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Product Review: Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Bites with EpiCor

The diagnosis of allergies in dogs is on the rise, which means more veterinary visits for pet owners.  Dogs with chronic allergies are more likely to suffer from repeat skin and ear infections, both of which can hinder a dog’s quality of life. Allergy treatments often have side effects such as sedation, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased itching and scratching.  For these reasons, dog owners frequently turn to natural allergy remedies to holistically solve the problem.  Here, Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Bites with EpiCor will be reviewed. Zesty Paws Allergy Chews Allergies can occur when the immune system is overreactive or under-supported.  Therefore, targeted immune system support can be very beneficial for dogs that suffer environmental, seasonal, food, or skin allergies. Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Bites contain colostrum, apple cider vinegar, and wild Alaskan salmon oil, all of which are common allergy fighting, natural ingredients.  Additional antioxidants control pollen and histamine...
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The Importance of Good Gut Health for your Dog

Increasing research has shown that good gut health is vitally important for all mammals.  Not only is the immune system housed in a dog’s gut, but healthy bacteria are responsible for emotional response, nutrient absorption, and digestion.  Here, everything a pet owner needs to know about a healthy gut and your pet will be discussed.  What Does Good Gut Health Mean? What does it mean to have a healthy gut in a dog?  The digestive system is filled with good and bad bacteria.  There are specific colonies of good bacteria, each with a specific job.  When those bacterial colonies are well-populated and balanced, the dog’s digestive and immune systems function properly.  However, when the bad bacteria outnumber the good, the dog can suffer many health consequences.   Signs of Poor Gut Health There are numerous signs that your dog’s gut health is not in tip-top shape.  These symptoms include: Allergies/itchy skin...
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Dog Allergies: Is Aqoquel Right for your Dog?

Constant itching, scratching, head shaking, and skin or ear infections are the norm for dogs with severe seasonal allergies.  Not only are these symptoms frustrating for dogs, but they can be aggravating for pet owners as well.  Many veterinarians are touting prescription Apoquel as a miracle cure for allergies.  What are the benefits and side effects of Apoquel, and is this solution right for you and your dog?  These questions, and more, will be discussed.  Photo by: www.lifeinthedoglane.com Allergies in Dogs Dogs experience many of the same allergies as humans, including grass, pollen, mold, weeds, dust mites, and even pet dander.  The main difference is how allergies manifest in dogs.  Instead of sneezing, watery eyes, and congestion, dogs experience a whole-body histamine release.  This reaction causes extreme itching, scratching, and yeast overgrowth.  There are many ways to minimize a dog’s reaction to allergens.  However, not all of them are feasible for...
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Is Your Dog Hydrated: What Dog Owners Need to Know about Hydration

This is not enough water for your dog Water is essential for good health, yet many dogs are chronically dehydrated.  Here, everything a dog owner needs to know about dehydration and dogs will be discussed.  Why is Hydration for Dogs Important? Adequate hydration is necessary for all mammals because it aids in nutrient transport and absorption, proper digestion and metabolism, and body temperature regulation.  Dogs that are dehydrated can suffer serious health problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, heat stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, seizures, and death.  How do Dogs Become Dehydrated? Unlike humans, dogs are unable to carry a water bottle with them for easy hydration throughout the day.  Instead, they must wait for times when cool, clean water is available (Amazon carries some nice dog water bottles that can be found here).  Additional factors that affect hydration include climate, body size and shape, coat condition, age, pre-existing health conditions,...
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Yard Mushrooms and your Dog – Know What to Look For

Throughout the spring, summer, and fall there are many types of mushrooms that naturally grow in backyards.  Although many mushrooms are harmless, there are certain varieties that can poison your pet.  Here, mushrooms that are dangerous to your dog will be discussed as well as what to do if your dog ingests a poisonous mushroom. Dangerous Yard Mushrooms There are four types of dangerous mushrooms.  Category A mushrooms are most toxic and destroy kidney and liver cells.  Category B and C mushrooms affect the nervous system and can cause symptoms such as hallucinations.  Category D mushrooms cause gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea.  Regardless of the type of mushroom your dog consumes, the most likely symptoms include: Vomiting Diarrhea Abdominal pain Disorientation Lethargy Weakness Jaundice Lack of coordination Excessive drooling Seizures Coma Fly Agaric (Amanita Muscaria) The Fly Agaric is common in wooded areas throughout North America.  This mushroom...
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Preparing for Flea and Tick Season

The change in seasons brings sunnier days, baseball games, and spring showers – all of which are welcome after a long, cold winter.  However, a downside to spring is that parasites, such as fleas and ticks, also reappear.  Protecting your dog from preventable disease is an important step in being a responsible dog owner.  Here, preparing for flea and tick season will be discussed. Flea and Tick Life Cycles Before we discuss how to prevent and treat flea and tick infestations, it is important to understand the individual life cycles of both these insects. Flea Life Cycle Fleas have four life stages during their life cycle, which is important because all four stages must be exterminated to rid an animal or home of an infestation.  The cycle begins with flea eggs, which are approximately 0.5 mm long and resemble a grain of white rice.  Fleas lay their eggs in the...
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Brilliant Dog Hacks for Every Owner

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If you have ever wished for a way to make dog ownership easier, you are not alone.  Here, we have compiled the best dog hacks and tips for owners available on the internet and social media. Baking Soda Dog Hacks Baking soda has many uses around the house, especially when it comes to removing odors.  Listed here are only some of the things you can do with baking soda! Cleaning Dog Bowls Food and water bowls develop a slimy buildup that can be harmful to pets when ingested.  However, if you do not own a dishwasher it might not always be feasible to wash bowls as often as is necessary.  To easily remove built-up gunk, soak the bowl in a mixture that contains 50% water and 50% vinegar, with a tablespoon of baking soda added.  Be careful not to overfill the bowl, as the baking soda can cause the solution...
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How To Go Camping With Your Dog

Camping with a pet is a favorite pastime for many people.  However, there is more to camping with your dog than simply showing up to a campground, dog in tow.  Here, everything you need to know about camping with your dog will be discussed.   Choosing a Campground The first step is to choose a campground.  Even though it seems obvious that dogs would be allowed at every camp site, you should always double check to ensure that rules have not changed.  Many state parks, for instance, do not allow four-legged friends.   After you have double checked that dogs are, in fact, allowed on-site, know the rules and regulations.  If you plan to allow your dog to join you for off-leash hikes, make sure dogs are allowed off-leash in that area.  No matter how well-behaved your dog, it is imperative that you follow the posted ordinances.   Finally, consider...
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Help! My Dog Ate _______! What Do I Do?

Dogs explore the world with their noses and mouths, which sometimes means they eat things they should not.  Here, a comprehensive list of common items that are frequently ingested by dogs, as well as what to do in each instance will be discussed. My Dog Drank Alcohol Dogs have a significantly lower body weight than humans and a vastly different metabolism, so even small amounts of alcohol can cause problems in your pet.  Lower-alcohol beverages, such as beer, are less likely to cause harm in your dog; however, hard liquor can be fatal even in small amounts.  Also note that certain pet products like dental sprays can contain a high amount of alcohol (listed as ethyl alcohol), which can become toxic if used in large quantities.  If your dog is experiencing signs of alcohol poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or coma you should call the ASPCA Poison...
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What To Do When Your Dog Has An Upset Stomach

Even though dogs can eat foods that would make most humans disastrously ill, they tend to develop digestive problems from time to time.  Vomiting, diarrhea, and loose stools are common for dogs.  In fact, even something as simple as a slight change to their dog food can invoke gastrointestinal distress.  Unless you suspect that your dog’s upset stomach is a symptom of poisoning or a severe illness, it is not necessary to take your dog to see a veterinarian when symptoms first arise.  Instead, there are a number of remedies that you can try at home when your dog has an upset stomach, which will be discussed here. Fasting The first course of action a pet owner should take when his or her dog has an upset stomach is to enforce a period of fasting.  Do not feed your dog for 8 – 12 hours (6 hours for a puppy), including...
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