You’re eating dinner with your family and you just so happen to have a leftover slice of chicken on your plate that you aren’t going to eat. Your four-legged canine friend is staring up at you with those forlorn puppy-dog eyes that you can never resist. You subtly slide him your leftovers which he joyously gobbles up in a nano-second, then immediately looks up at you for more. While this chicken tidbit may not seem like a harmful treat, there are some real dangers and inconveniences that can be caused by feeding your dogs human food. This being said, there are also some specific occasions where certain human foods might make a healthy treat for your furry pal.

Ready for a feast (and upset tummies)

Allergic Reactions

First of all, there are the dangers of food allergies if your dog tries a sample of human food. These include your dog’s individual allergies, and the things that EVERY dog must avoid at all costs. There are a vast multitude of human foods that can be deadly for your dog if they manage to get their teeth on them. This list includes:

• Garlic
• Onions
• Avocado
• Caffeine
• Grapes and raisins
• Macadamia nuts
• Chocolate
• Salt
• Sugary foods and drinks
• Candy
• Raw meat

These are just some of the foods that dogs cannot have under ANY circumstances whatsoever. While they all have different dangers and different levels of toxicity, there is absolutely no reason to feed your dog even the smallest amount of these foods. They will cause some serious damage down the line.

Someone had too much chocolate.

There is also the issue of your dog having allergies to foods other than the dangerous ones listed. For example, my dog is extremely allergic to all grain and potato. These can both be found in processed dog food, but her reactions are much worse if she gets them in their purer forms, such as in bread or as French fries. Your dog could be having an allergic reaction to something you’re feeding them, and you may not notice until they’re covered in a rash and hives. Only feeding them dog food greatly reduces this risk, and it makes it easier to discover what they’re really allergic to since the ingredients are listed right on the bag.

Over Feeding

One of the more obvious problems with feeding dogs human food is over feeding. Since dogs are so much smaller than humans, increasing their intake even by a few table scraps can cause obesity to set in quickly. Premade dog food provides all of the nutrition that your dog needs, so adding human food as a “treat” on top of their regular portion of food tends to fatten them up and take them out of their ideal weight range which can then lead to even more health issues.

Below, there are two different dog nutrition calculators that can help you balance out your dog’s diet. The first one will show you the appropriate serving size of dog food for your dog based on the calorie content listed on their food bag. The second calculator helps you find the ideal weight for your dog and a suggested feeding amount based on the number of calories they are currently ingesting.

This dog is getting way more than his recommended amount.

Begging

Your dog’s health isn’t the only reason why you should avoid giving them human food. There is also the major concern of bad manners and begging. While some people think it’s cute to see their fluffy little dog stare up at them lovingly for a scrap of bacon, it can actually be a sign of a dog who needs more training. If you leave food on a low table, will your dog grab it like it was his all along? Do you have to guard your plate while you’re eating so he doesn’t steal any morsels you that aren’t willing to give away? These are all signs that your pal could use some more training to be less tempted by human treats.

If your dog sees or believes that his food is the same as yours, why wouldn’t he take it when he has a chance? These bad behaviors can be trained away relatively easily, but the first step will always be to stop feeding your dog scraps from the table. Here is a helpful site about training away begging and bad table manners that could help you going in the right direction. If you live locally, check out the amazing Claren Wilson at Cloud K-9!

Cute, but unhealthy for them both.

Healthy Dog Food Alternatives

Now that we have discussed the dangers of human foods, it is also important to know that there are always exceptions to the rule. While the dangerous parts of human food should always be avoided, dogs can occasionally enjoy food that doesn’t come in kibble form.

Very specifically prepared human food can be enjoyed by dogs in moderation. For example, if your dog is having stomach problems, your vet might recommend feeding them a diet of white rice and boiled chicken for a few days to help clear out their system. For this, you’d have to make sure the chicken has no seasonings added to it and is boiled in water, not chicken broth. Broth usually contains garlic and onion which is toxic to dogs. If your dog is having diarrhea, pureed pumpkin added to their food will help firm up their poo thanks to the high fiber content.

Fruits and veggies can also provide your dog with a healthy, low calorie treat that can even be frozen to give your dog some tasty relief on a hot summer day. Some healthy options are:

• Apples (minus the seeds and core)
• Strawberries
• Oranges
• Blueberries
• Mango (remove the large pit)
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Celery (remove the leaves)

Some other options may cause diarrhea so they are recommended for use in smaller servings. These include:

• Watermelon (avoid seeds)
• Bananas
• Pineapple
• Broccoli
• Peaches (no pit)
  

  Ready for a healthy snack.

It is important to always clean the fruits and veggies before feeding them to your dog, and make sure any large pits or sharp bits are removed. My dog acts like watermelon is the most amazing substance to be created, especially if its frozen (even though it gives her particularly nasty poo). I don’t allow her to have any human food scraps, so when she gets a frozen watermelon popsicle, she acts like it’s her birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all wrapped into one. I would definitely recommend treating your dog with fruits and veggies, especially if you are trying to slim them down. They are usually lower calorie than regular dog treats, and cheaper too! Just watch very carefully for any signs of allergies or upset stomach with each new food your dog tries.

Now even though fruits and veggies can make a great addition to your dog’s diet as a snack or treat between meals, it is very important to realize that dogs cannot survive on veggies alone. Some owners might be tempted to put their dog on a vegetarian diet, but this could be detrimental to their health. Melvin Pena explains that, “A purely vegetarian diet exposes dogs to musculoskeletal issues, vision disorders — including blindness — chronic urinary tract infections, and cardiovascular disease. For instance, a balanced diet for dogs strengthens and sustains the heart muscle; without the nutrients a dog needs, the heart muscle becomes enlarged and weakened, contributing to cumulative and irreversible problems like congestive heart failure.”

Dogs should not be vegetarian simply because of the way their bodies are designed to process food. Carnivores have very short, simple digestive systems because meat can be broken down and absorbed quickly. Herbivores, however, have very long digestive systems due to the complexity of breaking down vegetables and grains. For example, think of the amazing four-compartment stomach that cows have! They need their intricately designed stomach and their 170 foot long small intestines just to digest the grass and grain that they’re eating. All of this takes up to three days! Dogs, on the other hand, have a very small single chamber stomach with extremely acidic digestive enzymes to break down meat, which occurs in only 4-6 hours. Clearly, dogs do not have the proper digestive system for a vegetarian diet: your dog is not a cow. Many dog food brands offer grain-free options since it just goes through the dog without being properly digested.

The intricate digestive system of a cow. Your dog’s is MUCH more simple.

Another good alternative to human food is high quality healthy dog food. If your dog refuses to eat anything but human food, the experts at Better Life Natural Pet Foods can help you find a healthy food that your dog will love. There are countless options available that are much healthier for your dog than human food, and odds are these folks will be able to help. A good option for you might be a fresh, refrigerated dog food called Freshpet. It is made with all-natural ingredients and might make your dog think they’re eating a gourmet steak dinner, even though it’s actually just a healthy dog food. It is possible to change the way your dog eats and, odds are, it’ll be easier than it seems.

If you are concerned with your dog’s eating habits, you’re thinking of changing their diet, your dog is on a vegetarian diet, or you are considering a vegetarian diet, please visit your vet and ask them for more advice. Getting your dog on the proper diet is quite difficult, so it’s good to know that you can have your vet to lean on. Ohio State University’s Veterinary Medical Center has provided a very convenient diet history form that you can print out and complete before visiting your vet, so they will have all of the information they need to help you and your furry friend.

Lastly, there are ways to reward your dog that don’t involve any food whatsoever. We typically think of treats as the only way we can let our dogs know they’re being good, but it can actually be communicated by participating in some of their favorite activities, as well. Instead of giving your dog a hamburger or ice cream for being especially well-behaved, take them on a hike, to a park, go jogging with them, or just play a simple game of fetch in the back yard. Get them good and tired and then maybe treat them to a lovely watermelon popsicle for dessert. It is entirely possible to bond with your dog and spoil them without feeding them unhealthy human food. While it might be a hard transition at first, it’ll be worth it when your lifelong companion is as healthy and happy as they can possibly be.

Jessica Smith, Associate Editor, having been raised in a household full of dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, and all things furry, Jessica’s love of animals has only grown over the years. She is currently volunteering for Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary in her free time when she isn’t out and about with her ridiculous pit bull mix, Annabel Lee, or taking care of her remarkably ancient guinea pig, Moose. She is also putting her literature degree to use by working as an editor for a local online magazine, Independent Noise. While she has no plans for the future, she knows that it will be filled with fur and fiction galore. You can e-mail Jessica at associateeditorjessica@yourpetspace.info

In honor of National Puppy Day approaching, here’s an awesome infographic about puppy adoption created by the fantastic Mary Nielson from My Sweet Puppy blog! Check out her original post here!

Jessica Smith, Associate Editor, having been raised in a household full of dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, and all things furry, Jessica’s love of animals has only grown over the years. She is currently volunteering for Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary in her free time when she isn’t out and about with her ridiculous pit bull mix, Annabel Lee, or taking care of her remarkably ancient guinea pig, Moose. She is also putting her literature degree to use by working as an editor for a local online magazine, Independent Noise. While she has no plans for the future, she knows that it will be filled with fur and fiction galore. You can e-mail Jessica at associateeditorjessica@yourpetspace.info

Alternative therapies for horses are becoming increasingly more popular amongst owners, with many different choices now available. It should be remembered, though, that they should be used in conjunction, and not as a replacement, with traditional veterinary treatment and diagnosis.

Here is a look at three popular alternative therapies – acupuncture, chiropractic and equine sports massage.

Even healthy horses can benefit from alternative therapies.

Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture was developed by the ancient Chinese over 3,000-years-ago and recognized as being an extremely useful treatment for a variety of conditions in horses. It involves the stimulation of certain points on the horse’s body (acupoints), where there are large amounts of nerve endings, blood vessels, and lymph nodes, helping to ease pain and treat or prevent disease.

When to use acupuncture

Most types of medical conditions combined with veterinary treatment can benefit from acupuncture. These include:

• Muscle soreness and stiffness
• Back pain
• Lameness
• Arthritis
• Navicular syndrome
• Tendon/ligament injuries
• Muscle, bone and joint injuries
• Digestive problems
• Respiratory conditions
• Neurological conditions
• Reproduction problems
• Weak immunity

It is generally not used for:

• Malignant tumours
• Fractures
• Infectious diseases
• Organ failure

Before treatment commences, the acupuncturist will ask about your horse’s symptoms and its usual daily routine. They will then check the tongue and carry out an examination of the whole body to identify trigger points.

An example of acupuncture needles.

The techniques of acupuncture include:

• Dry-needles: A thin, sterile needle is inserted into the acupoint. The needles are of various lengths and widths, and each one stimulates tiny nerve endings, sending messages to the brain to either ease the pain or send other hormones and chemicals to the body. It is often used with other acupuncture techniques.
• Electro-acupuncture: A long, dry needle is inserted and attached to a wire connected to an electro-acupuncture machine. Gentle electrical pulsations are delivered through the needle generating nerve stimulation and muscle contraction. This produces a more effective stimulation than a dry-needle alone, and is often used for sore backs.
• Hemo-acupuncture: Blood is drawn from the acupuncture point with a hypodermic needle. It releases heat from the body and is used for neurological conditions and to help boost the immune system.
• Aquapuncture: Liquid, usually Vitamin B12, sterile water, or saline solution, is injected into the acupuncture point, producing constant stimulation from the pressure. This is often used for soreness, back pain, and lack of energy, or for horses that will not stay still for usual needling.
• Moxibustion: The warming of an acupoint using the crushed, dried leaves of the herb Artemisia vulgaris (commonly known as mugwort), which is rolled into a cigar-like cylinder. It is burned and held over the skin or placed onto an acupuncture needle already inserted into the acupoint, stimulating the area. This is often used for treating arthritis.
• Tuina medical manipulation: The acupuncturist uses their hands and fingers, instead of needles, to apply constant pressure for 1 to 5 minutes on each acupoint. It is often used for joint conditions such as arthritis and for back problems and it can also assist the internal organs.
• Pneumo-acupuncture: Sterilised air is injected into the acupoint creating an air bubble within the tissues, stimulating the area. This is a useful treatment for muscle wastage.
• Laser stimulation: A painless laser beam is used instead of a needle to stimulate the acupoints difficult to treat areas such as the head and legs. It is held over the area for up to two minutes and has been proven to be as effective as needles.

Who should carry out acupuncture?

Acupuncture, by law, can only be carried out on a horse by a qualified veterinary surgeon trained in this practice. When performed correctly, it is extremely safe and often used alongside chiropractic treatment.

Chiropractic Treatment

What is chiropractic treatment?

Chiropractic treatment is concerned with problems related to the horse’s back and other areas of the body that may have caused misalignments to the spine.

The practice concentrates on the connection between structure (the vertebral column) and function (the nervous system). Horses were not made to carry a rider, so when they do, they use their muscles in an unnatural way. Correct schooling and a good, balanced rider can help strengthen the horse, but this isn’t always the case and it isn’t always enough, so problems often occur.

Beautiful horse getting adjusted by Dr. Heidi Bockhold.

The chiropractor deals with vertebral subluxation complexes (VSCs) and will look for the underlying cause of the problem. By using quick forces to a joint or bone with their hands, the structures are brought back into alignment by the chiropractor, eliminating the source of the pain.

When to use chiropractic treatment

Often when a vet is unable to find the cause of a horse’s lameness, they will recommend the services of a chiropractor. Conditions related to the back can often be the reason for abnormalities in the gait.

Ridden horses, especially those in competition, are recommended to have routine checks so that any problems are discovered before they become a major issue.

Signs that your horse needs a chiropractor are as follows:

• When a horse has had a fall
• Changes in behaviour
• Showing resistance such as bucking, rearing and tail swishing
• Uneven gaits
• Stiffness
• Pinning ears back and biting when being saddled or groomed
• Holding tail to one side
• Difficulty performing lateral work
• Head tossing
• Bolting
• Asymmetrical in hips or shoulders
• Chronic weight loss
• Lameness
• Difficulty in picking up correct canter leads

Chiropractic treatment should not be carried out on a horse that may have a fracture as it could result in a greater injury.

Horse and rider can both benefit from chiropractic treatment.

Who should carry out chiropractic treatment?

Some vets are trained as equine chiropractors, offering their services in this area. Many chiropractors treat both humans and horses so can help the rider as well, as their posture may affect the way they ride their horse. Only use a chiropractor that is qualified and experienced, with an excellent reputation.

Before carrying out treatment, the chiropractor requires the history of the horse and gives the horse a full examination. They will first observe the standing horse, looking for any irregularities in its posture, asymmetry, discomfort indicators and muscle wastage.

Next, the spine will be scrutinized, looking for any heat or swelling, asymmetry, and structural abnormalities. Afterwards, the gait is analyzed, which is the most important part of the examination. The chiropractor assesses spine mobility and pelvic movement so they can distinguish between back pain and problems in the limbs. Lastly, a test is carried out for a full range of movement on each joint. The chiropractor may also want to see the horse ridden and may check the fit of the saddle and bridle.

Some chiropractors complement their treatment with other therapies such as acupuncture, massage, stretches, and infra-red lights.

Equine Sports Massage

What is equine sports massage?

Equine sports massage consists of manipulating the horse’s skin and muscles with the hands and fingers of a masseur.

In need of a good massage.

The benefits are:

• Relieves tension
• Relaxes the muscles
• Develops muscle tone
• Increases and improves blood circulation
• Improves coat
• Allows more freedom of movement
• Eases pain
• Improves immunity
• Prevents injuries

During a session, each muscle is massaged separately using different techniques, and finished with stretches.

The methods employed are:

• Effleurage: This is always used first and last on the horse, using one or both hands, in a firm stroking motion, following the direction of the coat. Effleurage improves the venous and lymphatic flow and helps the horse relax.
• Petrissage: Compression using hands and fingers on the muscle. The two main techniques are kneading and finger compressions. With kneading, the hand is in a relaxed fist shape, making circular motions, on a large muscle mass range. Finger compressions target a specific area using the pads of the fingers in a circular motion. Petrissage is used to improve circulation and soften the muscle tissues.
• Tapotement: A double-handed technique employed in a quick and rapid way, using gentle contact on large muscle masses. The two techniques are hacking and clapping. Hacking involves the sides of the fingertips and hands and clapping requires the hands to be cupped. Tapotement improves circulation and muscle tone. It is a useful method for warming up the horse’s muscles before work, especially at competitions.

Passive stretches are carried out on the horse once the muscles are softened, depending on the patient’s needs. These are made slowly, helping to maintain the suppleness and flexibility of the horse’s muscles and range of movement. The masseur may show you how to do them yourself so that they can be done regularly after exercise when the horse’s muscles are warm.

Horse experiencing a healing massage with a vet.

Signs that your horse needs equine sports massage therapy include:

• Sore back
• Uneven gait
• Cold back
• Sensitive to grooming and saddling
• Knocking or refusing jumps
• Bucking after jumps
• Not staying straight over jumps
• Hollowing back
• Bucking and rearing
• Head shaking or tilting
• Tripping and stumbling

Regular massages and stretching, alongside correct riding and schooling, cansignificantly help and improve your horse’s health.

Massage should not be carried out if the horse is experiencing any of the following:

• Following an accident
• Colic
• Dehydration
• Skin problem
• Disease
• Cancerous areas
• Pregnant mare
• Open wounds
• Fractures

Who should carry out equine sports massage?

Your vet should either refer you to or recommend a qualified equine sports masseur once they have decided that this type of therapy is beneficial for your horse.

Unlike other treatments, massage looks at the whole horse. The masseur will carry out an assessment and will need to know your horse’s history. They will look at the confirmation and action, breed, type of work, teeth, and the horse’s feet and shoeing, along with a check of the saddle.

This horse is healthy and athletic thanks to alternative therapies.

The masseur will watch the horse, lead in hand, walk and trot on a straight line and may also require seeing it lunged and ridden before treatment commences.

After the treatment, a good masseur will help you work out a training program for your horse which may consist of schooling, lunging, long reining and pole work alongside the massage therapy.

Picking the Right Procedure for You

You should always consult with your vet before making a treatment decision for your horse. Make sure to tell them all of your horse’s possible symptoms and they will help you figure out the best plan. If one of the treatment options discussed in this article stands out to you, take your horse to the vet and see what they suggest and if they can refer you to any licensed professionals in your area.

Alison O’Callaghan is a professional horse riding instructor and has owned many types of pets. When she is not riding horses or walking her dog, she loves to write about animals. If you’d like to contact Alison, you can email her at ocallaghan462@gmail.com.

It is often believed that the only thing you can do to help your ailing pet is to take it to the vet and deal with the stress, fear, and large bills that come along with it. However, this does not always have to be the case. While you should always take your pet to the vet at any sign of trouble, it is also good to know that there are treatment plans available for your pet to help ease their pain and discomfort in a much more natural, soothing manner. These options include chiropractic treatment for pets, reflexology, and massage. All three of these options aim to increase the comfort and well-being of your pet, but they each have very different methods of doing so. Some of these options can be performed at home, but it is important to note that there are experienced professionals right here in Las Cruces that can assist you in improving your dog’s life. Information about those professionals and an upcoming health fair will be listed at the end of this article.

A very happy dog after receiving his treatment.

Chiropractic Treatment for Pets

Of the three techniques we will be discussing in this post, chiropractic treatment for pets is the one that you absolutely need a professional to do for you. An inexperienced person practicing chiropractic treatment can cause serious harm to your pet due to the precise nature of adjusting the spine. Do not try this one at home. That being said, chiropractic care is one of the most powerful types of natural treatments for both pets and humans. This is because chiropractors focus on realigning and adjusting the neck and spine, which corrects a multitude of problems and proves to be an excellent form of long-term therapy to keep the body as healthy and comfortable as possible.

Chiropractic treatment for pets can help alleviate problems such as hip dysplasia, weak legs, stiffness, hunched back, pain in the chest, back, or neck, and osteoarthritis. If your pet appears to be in pain, take them to the vet for a diagnosis before anything else. When you and your pet meet with a chiropractor, they will first evaluate your pet to see exactly what kind of help they need. They do this by looking at the pet’s history, vet records, and x-rays. With all of this information in mind, they will know that to look for when beginning the treatment, and will proceed to learn even more about your pet’s problem once they begin a hands-on adjustment.

A pug is happily getting adjusted.

There are many ways adjusting your pet, and each chiropractor will have their on technique. Dr. Randy Kidd explains, “The way I was taught, a chiropractic adjustment consists of the following. First, identify the specific site of the subluxation and identify the direction the joint is ‘stuck’ or ‘loose.’ The contact point (the bony part of the anatomy where the adjustment will be performed) is located, and the adjuster creates a firm contact with the underlying bone, and the patient’s body is stabilized. Then, the actual adjustment is performed by moving the hand…in the direction that is specific for the way that the joint needs to be returned to normal function.” These adjustments are mostly done with just the chiropractor’s fingertips or by using a small device called an “activator” which gently presses the bones back into place. Adjustments for dogs are quite different from adjustments for humans since dogs are much more delicate creatures that only require a gentle touch.

One trip to the chiropractor will not immediately fix the pet’s problem, but it should quickly alleviate the pain or discomfort that they may be feeling. Your chiropractor will work out a schedule with you and discuss how often your pet should be adjusted. This can be as often as twice a week, or as few as once every couple of months.

Reflexology Aides Your Pet

Reflexology is a very different form of treatment than chiropractic care. While chiropractic care treats the immediate cause of your pets discomfort, reflexology aides your pet by relaxing them, increasing their blood circulation, and by promoting balance in your pet’s system which can increase healing time.

A paw fit and ready for some reflexology.

Reflexology is performed by pressing firmly on the pads of your pet’s feet and ankles, using gentle pressure and specific circular movements to promote blood circulation and to help clear blockages in your pet’s system caused by stress or toxins. In his article, Andrew Jonasson notes that, “Toxins get into your dog by way of his food. Most commercial pet foods contain preservatives, sugar, and other additives like coloring. These foods can lead to chronic health issues like diabetes, allergies, and kidney failure…reflexology is important to cleanse your dog’s body of wastes and detoxify his organs.”

It is also believed that stress in your pet’s daily life can affect their inner workings, causing inflammation and tensed muscles throughout the body. Pets can sense when their owners are stressed and will imitate the behavior they see. This can cause long-term damage to their internal system. Reflexology aides your pet by allowing them a few moments to relax, soothe their tensed muscles, and possibly even reduce some inflammation caused by stress.

Reflexology being performed on a dog’s ankle.

While this is something you can attempt at home, it really takes a professional eye to determine where the reflexology points are on your pet, and how they correspond to their organs and to the different parts of your pet’s body. Done incorrectly, it will result in a simple foot massage that your pet may still find relaxing. Done correctly, however, a professional can help flush your pet of toxins, improve their circulation, and disperse pain in tensed muscles throughout the body.

Massage

Massage is similar to reflexology in that it is a form of treatment that can help relax a nervous pet, helps relieve muscle tension, and improve blood circulation. It also aides in digestion, provides greater joint flexibility, stimulates liver and kidney function, and strengthens the immune system. Massage is an excellent form of treatment for any pet, of any age, whether they have health issues or not. Regular massage sessions can help keep your pet in tip-top shape for as long as possible.

A relaxed dog in need of an energizing massage.

Kristina Lotz explains that, “there are a few cases where massage can be particularly helpful. Reducing stiffness and fatigue after exercise by increasing circulation and flushing waste products from the muscle tissue. Massage can be great for both before and after exercise. Invigorating massage (quick strokes) can be great for dogs that are about to compete in agility competitions or for older dogs that are stiff and about to go out for a walk in the neighborhood.” You can also use slow, relaxing strokes for older pets, pets suffering from anxiety, or energetic young pets. Massage is an excellent form of treatment for any pet, but each pet will need a different form of massage due to the varying issues they may have.

Because there are so many different ways to massage your pet and because different techniques are used for different symptoms, it is crucial to go slow and to not attempt to massage your pet like you would a human. This method is often too rough for pets and can cause more harm than good. To avoid any potential damage and to learn good techniques, you may chose to take your pet to a professional animal massage therapist to do the hard work for you.

The bond between a pet and an owner can vastly improve through these forms of treatment.

Your Pet Space Health Days

Because all of these treatment options are so important and can provide your pet with some real health benefits, Your Pet Space will be having a health fair from February 23-25, 2017 from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m by appointment. There will be doctors and technicians performing reflexology, massage, chiropractic treatment, and reiki, as well as classes discussing essential oils, flower essences, and more. These events will provide you with even more information about the importance of chiropractic care for pets, reflexology, and massage, so it is really something that you can’t miss. If you are interested in any of these classes and treatments or for more information, please call Your Pet Space at 575-652-4404 to schedule an appointment.

Jessica Smith, Associate Editor, having been raised in a household full of dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, and all things furry, Jessica’s love of animals has only grown over the years. She is currently volunteering for Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary in her free time when she isn’t out and about with her ridiculous pit bull mix, Annabel Lee, or taking care of her remarkably ancient guinea pig, Moose. She is also putting her literature degree to use by working as an editor for a local online magazine, Independent Noise. While she has no plans for the future, she knows that it will be filled with fur and fiction galore. You can e-mail Jessica at associateeditorjessica@yourpetspace.info

Did You Know There Are Dog Allergies?

Just like humans, dogs can have allergies to anything and everything under the sun. However, it can be much more difficult to recognize the allergens present and to find the best treatment plan for dogs than it is for humans. My precious little Staffordshire Terrier mix, Annie, has been diagnosed with severe allergies to grass, grain, and potatoes. While she is probably allergic to several other things as well, these are all we know for sure.

Our journey into the vast world of dog allergies came to be when I noticed a light pink rash on her chest just a few months after I adopted her. She has very thin fur, so it was easy to spot. My family and I thought it could be a simple heat rash because she had been outside in the sun for quite a while. We brought her inside to cool down, and wrote it off as nothing more. A few days later, it was still there and growing significantly worse. Deciding that it couldn’t be just from the heat, I took her to her vet, Animal Hospital of Las Cruces, the next day.

Annie with a severe rash and hot spots under her chin.

Diagnosis and Use of Steroids on Dogs

The vet diagnosed her with an allergy to grass and weeds and gave her a prescription for prednisone, a strong oral steroid. By the end of the week, her skin was looking as good as ever! …until the steroids wore off.

The allergies were back with a vengeance, causing terrible rashes, hives, and hot spots that made Annie so uncomfortable that she would scratch herself until she bled. After many more trips to the vet, a diagnosis of food allergies on top of the environmental allergies, and vast supplies of steroids, I realized that there had to be a better way.

While oral steroids work wonders on rashes, inflammation, and hives, the side effects can be just as prominent especially if given on a regular basis. These side effects can include ulcers, delayed healing, aggression, and diabetes. I decided that daily oral steroid use was not the route I wanted to go to help Annie’s allergies. To me, the risks did not necessarily outweigh the benefits if I could find something better.

Boxer with hives http://www.dogshowpictures.net/marvelous-along-with-tempting-dog-hives-photography/hivesallergies-boxer-forum-boxer-breed-dog-forums-throughout-dog-hives/

Non-Oral Steroids

Annie and I returned to the vet one more time. We were given a topical steroid spray called Genta-Spray that could be used to help heal rashes and hives with practically zero side effects. This stuff works wonders, but only when there is already a rash present. Annie would still have to go through days of discomfort before the spray does its job. Because of this, my vet and I devolved a daily regimen for Annie to keep the rashes at bay.

Diet

Food allergies are one of the most common types of allergies found in dogs. One of the first steps in figuring out what kind of allergies your dog has is eliminating grain from the diet and changing the protein. I switched Annie to a grain-free dog food brand specifically for dog allergies called AvoDerm and her skin cleared within a few days! And then it became much worse. I rushed to the dog food professionals at Better Life Natural Pet Foods. There, they informed me that grain-free foods have a much higher percentage of potatoes than regular dog food. This is because the food needs something substantial to replace the grain and the starch of the potato does the perfect job. This lead us to believe that Annie has an allergy to both grain and potato.

Thankfully, Better Life carried one brand of dog food that is made in a factory 100% free of both grain and potato called Zignature. While it is much more expensive than a normal dog food, I immediately purchased a bag. The affect was noticeable within a few short days. Annie’s skin cleared significantly, but there was still the issue of her environmental allergies to grass and weeds.

Down to a mild rash. Progress!

Supplements and Medication

One of the most important things to do for dogs with allergies is to keep their skin as moisturized and healthy as possible. Because of this, a daily regimen of fish oil is recommended. I started Annie on a daily dose of two 1300 mg capsules of fish oil which immensely helped her skin heal faster and break out into rashes less. For proper fish oil dosing, visit the link below.

http://csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/small-animal/sports-medicine-rehabilitation/Pages/fish-oil-dosing-chart.aspx

At the same time, l started Annie on a daily dose of Benadryl, upon the advise of her vet. She takes three regular Benadryl a day, one in the morning, two at night. For appropriate Benadryl dosing, see the website below. This helps keep her allergies in control and causes her rashes to be less severe. This daily regimen of medicines, avoidance of known allergens, and use of topical steroid spray when needed did a great deal in helping Annie fight off her extreme reactions, but her problems were still frequent enough that I added in one more step.

https://bullymax.com/benadryl-for-dogs/

Bathing

I firmly belive that this final step is what drew everything together and helped make Annie’s skin as consistently good as it is today. While Annie absolutely hates baths and anything to do with water, bathing her twice a week has made it so that she rarely gets severe rashes and when a rash is starting to appear, it vanishes quickly without causing her much discomfort. Bathing removes any environmental allergens from their skin and fur. Dogs, unlike humans, absorb the allergens through their paws and fur, making it nearly impossible for them to escape their discomfort unless it is scrubbed off of them. Twice a week, I soak Annie’s paws in a few inches of water, rinse her coat, shampoo her with itch-controlling shampoo, wash her with fresh water, and then apply a layer of lotion made specifically for dogs, and spray her with her topical steroid spray if needed.

Because bathing is known to dry out the skin and wash away oils on the dog’s fur, it is important to keep them moisturized, bringing us back to the necessity of fish oil and the possibility of using lotion for your dog. Annie began getting dandruff on top of everything else once I started bathing her regularly, so applying lotion is a very important step in the process. I have found that Warren London Hydrating Butter for Dogs Skin and Fur is a very good lotion for much less money than most other options. And it smells absolutely amazing, which is a huge plus in my book.

Annie is starting to feel better after a good bath.

What You Can Do

Every dog is different, and every dog’s allergies are different. It is important to remember that some things will work and some won’t. It took the course of two years to figure out this detailed regimen for Annie, and she still gets rashes fairly regularly. They are MUCH better than they used to be, but they are still there. If your dog has allergies, it will probably be something that you and your dog will be dealing with for the rest of their life. I would recommend trying anything you can to help your dog be as comfortable as possible, for as long as possible.

One option that I have not yet tried is getting your dog tested to see exactly what they are allergic to. I have not done this for Annie yet because it costs about $400 a test, dogs allergies are constantly changing and evolving so one test might not be accurate for their whole lives, and the test does not tell you how to fix it or even give you a plan of action. Most allergies can be discovered with a conversation between you and your vet, but this is definitely a good option for some with even more extreme allergies than Annie has.

Presenting her beautifully clear skin.

Another option that I haven’t had a need for is Jax n’ Daisy shampoo and lotion. It is similar to the shampoo and lotion that I do use, but it is a much stronger formula that is supposed to make drastic changes very quickly. The testimonials on their website seem to speak for themselves.

The most important part of figuring out a plan to tackle your dogs allergies is to be in communication with your vet in every step along the way. If you suspect your dog might have allergies, take them to the vet. If they prescribe something that isn’t working, let them know. If you have an idea of a regimen for your dog, ask your vet about it about it and don’t begin until you get the go-ahead from them. It will take a lot of work and often a lot of money, but there are alternatives to every option out there. As you can see from the immense progress that Annie has made, the determination to make a change is worth all of this and more.

Jessica Smith, Associate Editor, having been raised in a household full of dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, and all things furry, Jessica’s love of animals has only grown over the years. She is currently volunteering for Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary in her free time when she isn’t out and about with her ridiculous pit bull mix, Annabel Lee, or taking care of her remarkably ancient guinea pig, Moose. She is also putting her literature degree to use by working as an editor for a local online magazine, Independent Noise. While she has no plans for the future, she knows that it will be filled with fur and fiction galore. You can e-mail Jessica at associateeditorjessica@yourpetspace.info