Reduce Dog Allergies

PARASITES

Fleas and mites are the most common cause of dog skin problems, and easily treatable. Since one female flea can consume fifteen times her body weight in blood over her adult life, that one single flea can cause tremendous misery for a dog. If untreated, fleas can also cause anemia and tapeworms.

Today there are many different choices to protect our pets from fleas and ticks, yet veterinarians still see many dogs with flea problems on a daily basis. Spot treatments are the most common and seem to be the most effective way to control fleas, ticks and mites
Avoid dog skin problems such as fleas and ticks by using spot treatments regularly or as directed by the manufacturer or your vet.

CANINE ALLERGIES

My Black Lab "Lady" suffered with dog skin allergies since we brought her home as a rescued puppy over 11 years ago. She would lick her paws for hours and make them raw. Over the years, I have learned that allergies can be just as difficult to pinpoint in dogs as they are in humans.

Allergies occur when the body's immune system is weakened, which can be caused by improper or insufficient nutrition. Feeding home made organic dog food with added nutritional supplements or the top of the line organic dog food, is the simplest way to determine if the allergies are caused by the present foods your dog is eating. Giving a higher nutritional organic diet is what stopped my Lady's allergies altogether.

Her immune system was fortified, and in turn the allergies completely disappeared, along with the continuous licking.

DOG SEASONAL ALLERGENS

If you notice your dog chewing and scratching more in the mornings after he/she comes in from outside, then it's possible he's/she's sensitive to pollen, mold, ragweed or other environmental factors. Also, allergies can include a sensitivity to dust. So, if dusting the house is considered low on your priority list, yet you notice that your dog is fine until he/she comes into the house, then it's possible that he is sensitive to dust-mites.

Environmental allergens are usually treated with anti-inflammatories and shampoos, ointments, sprays and supplements, and prescribed by your vet.

FOOD ALLERGIES

Chewing the feet can be an indicator of food allergies. Although food allergies are less common in dogs, they can become more severe. I believe either feeding an all natural organic premium dog food or using recipes and making your dog's meals. Don't give a large variety to start with, and slowly introduce any new foods over a period of several weeks to see if the chewing increases or decreases. Keeping a careful watch of what your pet eats makes all the difference in catching an unknown food allergy.

Diet, Airborne or Both?

The first priority for owners tackling dog skin problems or dog allergies should be to immediately to switch to an organic based diet, whether homemade or a premium brand name.

When buying organic dog food look for a certification of over 70% organic, and of course the first ingredient is always meat. This is something that definitely will not harm your pet, and is the easiest and least expensive way to start figuring out what is causing the licking and allergies.

Remember, just because your dog doesn't do well on lamb doesn't mean that he won't do well on a chicken based food. I found that the premium foods for dog skin allergies eliminated completely my Lady's incessant problem. This had been ongoing for years, with medical treatments of prednisone, antihistamines, and costly vet bills for expensive allergy testing and after all that the diagnosis was inconclusive. The real key is to observe your dog's patterns.

Did you know that pet dander is what causes our allergies, sneezing, and itchy red eyes. When you are allergic to your pet this can reduce the overall joy and love for your pet. This is remedied easily by removing the dander, through regular baths of your pet. -- Dander is they dried saliva left on the fur of your pet, after they lick themselves. When they move around the home, scratch or rub against something the dander is realeased into the air. -- Breathing in these particles are what causes people who are allergic to become symptomatic.

Here is my Lovely Lola getting bathed, looking oh so cute!

Here are a Few Stress Free Tips on Giving Your Dog a Bath:

WHEN

Common sense helps in deciding if a bath is necessary. If he is covered in muck and mud, or smells like something is rotten, then the time is now. Basically a minimum of 3 or 4 baths a year for a clean, indoor apartment dwelling dog is sufficient. Obviously many more baths are needed for your outdoor, active or working dog. To remove dead hair, mats, and dirt, and distribute your dog's natural oils, you should brush him regularly. This alone helps decrease the amount of dog baths necessary. A good brush, appropriate for your dog's size and fur type, will give you and your pet a special time of bonding, and he will be so ecstatic and much more appreciative of time spent together. Dog's will always prefer this over a bath anytime

WHERE

Do not bath your dog outdoors in cold winter climates. Choose the right size of tub, basin or sink to bath your dog in, depending on the size of your pet. Buy an appropriate dog shampoo at a pet store that is targeted towards your dog's fur type. When done, make sure your dog is completely dry before allowing them to go out in cold weather. In the warm summer time I bath my dogs outside and let the heat of the sun dry them. They can run and shake, and take a nice warm sun bath.

HOW

Make sure your dog's coat is combed and all the mats and knots are removed. These will only become more difficult to remove after they are wet. Also, make sure that you have a calm environment for bath time. You don't want the kid's fighting and crying, stress from yourself and a rushed, hurried attitude. Most dogs don't enjoy baths, but will tolerate them if you are relaxed and gentle.

Make sure is using the tub that your have a non slip mat down so your dog feels secure. I use a shower head and long hose that is just perfect so my labs can stand up and I am comfortable also. If you don't have this, use a large pitcher (plastic) to wet and rinse with. Wash the face first with a wet cloth, without soap. Some people put cotton balls in the ears for protection, and if it makes you more comfortable, do so. Just don't forget to take them out after. When you are finished the bath, the inevitable shaking will begin. If you are quick on the draw you can get a dry, clean towel over you dog to absorb some of the water before you get a bath also. It is inevitable that your will get wet anyway. Using old clean towels, that are used specifically for clean ups and your dogs messes, dry the fur as much as possible. Most dogs love the rub down after the bath much more than the actual bath. Some dogs enjoy getting blow dried after their baths, but if you do this, make sure you use the warm setting, not hot. Keep the blow dryer moving at all times so you don't burn the skin. When you bring your puppy home, giving him a bath regularly when he is little will help make this just another routine in his life, rather than something that is scary. To prevent a stressful nervous dog, you should be relaxed and in a good mood before starting bath time, as most dogs feel our bad or unhappy feelings

What do cheap dog food manufacturers consider "fillers"?

Fillers are only used for one reason, and that is money saving for the cheap dog food manufacturers, not in any way is it considered a benefit to the nutritional value of the dog's food. Included are products that are not edible and difficult for our pets to digest such as: cereal byproducts, - cottonseed hulls, - crushed peanut shells, - straw, - corn and crushed corncobs, - weeds, and - feathers.

A cheap dog food filled with corn fillers, listed as corn, corn meal, and corn gluten meal should be avoided as this is used as substitute for higher quality animal protein sources.

Fillers that are used are not just tasteless, but actually can hurt your pet as they cause digestive problems and horrible allergies. They can cause digestive problems, allergies, and in immune deficient puppies or older pets can cause severe medical problems.

What is a by-product?

Found in cheap dog food, meat by-products are euphemisms for parts of animals that wouldn't be considered edible by any smart consumer. Meat by-products actually do not contain meat. By-products are part of the animals that are left over after the meat has been stripped away from the bone. This disgusting cheap dog food mishmosh would then include heads, feet, entrails, hoofs,lungs, spleens, kidneys, brains, stomachs (still with undigested food inside) bones, blood (some with hormones and medications included) intestines and loads of other carcass parts that are not fit for human consumption.

Also, the boiled down flesh of road kill, zoo animals, and 4-D (dead, diseased, disabled dying) livestock is considered okay with these manufacturers. This also can include dogs and cats that have been euthanized. Avoid dog food with blood meal, which is an inexpensive protein booster. The animal source is usually not stated, and the blood can be contaminated with residues of hormones, or medications.

What is a non-specific meat source?

If the main protein source is listed as "meat" this is to be avoided, It is always mystery meat such as: spoiled rotten meat from the grocery store (Styrofoam wrap and all), - Road kill that has been rotting on the roadside, - heads, feet, skin, hair, feathers, carpel and tarsal joints, and mammary glands are used from the slaughterhouses. Animals that have died from diseases, cancerous tissue and all, - tumors and worm infested organs are also rendered. Injection sites are rendered, blood clots and all. Stomach and unclean bowels are rendered. Contaminated material including blood is rendered. Carcasses with high levels of drugs or pesticides in excess of limits prescribed under the FDA (not fit for human consumption) are rendered.

Everything is pitched into large vats and slowly ground, then cooked at low temps till the grease rises to the top. And consider that this is what is listed on the ingredient list as "animal fat". The rest of what is remaining is then pressed until the moisture is completely removed, and this dry raw material that is referred to as "meat", is then used in the cheap dog food brands.

Why are artificial colors, preservatives and flavors used?

Flavor is added, because most pets wouldn't eat the finished product without some sort of cover up for the horrible smell. These additional flavors are usually from rancid restaurant grease. The used rancid grease is picked up after sitting out in barrels, in the sun for weeks. This is what the pet food manufacturers buy to add as flavoring, which is sprayed onto the kibble. Also sugar or corn syrup is used to cover up the bad taste of the inferior kibble.

Different dyes are used to make the food look good to us, the pet owner. Dyes are known carcenogenic causing additives, and I'm quite certain my pet, or yours, does not care what color their food is.

Artificial preservatives are used to extend the shelf life of the dog food. The main ones to avoid are: BHA (butylated hydroxytolulene), propyl gallate, propylene glycol (also used in automotive antifreeze, and is suspected of causing red blood cell damage) and ethoxyquin. These are all potentially cancer causing agents that your pets are eating every day.

Click Here! for a more comprehensive list of the most deadly dog food ingredients to avoid feeding your dog.

This all sounds pretty grim, but rest assured there are many extremely excellent, ultra premium organic dog foods now being manufactured without any of the above crap in them. These highly reputable and conscientious companies have philosophies aimed at providing you and your pet the best of the best when it comes to nutrition and peace of mind.

Rate your dog's food here and find out how nutritious it really is. A fun and informative test that only takes a few minutes.

A lot of pet owners are also now making their own natural organic dog food at home, and this is always better than the junk the commercial pet food manufacturers are feeding our pets. It is easy, and comparable in price to buying the premium organic dog food brands, as long as you use a proper nutritionally balanced dog food recipe. You can easily find very good dog food recipe books for sale, that have well rounded nutritious meals to make at home. Also you will be able to find recipes online.

Click here for the best homemade dog food recipe ideas.

Whatever you choose for your pet, remember we speak for them, and choose the best for them that you are able to give.

My main website Recipes 4 Gourmet Dogs has more info on dog nutrition and homemade organic dog food recipes.

I also reviewed and recommend the best of the best dog foods that are available HERE.

FOODS THAT ARE KNOWN TO BE TOXIC TO DOGS!

• Onions and onion powder


• Chocolate


• Coffee and all coffee related products


• Chocolate covered espresso beans ( extra toxic !! )


• Tea


• Alcoholic beverages


• Macadamia nuts


• Hops (used in home brewing beer)


• Grapes and raisins ( including juices or anything with grapes or raisins as the base)


• Tomato leaves and stems


• Green part of potatoes (peelings, sprouts and foliage)


• Rhubarb leaves


• Avocados


• Pits and seeds from fruits (plum, apricot, peach apple and cherry)


• Bitter almonds


• Moldy or spoiled foods

Food used in this product is fit for human consumption
No Outsourcing (100% China free)
Biologically appropriate (Orijen mimics the natural diet wild predecessors)
Fresh and Regional Ingredients only
NO Chemical preservatives (BHA, BHT, or Ethoxyquin )

1. Fresh and Regional Ingredients

Use of fresh regional ingredients, which are delivered daily to the production plant is the number one reason for this pick of best dog food. The food used in Orijen has been approved "fit for human consumption," by the Government of Canada.

Orijen uses free range poultry, wild caught fresh fish delivered daily, and free range red meats.

Fresh means no processing, never frozen, and preservative free.

2. Meat and Protein Rich

Orijen uses a "Top Five" Ingredients philosophy, meaning the first 5 ingredients in every kibble is animal based.

This is a high protein, No grain product, all in a Biologically Appropriate ratio of 80 percent meat, 20 percent fruits and vegetables, and zero grain.(80.20.0).

Orijen is meat concentrated, and protein rich, as by all scientific standards, and evolutionary history, as dog is a domesticated wolf. Modern dogs of all breeds require a meat based diet mimicking their ancestors.

ORIJEN ADULT DOG: Top Five = Boneless chicken, chicken meal, boneless salmon, turkey meal, herring meal.

ORIJEN 6 FISH DOG: Top Five = Boneless salmon, salmon meal, herring meal, boneless herring, boneless walleye

ORIJEN REIONAL RED: Top Five = Boneless wild boar, deboned lamb, beef lever, deboned pork, lam meal.

Some vets will tell you that high protein diets are harmful for your dog, but they are not educated in animal nutrition during veterinary school. Multi-national and and marketing companies for low protein, high grain based dog foods, of course want to keep this myth intact.

HIGH PROTEIN MYTH DEBUNKED

3. Carbohydrate Limited

Today's conventional pet foods are lower in protein and high in carbohydrates (40-50%). As carbohydrates are not part of the natural diet, it should come as no surprise that carbohydrates are not required (in any amount) by dogs and cats.

Orijen takes this philosophy seriously, and have won numerous awards.

4. Grain-free

ORIJEN is free of cereal grains, and the carbohydrates are derived from fruits and vegetables. Carbohydrates are limited to 20% of the overall product, to better match the natural diet.

Grain free for the specific reason that grains are not necessary and used in lower end pet foods as a cheap filler and ultimately causes long term illnesses and weight problems (diabetes, allergies )

5. No Plant Oils

Dogs and cats are meat eaters, and fats from animals, not plants are essential for their peak health. - Dogs are efficient at digesting animal fats, and as opposed to humans, animal fat does not cause high cholesterol or heart disease, but metabolizes as useful energy, healthy skin and coat, healthy immune function, and regulates the inflammation processes.

6. Fruits and Vegetables

Wild canids including wolves, coyotes and fox eat fruit throughout the summer which provides vitamins, enzymes, anti
oxidants and phytochemicals. They also eat grass which cleans the digestive tract.

Conventional dog food features small fraction of fruit and vegetables ( and high cereal grain content), Orijen features 20-25% of
fruit and veggies.

Fruits and vegetables are also produced locally, and used fresh.

Sweet Potatoes from Idaho
Russet Potatoes from Southern Manitoba
Red Delicious Apples from Okanagan Valley, B.C.
Sun Cured Alfalfa from Southern Alberta prairies
Cranberries from Fraser Valley, B.C.
Organic Kelp from Vancouver, B.C.
Green Peas from Saskatchewan
Whole Carrots from B.C. and Alberta
Tomatoes from B.C. and Alberta
Pumpkins from Easter Canada
Turnip Greens from B.C and Saskatchewan
Spinach from B.C

7. Health-promoting Botanicals

Botanicals are part of the natural diet, acting as tonics and builders to help strengthen organs and tissues in specific parts of the body. Botanicals support the digestion process and help the body eliminate toxins by stimulating physiological processes, such as the cleansing of the liver. The daily consumption of botanicals helps the body heal itself naturally, keeping it functioning in a healthy and happy manner

8. Mineral Balance

Orijen uses deboned meat specifically to moderate the calcium and phosphorus and keep the minerals naturally balanced.
Rather than relying on conventional or commodity meat meals as the source of animal protein, ORIJEN uses the highest ratios of fresh, boneless meats that are low in mineral content. Chicken, turkey and fish meals in ORIJEN are custom prepared, especially for Champion Petfoods, to utilize a much lower ratio of bones to flesh, thereby reducing the mineral content and improving the protein quality.

No outsourcing of products, production or imported goods are used. (Absolutely 100% China free) Most companies still outsource vitamins from China.

ABOUT TESTING

CHAMPION PET FOODS conducts only those tests in which they allow their own companion dogs and cats to participate.

If it not OK for their dogs and cats, THEN IT'S NOT OK FOR ANY OTHER CATS AND DOGS.

They perform only non-invasive tests, which including palatability (taste). Urine PH and digestibility (the latter through stool analysis only). These tests are NEVER performed with dogs or cats kept in a laboratory environment (cages.).

Feeding a fresh, chemical free, preservative free, grain free and additive free commercial dog food will help reduce dog food allergies.

A healthier diet promotes a healthier life.