Monday, February 18, 2008

How To Fight Your Pets Allergies The Right Way

Article Title: How To Fight Your Pets Allergies The Right Way
Author: Ronny Sikes

Food allergies are the third most common type of allergy
manifest in dogs. Unfortunately, food allergies in dogs are not
breed-specific, and thus there are no "safe breeds." They can
develop anywhere between 5 months to 12 years of age, though
most often they appear between the ages of 2 and 6. An important
thing to understand about a potential food allergy is that it
develops over time, and a dog can slowly develop an allergic
reaction to a food it has safely eaten for months or years
beforehand.

It is also important to understand the difference between
allergies and intolerances. A food intolerance, for example,
might result in diarrhea or vomiting in a dog, much the same way
a human might react poorly to spicy or foreign foods. An allergy
may not result in overt symptoms such as these, but might be
more subtle such as itchy or sensitive skin. Other common
symptoms include hot spots, excessive scratching, hair loss, and
ear sensitivity/infections. Year-round symptoms are a good
tip-off, because seasonal allergies will naturally only appear
at certain times. Also, a number of studies have shown that an
increase in a dog's bowel movements to three times a day or more
could be an indicator of a food allergy, as a healthy dog should
typically only move its bowels about 1.5 times a day. Blood
tests can also be performed by a vet to help identify potential
allergies, though there are some that doubt the validity of the
results.

Allergic reactions to food are unfortunately often difficult to
diagnose. Because many owners feed their dogs dry or canned dog
food with many different ingredients, often the best way to
reliably test for food allergies is to put the dog on a strict
diet of a new source of protein and a new source of
carbohydrates for 12 weeks., such as venison and rice, for
example. Assuming the dog's symptoms clear up, the original food
or ingredients can be introduced one at a time to the dog's diet
to see if the symptoms return. If an offending ingredient is
identified, treatment is rather straightforward: simply refrain
from feeding it to the pup. It's important to afterwards check
the ingredients of any store-bought dog food, since many contain
a wide variety of ingredients. Many veterinarians will be able
to recommend a special food, and some will sell owners the food
directly, though be aware that the specially prepared foods are
typically more expensive than common store-bought dog foods.

For particularly sensitive allergies, or for allergies for
common ingredients, home-cooked food is always an option.
Remember to always consult your vet before putting your pet on a
new diet, as the meals need to be properly balanced so that your
pet gets healthy amounts of the nutrients he or she needs.
However, preparing the dog's meals yourself could alleviate the
cost of custom diets.

Although diagnosis can be a long and arduous process, the
result is a happier and healthier pet, and a worry-free owner.

About The Author:
http://www.pet-super-store.com/pet-supplies/elevated-dog-feeders/
http://www.pet-super-store.com/pet-supplies/pet-carriers/

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The Tips That Could Save Your Pets Life

Article Title: The Tips That Could Save Your Pets Life
Author: Elise Rogers

As humans become increasingly aware of the many benefits of
fiber, they may begin to wonder if fiber has any health benefits
or adverse effects on their pet's health system. Most people
know that fiber aids the gastrointestinal system with the
passing on of digested food out of the body. So, how does it
help dogs?

So, what exactly is fiber? Fiber is composed of several
different kinds of compounds, all of which are forms of
carbohydrates. Popular sources of fiber found in dog food
include some of the following: rice hulls, corn-based products,
soybean hulls, cellulose, beet pulp, bran, peanut hulls, pectin,
and citrus pulp, to name a few. Almost all carbohydrates provide
some sources of fiber.

Though most dog food providers do not intentionally put extra
dietary fiber into their food, they are there in the form of
carbohydrates. Fiber, in moderation, can prove to be beneficial
to your pet. Fiber is known for promoting colon health, it can
aid in weight management for heavy dogs, it aids in diarrhea and
constipation, and it is also known to benefit dogs with diabetes
mellitus.

If your dog is becoming increasingly pudgy or heavy, you may
want to consider slightly increasing their fiber intake. Fiber
is known to act as a "filler"; that is, it gives dogs the
feeling of fullness after eating. If you are trying to help your
dog lose a bit of excess weight, try feeding them smaller
portions and slightly increasing their fiber intake. Before you
attempt this though, it is always best to contact your local
veterinarian to discuss the proper weight loss plan for your
pet; too much fiber has proved to be more harmful than helpful
in dogs if it is used improperly or in excess.

Fiber can also help dogs with diabetes mellitus. This common
metabolic disease is present when the pancreas stops producing
insulin, thus inhibiting the proper production and fluctuation
of blood sugar levels. Research has shown that dogs that are
given diets that intentionally incorporate fiber are prone to
experience less blood sugar fluctuation.

Most people are aware that fiber aids in the prevention of
constipation. Fiber is water absorbent, thus it adds bulk to
digested contents in the intestinal tracts. This encourages
movement in the intestinal tract and aids in returning
regularity to the digestive system and the elimination of waste.

It is important to remember, though fiber has many benefits to
people and pets, it also has a few downsides. Fiber may cause
flatulence, increased stool quantity or size, or a loosening of
stool consistency.

Awareness of fiber has raised questions in pet owners about the
benefits of fiber for their pets. When considering changing your
pet's diet to one that contains more fiber, it is important to
be familiar with fiber itself, its uses, its benefits, and its
unpleasant effects. If you have any questions about your dog's
diet, contact your veterinarian. They will be more than happy to
help you find the best diet for your pet!

About The Author:
http://www.discount-pet-mall.com/pet-supplies/dog-beds/
http://www.discount-pet-mall.com/pet-supplies/elevated-dog-feeders/

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