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	<title>Dogs With Allergies</title>
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	<link>http://dogswithallergies.org</link>
	<description>Canine Allergies, Signs, Symptoms And Cures.</description>
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		<title>Homeopathic Remedies for Dogs with Allergies.</title>
		<link>http://dogswithallergies.org/allergy-treatments-for-dogs/homeopathic-remedies-for-dogs-with-allergies/</link>
		<comments>http://dogswithallergies.org/allergy-treatments-for-dogs/homeopathic-remedies-for-dogs-with-allergies/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:25:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wwwdogs</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Allergy Treatments For Dogs.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dogswithallergies.org/?p=269</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Are homeopathic remedies for dogs with allergies a viable and practical option? Often, people look for alternatives besides taking their dog to the vet for a variety of reasons; homeopathic remedies for dogs with allergies can be just as effective as traditional treatments prescribed by your vet and maybe only a fraction of the cost, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>Are homeopathic remedies for dogs with allergies a viable and practical option?</h1>
<p>Often, people look for alternatives besides taking their dog to the vet for a variety of reasons; <b>homeopathic remedies for dogs with allergies</b> can be just as effective as traditional treatments prescribed by your vet and maybe only a fraction of the cost, which is an added bonus.</p>
<p>Most dog owners just want to see their dogs feeling better and watching their pet go through contortions and constant irritation just to find relief can be upsetting.</p>
<p>Homeopathic remedies for <a title="Dogs With Allergies" href="http://dogswithallergies.org/">dogs with allergies</a> can be one of the more modern and effective ways to deal with these problems and provide relief to your best friend at the same time.</p>
<h2>Homeopathic remedies for dogs with allergies are similar to homeopathic remedies for humans.</h2>
<p>Because many of the same herbs are used to treat the same types of symptoms.  The main idea behind homeopathic remedies is a holistic approach which means treatment of the whole body, not just the symptoms which is what modern medicine tends to do.</p>
<p>The basic approach with homeopathic remedies is to treat a symptom with a low dose of a herb that would cause those types of symptom in a much larger dose.  It is important to determine what the root causes of the allergies are before you seek treatment of that particular allergy.</p>
<p>With homeopathic remedies, there are reference books called “repertories”.  These books are used in reference to determine symptoms, bunched together in groups which lead to causation.  Of course, you must know what all of the symptoms are, including environment, area affected, time of day and what was consumed immediately preceding the symptoms.</p>
<h3>Homeopathic remedies for dogs with allergies is a very practical option but DOES require professional guidance.</h3>
<p>There is a science behind diagnosing the allergies and or illness that your dog has, and it is strongly recommended that you consult with a homeopathic veterinarian to make a determination of the allergies.</p>
<p>Once this has been done, you can save money by finding the specific treatments from other less costly sources, but you will know for sure which are the correct remedies in your dog’s case.</p>
<p>Many people immediately take their pet to a vet when they see that their pet is ill or is suffering some sort of possible allergic reaction.  This is a really good idea because you are obviously concerned about your pet’s well-being.</p>
<p>Your veterinarian will not have all of the necessary information required to make a solid diagnosis if you are dealing with some type of allergy.  They can, however, make a determination through various tests, and these tests can be as simple as some blood tests or skin scrapings.</p>
<p>Another important thing to keep in mind when it comes to <i>homeopathic remedies for dogs with allergies</i> is that sometimes the remedy will work well for a few weeks.  At some point after that, symptoms may return and or get worse, but that will only be temporarily.</p>
<p><u>Homeopathic remedies for dogs with allergies</u> can be a great choice when it comes to treatment, because they are less harmful than medications and can often achieve the same results in the long run.</p>
<p>Homeopathic remedies for dogs with allergies can be a great source of relief for your pet.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<slash:comments>14</slash:comments>
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		<title>Best Herbs For Dogs With Allergies.</title>
		<link>http://dogswithallergies.org/allergy-treatments-for-dogs/best-herbs-for-dogs-with-allergies/</link>
		<comments>http://dogswithallergies.org/allergy-treatments-for-dogs/best-herbs-for-dogs-with-allergies/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:58:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wwwdogs</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Allergy Treatments For Dogs.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dogswithallergies.org/?p=257</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have not previously considered the best herbs for dogs with allergies then you may be interested in knowing more about this topic. In particular the various benefits that come with supplementing your dog with natural products. That is not to say that you are going to start bombarding your dog with various types [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>If you have not previously considered the best herbs for dogs with allergies then you may be interested in knowing more about this topic.</h1>
<p>In particular the various benefits that come with supplementing your dog with natural products.</p>
<p>That is not to say that you are going to start bombarding your dog with various types of herbs, but there are certain and some would say the <b>best herbs for dogs with allergies</b> that can be very effective in relieving symptoms of many types of problems including those problematic seasonal allergies.</p>
<p>Many of the <i>best herbs for dogs with allergies</i> that you would use have almost unbelievable and beneficial qualities because they are primarily natural antioxidants and can eradicate harmful cells; some studies have shown a reduction in serious ailments such as cancer cells.</p>
<p>In fact, grape seed oil is said to do just that.</p>
<p>In addition, grape seed oil contains flavanoids which not only support the immune system, but also can help to reduce inflammation, which is a leading cause of pain in joints and tissue.</p>
<h2>Aloe vera is one of the most useful and best herbs for dogs with allergies.</h2>
<p>It has excellent anti inflammatory properties and is also extremely soothing on the skin.  You do not even need to purchase this; you can take a leaf or two from your house plant, split them and crush the contents, spreading it on your dog’s skin to relieve itching or irritation.</p>
<p>Goldenseal is another herb which has anti inflammatory properties.  It is often used on open sores or wounds including eye infections in dogs.</p>
<p>Yellow Dock is yet another herb that improves the function of the liver and improves the ability of the bowels to eliminate waste.</p>
<h3>If your dog has a <a title="Flea Allergy" href="http://dogswithallergies.org/common-dog-allergies/flea-allergy/">flea allergy</a>, one of the most beneficial and best herbs for dogs with allergies is garlic.</h3>
<p>Fresh garlic is not recommended, because garlic and onions have been known to be toxic to dogs; however, sprinkling garlic powder into your dog’s meals can keep those fleas at bay.  Garlic is known to boost the immune system and it also has antibacterial properties.</p>
<p>Dogs that scratch because they have allergies can benefit from topical treatments that are made up from herbal ingredients.  Some of the best treatments include those that contain rose bark, calendula, lavender, peppermint and or chamomile.</p>
<p>Although many of these herbal products can provide relief, it is only going to be for a short time, because you are only treating the symptoms and not the problems.  The best course of action is to pinpoint what the specific allergy is.</p>
<p>Once you have determined what your dog is reacting to, you can either reduce your dog’s exposure to it, or eliminate it, if possible.</p>
<p>A dog that is free of allergy symptoms is a happier pet.  You will probably be feeling a lot better yourself, knowing that your dog is not being driven crazy with an insatiable itch or rash.</p>
<p>Allergies can be treated quickly and the best course of treatment is a natural solution where possible and of course include some of the <u>best herbs for dogs with allergies</u>.</p>
<p>Drugs, steroids, and chemicals can be so harmful and have harsh long lasting effects on your dog’s health.</p>
<p>Spend some time and research more into the best herbs for dogs with allergies you will be surprised at what you find and how simple some of the remedies are.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
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		<title>Best Dry Dog Food for Dogs with Allergies.</title>
		<link>http://dogswithallergies.org/wellness-dog-food/best-dry-dog-food-for-dogs-with-allergies/</link>
		<comments>http://dogswithallergies.org/wellness-dog-food/best-dry-dog-food-for-dogs-with-allergies/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:09:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wwwdogs</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Wellness Dog Food.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dogswithallergies.org/?p=244</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You may be interested to know more about the best dry dog food for dogs with allergies, especially when your dog has specific sensitivities or issues. You may notice some of these things occurring with your dog:  Excessive head shaking; Itchy all over – scratching often and aggressively; Chewing on feet or paws; Hot spots [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>You may be interested to know more about the best dry dog food for dogs with allergies, especially when your dog has specific sensitivities or issues.</h1>
<p>You may notice some of these things occurring with your dog:</p>
<ul>
<li> Excessive head shaking;</li>
<li>Itchy all over – scratching often and aggressively;</li>
<li>Chewing on feet or paws;</li>
<li>Hot spots – open sores or patches where there is no hair;</li>
</ul>
<p>Any of these symptoms or a combination of them can mean that your dog has allergies.  It is a fact that most often, allergies are a direct result of the food that you are giving to your dog.</p>
<h2>Some of the best dry dog food for dogs with allergies are sold by professionals, such as veterinarians.</h2>
<p>These foods are generally specially formulated for various doggie type ailments.  The main and largest drawback with respect to these foods is that they can be very costly.</p>
<p>You may get a couple of weeks of feedings from a smaller bag that can cost as much as or even more than a large bag of supermarket style <a title="Dry Dog Food" href="http://dogswithallergies.org/wellness-dog-food/dry-dog-food/">dry dog food</a> that can feed your dog for several months.</p>
<h3>Of course, many of us are on a tight budget and cannot afford the best dry dog food for dogs with allergies that is sold by the local veterinarian office.</h3>
<p>Another option is to shop at a pet food store.  This is to say a store that specifically sells pet food as opposed to pets and supplies.  You may even look into a local market or store that carries feeds for livestock, they sometimes sell really good quality dog food as well.</p>
<p>The <b>best dry dog food for dogs with allergies</b> is the one that is effective with your particular dog.</p>
<p>Different dogs react differently to different ingredients.  If you are not sure about what your dog is specifically sensitive to, you may wish to have some allergy testing done on your pet.</p>
<p>Your local veterinarian can conduct these tests for you with either skin patch tests or blood work.</p>
<p>While you may think this sounds expensive, in the long run you will be saving money by not feeding your dog foods with ingredients that can cause health issues and shorten their lives by years.</p>
<p>When your dog becomes sick as a result of what you are feeding him, the only way you will probably think of handling it is with a trip to the veterinarian’s office.  Most of us would not consider the fact that the food is the thing that is causing all of the problems.</p>
<p>When you are looking for the best dry food for dogs with allergies, be certain that you understand what ingredients you are trying to avoid.</p>
<p>Ask for advice from the vendor about thier <i>best dry dog food for dogs with allergies</i> and they will certainly assist you in seeking out a food that your dog will be able to consume without any reaction or discomfort.</p>
<p>Feeding your dog a good quality food or the <u>best dry dog food for dogs with allergies</u> will cost you a bit more money, but it will save you money when you think of avoiding all of the allergic reactions to a mainstream food.</p>
<p>Best dry dog food for dogs with allergies is only one of many things that can contribute to our dogs health and well being.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
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		<title>Medications For Dogs With Allergies</title>
		<link>http://dogswithallergies.org/medications/medications-for-dogs-with-allergies/</link>
		<comments>http://dogswithallergies.org/medications/medications-for-dogs-with-allergies/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 05:33:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wwwdogs</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Medications]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dogswithallergies.org/?p=238</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have a dog that suffers with allergies, it can be sheer torture to watch your dog go through the suffering and the process of scratching, biting, licking, chewing all to no avail,what your dog may end up with are hot spots, bald patches, and ultimately open sores which can leave you desperate for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>If you have a dog that suffers with allergies, it can be sheer torture to watch your dog go through the suffering and the process of scratching, biting, licking, chewing all to no avail,what your dog may end up with are hot spots, bald patches, and ultimately open sores which can leave you desperate for medications for dogs with allergies.</h1>
<p>There are several types of <b>medications for dogs with allergies</b>.</p>
<p>Your vet will most likely conduct some testing and then he may prescribe a steroid for your dog.  Steroids help to boost the immune system and strengthen your dog’s ability to ward off the sensitivity to a specific allergen.  Steroids are great for the short term, but they can end up being harmful, and can cause heart damage in long term use.  Sure, you may be relieving your dog’s symptoms with steroid <i>medications for dogs with allergies</i>, but you can end up shortening his life while you are at it.</p>
<h2>Antihistamines are another of the more popular medications for dogs with allergies.</h2>
<p>If you do not get a prescription for these from your vet, you can also use over the counter type antihistamines, but you have to ensure that your check with your vet as to which of these are safe to give to dogs, as well as the proper recommended dosage.</p>
<p>Antihistamines are one of the most effective <u>medications for dogs with allergies</u> because they can they can soothe irritation.  Again, though, these are not meant for long term use, because they can have various negative side effects or cause your dog to be very sleepy and inactive.</p>
<h3>As far as antihistamines go regards medications for dogs with allergies although very effective this should only be a short term solution.</h3>
<p>While many people seek medications for their dog, it is more important to figure out exactly what your dog is allergic to.  In this way you can avoid your dog’s exposure to that allergen as much as possible.</p>
<p>Sometimes it can be as simple as the stuffing contained in the bed your dog sleeps on, other times it can be much more complicated and take longer for you to discover what the problem is.</p>
<p>Most people do not even consider that dog food is one of the most common dog allergens.  The <a href="http://dogswithallergies.org/wellness-dog-food/dry-dog-food/" target="_blank">dry dog  food</a> that you purchase for your dog (store bought kibble) is one of the worst things you can give to your dog, because of what it contains.  Much of the kibble you can buy in the store is loaded with corn meal, wheat by products, dyes, preservatives and other things with little or no nutritional value.  A dog has a great deal of difficulty digesting much of this content and can end up with malnutrition or you may notice that your dog needs to go outside a lot to do his business.</p>
<p>This is not to say that all dog food is bad, there are some higher quality foods, but you will definitely pay a lot more for these foods.  It is totally worth it, though, because you are going to find that your dog is getting better nutrition, has more energy and you may also eliminate the allergen from his diet at the same time.</p>
<p>Medications for dogs with allergies are a short term solution eliminating the source will better serve your dog.</p>
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		<slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
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		<title>The ideal weight for your dog: For a happy and long life.</title>
		<link>http://dogswithallergies.org/guest-posts/the-ideal-weight-for-your-dog-for-a-happy-and-long-life/</link>
		<comments>http://dogswithallergies.org/guest-posts/the-ideal-weight-for-your-dog-for-a-happy-and-long-life/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 18 Sep 2011 12:14:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wwwdogs</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guest Posts.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dogswithallergies.org/?p=233</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Man’s best friend, the cutest, the sweetest and the most understanding of all pets, dogs! Today, almost every American has a graded canine at his home at the least. We all love our dogs, but how many of us actually know as to how we should be judging the health of our pups? Just a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>Man’s best friend, the cutest, the sweetest and the most understanding of all pets, dogs!</h1>
<p>Today, almost every American has a graded canine at his home at the least. We all love our dogs, but how many of us actually know as to how we should be judging the health of our pups?</p>
<p>Just a drooping of the thoughtful pair of eyes does not say it all. The width and breadth of the animal also speak a lot.</p>
<p>Most people tend to over feed their pets, genuine love, you know! But what we forget in our platter of love is that an extra pond of weight is as harmful for a dog as much as it is for humans. Just like our physicians tell us to keep our weight under control; it is essential for dogs also to follow a strict routine of nutrient intake.</p>
<h2>How the proportion of this intake varies however depends on the breed which your dog belongs to.</h2>
<p>While some relatively enormous breeds like German shepherds, Alsatians, Grey hounds etc. require a relatively higher diet intake, smaller ones like poodles and pomerians would be more than happy with a lesser food intake. So keep a note of your dog food, its brand, the nutrient catalogue of that particular brand, the breed of your dog and then judge out the volume of each helping that your dog must have for better heath and a longer life.</p>
<p>Make sure to pay regular visits to a justifiably good vet and try to keep yourself updated with the new entrants of pet food on the market.</p>
<p>But you can of course play a judge’s role to determine as to whether your dog is overweight or underweight without the need of a weighing scale. Take your pup in your lap and cuddle it at its stomach and at its shoulders. If you can feel all its ribs and still cannot see them barring the first couple, then your dog is in the finest of  health.</p>
<p>Needless to say, if it is skinny, you would definitely think that something is fishy about its health or weight.</p>
<h3>The point where majority of people get deceived in judging the difference between healthy and fat.</h3>
<p>If your dog is all buttery around it stomach and shoulders don’t get mistaken! It is not a sign of good health; it is a symptom of fatness.</p>
<p>Another point which could possibly help you in identifying the symptoms of obesity or undernourishment in your pups is the fact that the stomach of a healthy dog smoothly goes closer to the spine at the rear end. If it steeply shoots up to the spine directly from the ribs, your dog is severely underweight. In case the stomach keeps dangling in between its ribs and hips, it is overweight.</p>
<p>For undernourishment, we all know the remedy. But overweight is generally an issue. People change dog food and keep the volume per serving constant. This move needs a rectification. Different brands of dog food contain different levels of nutrients.</p>
<p>When overweight, the best thing to do is to reduce the number of servings and the opposite when your dog is underweight. Pay attention when you change the brand of dog food. Remember, looking after does not always mean to pamper. Your pet deserves a long healthy life with you.</p>
<p>Give the pleasure of possessing a cuddled friend to yourself, and the privilege of getting cuddled for ages to your beloved pet.</p>
<p>Just keep these points in mind and I am sure you would ensure its long life.</p>
<p><strong>About the author</strong>:</p>
<p>Alia Haley is a blogger who also happens to be a nature lover. She prefers using only <a href="http://www.greendiary.com/">green products</a> and is addicted to shopping for <a href="http://www.styleguru.com/entry/go-green-with-organic-apparel/">organic clothes</a> and accessories.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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		<title>Processed pet foods: The real truth behind the labels.</title>
		<link>http://dogswithallergies.org/guest-posts/processed-pet-foods-the-real-truth-behind-the-labels/</link>
		<comments>http://dogswithallergies.org/guest-posts/processed-pet-foods-the-real-truth-behind-the-labels/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:14:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wwwdogs</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guest Posts.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dogswithallergies.org/?p=226</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The pet food that promises your pet a luxurious coat and a good health may be telling lies. They endorse that the fats, grains and meats used in these are of the best quality and that whole grains, quality fats, lamb, beef and chicken, which constitute these food items are taken from hygienic sources. However, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The pet food that promises your pet a luxurious coat and a good health may be telling lies.</p>
<p>They endorse that the fats, grains and meats used in these are of the best quality and that whole grains, quality fats, lamb, beef and chicken, which constitute these food items are taken from hygienic sources.</p>
<p>However, all these claims can be challenged.</p>
<p>The pet food that we buy with so many expectations is many times all made up of garbage. Let’s have a look at what lies beneath the false claims of these companies.</p>
<p>When you go out to buy a pet food, we are sure you take a glance at the labels. However, do not be fully assured about the fact that what labels show is exactly what the food is having. The full story is untold. Consumers are exploited and deceived by the charming advertisements and promises of such companies.</p>
<p>You will be shocked to find that the food components of these pet foods are many times other animals.</p>
<p>Dead animals, which cannot be buried, are taken up by dead stock operations to serve as the meat base. These dead animals can include those who have died because of some killing or illness. Even zoo animals are sometimes used for meat processing.</p>
<p>The dead stock operators, after picking them up, carry them to the receiving plant where they are either used for meat processing or sent to a rendering plant, depending on their decomposition. The usable meat is removed from the carcass and covered in charcoal to prevent it from human consumption. After the meat is ready, it is frozen, marked<br />
as ‘unfit for human consumption’ and sold as pet food.</p>
<p>Now it comes to the rendering process. In the rendering machine whatever garbage and waste material you can think of is rendered. Poor quality products like fat and viscera, carcass, contaminated material from slaughterhouses, restaurant garbage and grease, meets and goods (past expiration dates) all are rendered here. And the list doesn&#8217;t stop here. To make the matters worse, contaminated blood, cancerous tissue, tumors, worm infested organs from slaughter house animals are rendered too.</p>
<p>After slaughtering the animals, their skin, toenails, tarsal and carpel joints, bowels, stomach, mammary glands, heads and feet are removed and further sent for rendering. Even if the carcass contains high level of pesticides or drugs, the rendering machine engulfs it and melts it for your pet to eat.</p>
<p>The Association of American Feed Control or AAFCO officials explain meat meal as a product which is rendered from mammal tissue that should not contain hoof, rum en, hair, stomach, trimmings, blood, hide and manure contents except in amounts which cannot be avoided in good processing practices’. But none of the companies neither have enough goodwill nor and interest to remove these parts from 600,000 tons of animals before cooking them. What these companies do is they dump dead animals in huge containers which slowly grind them. After which they are cooked between 220 degrees to 270 degrees F for around an hour.</p>
<p>When the grease rises to the top, it is removed. While the tallow/ grease form the fat in pet food, the remaining material (after de-moisturizing) is sold as bone and meat meal. And the story does not end here.</p>
<p>The list of trash things included is far longer than the usable one. So, the next time you go and pick up that wonderful pet food, remain assured that the product promising you ‘real meat’ comes exclusively laden with dead stock removal operations and slaughterhouse industry which consists almost everything an animal can be made of. Contaminated or not, these pet foods come in shiny cans guarantying the best for our pets. Who knows after eating this, your pet might become an ingredient of the next pet food can you see on the supermarket shelf.</p>
<p><strong>About the author:</strong></p>
<p>Alia Haley is a writer and blogger who is an ardent follower of <a href="http://www.ecofriend.com/" target="_blank">environment</a> friendly living. She loves animals and prefers only organic <a href="http://www.petsclan.com/9-cat-feeding-facts.html" target="_blank">pet food</a> for her German shepherd.</p>
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		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
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		<title>Common Canine Diet Destruction.</title>
		<link>http://dogswithallergies.org/guest-posts/common-canine-diet-destruction/</link>
		<comments>http://dogswithallergies.org/guest-posts/common-canine-diet-destruction/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Sep 2011 23:49:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wwwdogs</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guest Posts.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dogswithallergies.org/?p=221</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Like people, dogs have immune systems which are reactive to different substances. A lot of veterinarians and scientists believe in genetics and the theory that dogs are simply allergic to what their genes dictate.  However, there has been a growing amount of allergy prevalence in dogs &#8211; as if an epidemic. With dogs’ growing allergy [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Like people, dogs have immune systems which are reactive to different substances.</p>
<p>A lot of veterinarians and scientists believe in genetics and the theory that dogs are simply allergic to what their genes dictate.  However, there has been a growing amount of allergy prevalence in dogs &#8211; as if an epidemic.</p>
<p>With dogs’ growing allergy problems, we should stop blaming whole foods as the cause, and look at how their immune systems are really being disrupted.</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients awareness</strong></p>
<p>I have yet to discover a dog food brand without some sort of additive or oil product.  Even expensive foods which are not processed into cans or dry food, usually frozen or tightly sealed, have added vitamins and unsaturated oils that can be disruptive for a dog.</p>
<p>Let’s take a look at the ingredients of a cheaper, but highly marketed and used, brand and also ingredients from a more expensive, “more natural” food brand.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients of Purina Dog Chow</span>:</p>
<p>whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols (form of vitamin E), corn gluten meal, meat and bone meal, brewers rice, soybean meal, barley, whole grain wheat, animal digest, calcium carbonate, salt, calcium phosphate, potassium chloride, l-lysine monohydrochloride, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, vitamin E supplement, zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, added color (red 40, yellow 5, blue 2, yellow 6), dl-methionine, manganese sulfate, manganese proteinate, niacin, vitamin a supplement, copper sulfate, calcium pantothenate, copper proteinate, garlic oil, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin D-3 supplement, riboflavin supplement, calcium iodate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), folic acid, biotin, sodium selenite</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients of Blue Buffalo Basics (“Limited ingredient formula”)</span>:</p>
<p>Deboned turkey, Peas, Whole potatoes, Whole ground brown rice, Turkey meal, Flaxseed, Canola Oil (naturally preserved with Mixed tocopherols, a natural source of vitamin E), Tomato pomace (natural source of lycopene), natural turkey flavor, oatmeal, whole carrots, blueberries, cranberries, barley grass, dried parsley, alfalfa meal, dried kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Carnitine, L-Lysine, Turmeric, Oil of Rosemary, Dried Chicory Root, Beta Carotene, Calcium Carbonate , Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin (Vitamin B3), d-Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Ascorbate (source of Vitamin C), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Choline Chloride, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Salt, Caramel, Potassium Chloride, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium</p>
<p>When we take a close look, most of the extra writing is vitamin supplementation &#8211; nonetheless, the two are similar, with an extremely varied price tag.  When reading ingredients, take note that the items are listed in the amounts they are added &#8211; the first item being the largest bulk, with corn being first on Purina, and Turkey being first on Blue Buffalo.</p>
<p>It is important to also understand that dog food companies may not be required to list certain ingredients, and so there could be problematic ingredients which  you are unaware of.</p>
<p><strong>What to look out for</strong></p>
<p>Instead of going into extreme detail about the controversy of each specific ingredient, the following general categories of ingredients should be avoided or taken with caution:</p>
<p>Unsaturated oils and products (canola, flaxseed, fish etc.)</p>
<p>Added vitamins</p>
<p>Ferrous iron</p>
<p>Dyes</p>
<p>Preservatives</p>
<p>Thickening agents (carrageenan, kelp)</p>
<p>Gluten</p>
<p>Corn</p>
<p>Trying to avoid these is rather difficult, even in the healthiest claimed food brands.</p>
<p><strong>Immune System Impact</strong></p>
<p>There has been research on the negative impact which specific environmental factors have on the immune system &#8211; such as estrogen.  My dog could be an example of this, as she is not fixed, and started to obtain allergies with older age.</p>
<p>Estrogen naturally increases in both dogs and people in aging.  Estrogen can damage the thymus gland, which regulates the immune system.</p>
<p>Researcher Dr. Ray Peat, Ph.D. notes in his article, “<a href="http://raypeat.com/articles/articles/immunodeficiency.shtml">Immunodeficiency, dioxins, stress, and the hormones</a>,” factors in general which contribute to destruction of the thymus gland, and poor immunity, “I reviewed the many things in our environment that are known to suppress immunity, and which<strong> </strong>have become increasingly prevalent in our<strong> </strong>environment<strong>&#8211;unsaturated vegetable oils, ferrous iron and carrageenan in our foods, lead in air, food, and water, exposure to medical, military, and industrial ionizing radiation, vaccinations, pesticides, chlorinated hydrocarbons, nitric oxide (smog and medications) and oral contraceptives and environmental estrogens, in particular.”</strong></p>
<p><strong></strong>When I re-examined my dogs food, I realized what impact it probably had in her sudden and prolonged allergic reactions to fleas, ear infections, and skin rashes.  Surprisingly enough, all of these “allergies” cleared when I switched her onto food homemade.</p>
<p><strong>Making a switch</strong></p>
<p>All of the general vitamins and minerals can certainly be obtained through whole food, and not at much more expense than you would pay for regular dog food.  All you need is a form of meat (preferably beef), occasional organs, bones (for gelatin and bone stock), root vegetables (cooked with the bone stock), saturated fats (coconut oil or tallow), and fruits.  Much of the vitamins and minerals will come from the rich bone stock, which should be cooked for a long period of time.</p>
<p>If you have a local farmer’s market, ground organ, bone, and other meat can be obtained &#8211; though, it’s usually frozen.  Scrap meat can be picked up from a butcher, and you can try to talk them down a price.</p>
<p>It doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive to feed your dog right.  If your dog has some sort of health ailment, such as allergies, experimenting what foods feel right with your dog is the best way to go, with the results being immediate.</p>
<p>Bio:</p>
<p>Chloe Trogden specializes in research involving all forms of college grants. She has compiled thousands of resources including <a href="http://www.collegegrant.net/pell-grant/">the Pell grant</a> along with many others. She is currently attending UNC Chapel Hill and is entering her Junior year in the fall.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>A Kind Act: The Advantages of Adopting and Insuring a Dog.</title>
		<link>http://dogswithallergies.org/guest-posts/a-kind-act-the-advantages-of-adopting-and-insuring-a-dog/</link>
		<comments>http://dogswithallergies.org/guest-posts/a-kind-act-the-advantages-of-adopting-and-insuring-a-dog/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:46:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wwwdogs</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guest Posts.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dogswithallergies.org/?p=215</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have recently decided to take on the responsibility of owning a dog, there are many points to consider from pet insurance to adjustments you may need to make to your home; however the first decision to make is exactly where to find the right dog for your family. Before you begin scouring the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you have recently decided to take on the responsibility of owning a dog, there are many points to consider from <a title="pet insurance" href="http://finance.debenhams.com/insurance/pet-insurance/overview/" target="_blank">pet insurance</a> to adjustments you may need to make to your home; however the first decision to make is exactly where to find the right dog for your family.</p>
<p>Before you begin scouring the pages of your local paper to find a puppy, take a moment to consider adopting a dog from a shelter instead.</p>
<p>The sad fact is that thousands of unwanted dogs are currently filling the UK’s animal shelters and are in desperate need of a loving home, so why not pay a visit to your local re-homing centre first?</p>
<p>You may find your new best friend is waiting for you.</p>
<p>The recession saw a rise in the number of unwanted canines, often due to the cost of owning a dog as aside from food and pet accessories, unforeseen health problems can result in catastrophic financial consequences if insurance has not been purchased for the pet.</p>
<p>Once you have decided on adopting a dog, the second decision is where to purchase appropriate insurance to safeguard<br />
yourself from hefty vet bills and give the dog the best quality of care should it ever be required.</p>
<p>There are many advantages to adopting a dog as opposed to purchasing from a breeder, the first being the significant difference in cost. A pedigree puppy can cost in to the thousands whereas re-homing a dog will often be the cost of a donation to the centre.</p>
<p>Choosing the right dog for your family is an incredibly important decision and takes careful consideration. With a wealth of knowledgeable staff on hand at rescue centres to take you through noted behaviours and the history of the animal you can reach a decision based on accurate information, something which cannot always be obtained from a breeder.</p>
<p>There is no doubt that puppies have the ability to make any heart melt, but they can be incredibly hard work and require extensive training and discipline to ensure that their behaviour is appropriate. With so many different reasons as to why a dog has been put up for adoption, you may find a beautifully natured dog is in need of a new home, reducing the need for endless hours of training.</p>
<p>If you are giving a home to an older dog, you may be interested to know that some insurers will now provide cover for older animals, giving you peace of mind from the offset.</p>
<p>Adopting a dog will not be without its challenges regardless of breed, age or history so if you decide to adopt consider the following tips to give your new furry friend the best start;</p>
<ul>
<li>Take out appropriate pet insurance from the very beginning</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Register with a veterinary practice straight away and book in for an initial check-up as well as any necessary injections</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Take note of their previous type of food and feeding times to retain continuity for them</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Ensure you have the essentials such as bowls, a lead, collar and appropriate bedding before you collect them</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Be patient, it can take a while for them to settle in to their new surroundings</li>
</ul>
<p>Creating a safe and loving home for a previously owned dog could bring endless amounts of pleasure to your family.</p>
<p>If you are unsure if re homing is the right decision for you, why not visit your local centre and speak to a member of their team?</p>
<p>This article was written by Sophie Baker-Britton on behalf of Debenhams <strong>pet insurance</strong>, for a policy that gives peace of mind to many pet owners.</p>
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		<title>Seven Budget Tips to Help Keep Your Dog&#8217;s Healthcare Costs at Bay</title>
		<link>http://dogswithallergies.org/guest-posts/seven-budget-tips-to-help-keep-your-dogs-healthcare-costs-at-bay/</link>
		<comments>http://dogswithallergies.org/guest-posts/seven-budget-tips-to-help-keep-your-dogs-healthcare-costs-at-bay/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2011 22:40:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wwwdogs</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guest Posts.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dogswithallergies.org/?p=211</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Having a dog is great, but pets, especially dogs, can seriously add to your budget. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can save on your dog&#8217;s healthcare costs just by being smart about your spending and your budgeting. Here&#8217;s what you need to know: 1.       Budget for your animal&#8217;s diet It might seem like [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Having a dog is great, but pets, especially dogs, can seriously add to your budget. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can save on your dog&#8217;s healthcare costs just by being smart about your spending and your budgeting. Here&#8217;s what you need to know:<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>1.       </strong><strong>Budget for your animal&#8217;s diet</strong></p>
<p>It might seem like a good budget move to buy your pet the cheapest possible bulk food on the market, but this might not be a great idea. You don&#8217;t necessarily need to go with the most expensive option out there just because it&#8217;s the most expensive, but you do need to feed your dog high-quality food. Ask your vet for recommendations on the best pet food and on special needs your pet might have. For instance, paying a little more for puppy food or senior adult food for dogs of a certain age might actually help keep your dog healthier, which can mean healthcare costs less in the long run.<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>2.       </strong><strong>Exercise your pet frequently</strong></p>
<p>This isn&#8217;t really a budget tip; it&#8217;s more of a budgeting your time tip. Make time to ensure that your dog regularly gets exercise, and he&#8217;ll have fewer health problems down the road. Just like with people, pets that are overweight or under-exercised will be more prone to all sorts of health problems – many of which can be expensive. It might be cheaper to hire a dog walker when you&#8217;re super busy than it is to pay for these expensive conditions down the road!<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>3.       </strong><strong>Compare and contrast</strong></p>
<p>If we&#8217;ve learned anything from our currently high healthcare costs, we&#8217;ve learned that comparison shopping can help us save on human healthcare. However, comparison shopping can also save you on veterinary care. Check out several vets in your area to get quotes on basic services before you take your pet to any one vet, assuming that all pricing will be the same.<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>4.       </strong><strong>Check out your local animal shelter</strong></p>
<p>Most local animal shelters these days have websites where they list information for their own low-cost clinics or nearby clinics that offer lower-cost services. Often times, you can get low-cost vaccinations and spay and neuter services. They&#8217;re performed by certified veterinarians, but these non-profit organizations seek to keep costs as low as possible, and they often succeed in offering the best prices around town. If you&#8217;re concerned about the quality of care at these clinics, talk to others who have used them. You&#8217;re likely to find that low-cost clinics offer the same quality of pet care you&#8217;ll get elsewhere.<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>5.       </strong><strong>Budget for basic care</strong></p>
<p>Figure out what your dog&#8217;s basic care is going to cost over the course of a year, and then save up for it or check out plans through nationwide veterinary services like Banfield Pet Hospital, which is associated with PetsMart. Monthly plans that you pay into or self-made plans where you just save up a little each month for your pet&#8217;s basic care can help you prepare for the costs of annual immunizations as well as six-month checkups and tests that can help catch problems early on so keeping your pet healthy is cheaper.<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>6.       </strong><strong>Look into pet insurance</strong></p>
<p>Pet insurance is actually surprisingly affordable, and it can seriously offset the costs of an accident or emergency surgery. Many pets have to be rushed to the vet hospital for a serious problem at some point in their lives, and visits like these can cost hundreds or thousands of others. Look at different pet health insurance plans, and opt for a high-deductible plan that could save you from paying more than a couple hundred dollars out of pocket if your pet needs surgery or emergency care.<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>7.       </strong><strong>Set aside an emergency credit card</strong></p>
<p>It&#8217;s a good idea to have some form of emergency fund in place for your pet. If you have insurance, then you need to have at least your deductible saved up. If not, then you should plan to save a couple thousand dollars for emergency dog care. If you can&#8217;t save up the money right away, Ashyia Hill from CreditDonkey says, consider applying for an <a href="http://www.creditdonkey.com/">emergency credit card</a> that you&#8217;ll set aside just for this purpose. That way, you&#8217;ll have a way to pay without maxing out your other credit cards if you need to pay big for dog healthcare costs.</p>
<p>These seven tips when used regularly can help you save big on your dog&#8217;s healthcare costs. The biggest thing is to make sure you can afford to keep your pet healthy and happy for the entire length of his life.</p>
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		<title>Dog Food Recipes for Dogs with Allergies.</title>
		<link>http://dogswithallergies.org/wellness-dog-food/dog-food-recipes-for-dogs-with-allergies/</link>
		<comments>http://dogswithallergies.org/wellness-dog-food/dog-food-recipes-for-dogs-with-allergies/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:42:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wwwdogs</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Wellness Dog Food.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://dogswithallergies.org/?p=205</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Dog Food Recipes for Dogs with Allergies Dogs with allergies need special consideration and part of that is a change in diet. This can be easily accomplished by a simple search for dog food recipes for dogs with allergies. Dogs that have allergies in the large part have a serious sensitivity to commercially prepared food, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>Dog Food Recipes for Dogs with Allergies</h1>
<p>Dogs with allergies need special consideration and part of that is a change in diet. This can be easily accomplished by a simple search for <b>dog food recipes for dogs with allergies</b>.</p>
<p>Dogs that have allergies in the large part have a serious sensitivity to commercially prepared food, which is the food that is generally available for a fairly low cost in your local supermarket.</p>
<p>Although commercially prepared dog food may be convenient, there is actually very little that the manufacturers take into consideration when it comes to your dog’s health and need for a nutritious food.</p>
<h2>Dog food recipes for dogs with allergies tend to be a more healthy choice for several reasons.</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>The ingredients that are used in these recipes are usually whole or fresh foods, or foods, lean meats and broths for flavoring. There are no added preservatives or fillers. Fillers are added to commercially prepared dog food to increase their bulk and weight, but provide absolutely no nutritional value whatsoever.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>You can control exactly what goes into <i>dog food recipes for dogs with allergies</i> by choosing the recipes that you deem appropriate.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Large batches of these recipes can be prepared and then divided into individual serving sizes which can be frozen for future use.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Many dog owners find that dog food recipes for dogs with allergies are readily available in many popular sources.</h3>
<p>You may go to your local bookstore and purchase a book, download one online or even find recipes for free. The recipes in themselves are great; however, you will need to supplement the food by adding minerals and vitamins to ensure that your dog is getting all of the nutritional value that he requires daily.</p>
<p>There are many ways to prepare <u>dog food recipes for dogs with allergies</u>.</p>
<p>The best thing to keep in mind is that you want to prepare large quantities of the recipe as mentioned earlier, so that you do not have to prepare it repeatedly throughout the week. You may wish to prepare enough for several weeks, and you also may wish to prepare more than one recipe to give your dog some variety.</p>
<p>Eating the same thing day in and day out can become very mundane, as you are probably quite aware. In addition, if you are supplementing, be sure to keep the vitamins and minerals separate from the recipe, adding it in only at the last moment in order to ensure optimum benefit from a fresh supplement.</p>
<p>Once you stop feeding your dog a commercially available food and begin feeding him a restaurant quality home recipe dog food (restaurant quality when compared to the garbage available for purchase in a bag). You will begin to notice many changes for the better.</p>
<p>Your dog will probably stop scratching, hot spots and <a href="http://dogswithallergies.org/symptoms-of-dog-allergies/dog-skin-irritation">dog skin irritation</a> will disappear, there will be no more paw licking and his skin will begin to become less dry. Your dog deserves to be healthy and happy and you have a responsibility to feed him as best as you can, while also ensuring he is receiving the proper nutrition.</p>
<p>Following dog food recipes for dogs with allergies is a simple and cost effective method of enhancing your pet’s general well being.</p>
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