.

* Skin rashes
* Dig in your ears
* Chewing feet
* Excessive grooming and licking
* Rub your face against the furniture or floor

Prevention fleas and other insects Bites

Flea bites are the cause more common and often itchy skin on pets. However, if the pet is regularly exposed to the outside, many insect bites can help and itching. Some of these insects are:

* Fleas
* Flies
* Mosquitoes
* Spiders
* Ticks
* Other insect bites

Cats that have flea itch more in the head. Dogs tend to bite more near its tail. The best way to prevent fleas from biting your pet is to apply a topical medicine for the prevention of fleas on a monthly basis. This is very important in protecting your pet and your home from infestation by fleas.

The mites can also cause a lot of irritation for your pets. They can cause skin diseases such as ear infestations, scabies, scabies and dandruff. The facilities of the mites are contagious and common in shelters and toilets. The treatment involves using a drug that kills mites and also is used as a de-wormed.

Prevention of Skin Diseases and infections

Dog breeds such as pugs and Sharpeis have much excess skin that is folds and wrinkles creates large. This creates a warm, damp skin-fold diseases to develop and spread. Using baby wipes and wipes Wet acne control can help prevent infections in these areas. If the problem is severe enough, surgical procedures can be a option to discuss with your veterinarian.

Skin and ear infections can be caused by an excessive amount of bacteria and yeasts on the skin. In these cases, the primary skin disease should be treated with the secondary infections that result.

Pet Atopy and food allergies

Atopy is caused by inhaled allergies. Pets who suffer from this allergy often bite everywhere and have patches of missing hair on their bodies. Cats with this type of allergy usually develop skin rashes and scabs on the neck and head. This is often a seasonal allergy symptoms are much worse in the warmer months. Your veterinarian can testing your pet’s skin to diagnose and determine treatment for these allergies.

Pets with atopy often have food allergies, too. In some cases, symptoms are the same so it is important to have your pet tested to determine exactly what is happening. One important difference is that pets with food allergies often have gastrointestinal problems. Furthermore, not your itchy skin is seasonal. The treatment for food allergies is to put your animals on a strict hypoallergenic diet.

Treatments for pet allergies often require antibiotics and antifungal medications that are either orally or placed directly into the affected area. Sometimes changes are required in the diet. There are natural products available to repel insects and relieve itchy skin. There are also natural foods and dietary supplements you can feed your pet in order to prevent health problems and skin become their animal issues household grows. Talk to your veterinarian about preventive measures you can take to protect your pets of many types of allergies and health problems that may be susceptible.

Related Posts: Pet Allergy, Dog Allergies, Feline Allergy and Dander Allergy.

About the Author: Donna Spector is a board-certified veterinary internist who has practiced at the Animal Medical Center in New York and the Univ. of California. Dr Spector also writes for www.halopets.com.

To learn more about how to make your home a allergy-free haven, please sign up for our sponsor’s Free 10-Part Email Mini-Course on this page or click here to read more.

Canine & Feline Diseases : Home Remedies for Dog Allergies

Dander Allergy

It is believed that over 60% of all modern households throughout the world have a dog or cat as a pet and over 10% of those households can have at least one person which has dander allergies.

What is Dander?

Dander from pets are secreted (oily) fluids from their skin, a particle which contain allergens called dander. The oily-like fluids can collect on fur and feathers and can can cause allergic reactions in hypersensitive persons.

Even though dander allergies from a dog or cat are more prevelant, other pets can create dander allergy problems as well to include:

• Birds
• Guinea pigs
• Mamsters
• Mice
• Rabbits
• Rats
• and other furry friends

While an allergic individual may exhibit allergic reactions from their dander, they are more likely to actually be allergic to their saliva and urine. Once dry, these secretions become airborne and can be a source of allergic reactions for children, adults and laboratory animal workers. Proteins whcih are found in the animal’s saliva and urine are considered to be strong allergens.  Many of these allergens are microscopic and can become airborne for extended periods of time only to be breathed in by an allergy sufferer.

Related Posts: Pet Allergy, Pet Allergies and Dog Allergies.

About the Author: Daniella Jensen is a pet shop owner in Santa Monica California and writes pet related articles for local and online publications.

Allergy Symptoms & Treatments : How to Prevent Dander Allergies

It is believed that over 25% of all allergies seen in dogs are caused by the food they consume. After flea bite allergies, food allergies are the second most common cause. Many people are lead to think that the introduction of a “natural” or “organic” will prevent potential food allergies in their dogs. While it may be a healthier alternative to other choices, it may still lead to allergic reactions.

Food allergies can affect animals of both genders male and female, whether they have been castrated and neutered or not makes no difference. There is no specific age for an allergy to appear in a dog. They can show up as early as three months and up to twelve years. Studies have shown that most dog allergies occur when they are two to six years old.

There is a difference between food intolerance and a food related allergy. The latter is a true allergy and can manifest itself with symptoms of skin problems and itching and are associated with canine and feline allergies. Severe food allergies can result in vomiting or diarrhea animals and loss of weight.

Various studies have acknowledged that some ingredients found in store bought food are more likely to trigger an allergy in dogs than others. The most common offenders to dogs are dairy products, beef, wheat, eggs, chicken, soybeans and corn; these are common ingredients in dog foods and are proven to be the most problematic. Most pet food ingredients contain grains such as wheat and corn which cannot be fully digested by most dogs. The undigested food particles may accumulate in the dogs digestive tract setting them up for allergies at a later time.

It can sometimes be difficult to detect if your dog has a food allergy and not a environmental exposure allergy which may cause related symptoms. The most common sign is itching of the skin, which may include recurrent ear infections, hair loss, excessive scratching, hot spots and skin infections. These can be treated with antibiotics but can often recur after treatment has ended. Dogs with food allergies often have increased bowel movements, studies have shown a non-allergic dog has 1.5 stools per day compared to a dog with food allergies can go three or more times a day.

Seek out higher-end dog products from suppliers who advertise a holistic approach to dog health. While holistic dog food is more expensive, they may save you money later in reduced vet bills and will probably prolong the life of your best friend . . . your dog!

Related Posts: Pet Allergy, Pet Allergies and Dander Allergy.

About the author: David Fox is a long-term dog enthusiast and personally owns 6 dogs at his home in California. He converted his dogs to a more holistic diet a few years ago and believes his dogs are healthier and happier as a result.

Atopy in Dogs, Environmental Allergies

Is it possible for my pet to suddenly develop a allergy?

Best answer:

Yes, any pet whether a dog, cat, rabbit or gerbil can develop an allergy to a substance found indoors or out. Indoor allergies are more common since just like their owners, they tend to spend more time indoors.

Cat Allergies

Allergies can be common in cats when their immune system “overreacts” to foreign substances (allergens or antigens) to which it is exposed. Cat allergies can manifest themselves in three ways.

• Itching of the skin, either localized (one area) or generalized (all over the cat)
• A respiratory system disorder which may result in coughing, sneezing and/or wheezing (can also include nasal or ocular (eye) discharge)
• The third manifestation involves the digestive system which could result in vomiting or diarrhea

There are four common types of allergies that a cat can suffer from:

1. Contact
2. Flea
3. Food
4. Inhalant

Dog Allergies

Dogs will tend to have all of the same allergies as cats but seem to have more allergic symptoms which can affect the skin and ears.  A dogs primary allergy reaction is in their skin. Skin problems can range from:

• Poor coat texture or length
• Itching and chewing
• hot spots

Allergies appear to also play a part in chronic dog related ear infections. We think it may be due to the fact that dogs spend more times outdoors where they can get organic matter, pollen and mold spores into their ears which can become infected according to humidity levels.

Other pet related allergies

Of course, just as humans, any other pet outside of fish can develop allergies from indoor pollutants. In fact, we have seen cases where some pets and their owners are experiencing some type of allergies due to indoor pollutants. When the owners take steps to improve their indoor air quality, then the allergy symptoms clear up for all of the indoor occupants including the pets.

Related Posts: Pet Allergies, Dander Allergy, Feline Allergy and Dog Allergies.

About the author: David Benson owns a popular pet shop and pet sitter service in Cleveland, Ohio.

Pet Allergies & Medications : How to Get Rid of Pet Allergies

Owning and caring for pets is a favorite pastime around the world, and many people grow so close to their pets as they do to people in their lives. Choose what kind of pet can depend on a variety of factors, such as where to live, and their own personal preference.

Dogs and cats are the most common pets that many have, however, due to cat allergies, many of those who otherwise would love to have a cat can not. Cat allergies can range from mild to severe, so it is important to take special care when you are around these precious felines.

Dealing with cat allergies

Up to 40% of people with asthma have cat allergies and are much more sensitive to these creatures than dogs. A protein found in cat skin and saliva is the element which is considered problematic for people with the condition. When a cat licks its skin in order to clean itself, then licks you or something else in the home, they deposit this protein on that surfaces causing a reaction in sensitive individuals.

An allergen can promote a reaction to pollen, dust mites and animal dander. The cat hair itself is not causing the reaction, but the protein that is present in dander and saliva. When then allergens become airborne, then the symptoms begin.

Although not specifically known, male cats are believed to cause more allergic reactions than girls due to increased testosterone in the glands of the cat, which in turn increases the protein. The cat allergen is found mostly in homes where cats live, however, has been found in offices and other places where animals are not always allowed. It is very sticky and can be stick to the clothing of people from one place to another.

Protein particles that cause feline allergies can stay aloft for long periods of time, and those who are sensitive are more likely to have a quick reaction when you go to a room where a cat is or has been.  Opening a window or using a fan extraction can often help to reduce allergens in the air.

The most common symptom of cat allergies is wheezing that begins when someone enters a room with the cats. However, the reactions are more subtle, delayed, so they can persist for weeks. Chronic asthma can be a constant problem for those who are continually exposed. Hives may also occur, and atopic eczema. To be on the safe side, avoid these animals as much as you can to stay healthy.

Related Posts: Pet Allergy, Dander Allergy and Dog Allergies.

About the author: John Hilaire

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Cat Allergies And Your Friendly Feline

Allergic to cats? Wesley and Harley

While feather pillows are not as common in the home as they were 50 years ago, there are still found in bedrooms all across the world. Some people just prefer a feather pillow because they are softer and for other for various reasons. Feather pillows are also believed to be more beneficial for injured and pregnant women because they put less pressure on the body and conform more easily to one’s needs.