K9 Scratching, Itching and Licking, Oh MY!

In our last post, we revealed the plethora of health benefits of turmeric, “the golden spice” for your family K9.
This brand-new blog post is dedicated to a very common problem among dogs, namely allergies. Is your dog overly scratching, itching and licking themselves? It could be allergies.
Join us on a journey about the common allergies caused by many of today’s commercial dog treats and foods and
learn what you can do to protect your dog’s health.
ALLERGIES COME IN DIFFERENT FORMS
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are 3 specific types of allergic reactions in dogs:
Food Allergies: From grains (corn, wheat, rice, barley and oats), chicken, beef,

Skin Allergies: From fleas (specifically flea saliva), foods and environment
Environmental Allergies: From dust, pollen and mold; seasonal allergens, bee stings, vaccine, pharmaceutical or steroid reactions
Let’s take a closer look at the first allergy type which is food-related.
REMEMBER, EVERY INGREDIENT COUNTS
As we’ve said before, individual food ingredients either support good health or take a negative toll when consumed by our dogs, especially over the long-term.
Since our dogs (like most pets) are usually fed the same food/treats day-after-day, it’s important to understand the potential risk of cumulative exposure to possible allergens. In other words, after eating the same food over a number of years, a dog could suddenly become allergic to that food. (Dr. Susan Wynn, Expert on Holistic Pet Care and Former President of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association.)

When there is constant exposure to the same ingredient over a prolonged timeframe, these ingredients can cause inflammation in the intestines. This inflammatory reaction usually manifests in skin issues.
Dogs can also be allergic to more than one thing at the same time and allergies can develop at any age.
Food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances can also create gastrointestinal issues (gas, vomiting or diarrhea) along with:
- Hives and Hot Spots
- Head Shaking
- Swollen Paws
- Red, Itchy, Runny Eyes
- Red, Inflamed or Infected Skin
- Constant Itching and/or Licking
- Poor Skin/Coat and even Hair Loss
- Sneezing, Coughing or Nasal Discharge
- Chronic Ear and Foot Inflammation/Infections
- Facial, Throat, Lips, Eyelids and Earflap Swelling

Whatever the allergic symptoms, it’s critical and time-sensitive to identify – and address - the root cause with the help of your veterinarian. Allergies rarely resolve themselves and could potentially become a lifelong health issue or even life-threatening to your dog.
Dr. Grognet: How Allergenic is Your Dog’s Food?
SUSPECT FOOD ALLERGIES IN YOUR DOG? TRY THIS:
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Infographic: Click Here to Understand Allergies in Dogs and Their Treatments
The Dogs Love Kale Treats:
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ADDITIONAL READING
Dog Allergies: Symptoms and Treatmentwww.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-allergies-symptoms-treatment/
Help Your Dog Overcome These 3 Common Allergies
healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/09/15/help-your-dog-overcome-these-common-allergies.aspx
Saliva Testing Pins Down Your Dog’s Food Sensitivities
healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/07/26/a-great-tool-for-dogs-with-rumbling-tummy-gas-diarrhea-or-vomiting.aspx
Caring For a Dog with Food Allergies
pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/caring-for-a-dog-that-has-food-allergies#1
Food Allergies vs Seasonal Allergies in Dogs
www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/food-allergies-vs-seasonal-allergies-dog