We all love our pets, but millions of owners suffer from allergies caused by their companions. While pet allergies are best treated through avoidance, modern medicine, plus a little hard work, can make living a comfortable life with your pet possible if you have mild to moderate symptoms.   Most people blame dog or cat hair for their allergies, but animal hair is not an allergen on its own. Rather, the proteins found in pets’ dander, saliva or urine trigger allergic reactions when people come into contact with them. To make matters worse, pets’ coats can collect pollen, mold and other allergens that affect millions of people. Symptoms often include a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and constricted breathing, but these can be signs of an allergic reaction to something other than to your pet. The first step towards treating a pet allergy, then, is establishing that you are, in fact, allergic to your pet. This can be done through allergy testing, during which a professional allergist injects a small amount of test allergens into your skin to identify the specific substances triggering symptoms. If Fluffy or Fido is the source of your allergy, there are several ways to manage symptoms without saying “goodbye" to your companion:   1. Re-organize your home to include designated “pet-free” zones where allergen levels are reduced. Keeping your pet away from your bedroom, home office and other spaces where you spend a lot of time can greatly reduce symptoms, as can teaching him to stay off the furniture.   2. Invest in hypoallergenic bedding and an air purifier that reduces airborne allergens.   3. Bathe your pet about twice a week help reduce dust, pollen and other allergens caught in your his coat.   4. Clean your home regularly: Change air filters, vacuum and wash bedding—including your pet’s bedding—more often.   5. Given the option, choose hardwood or tile floors over allergen-catching carpets. Choose furniture that is less prone to collecting allergens.   After making changes to the environment around you, you can turn to modern medicine for more help managing pet allergies. Over-the-counter medications such as Claritin, Benadryl or Zyrtec can relieve mild allergies symptoms such as itchy eyes or congestion, and prescription medicine can also help. Unfortunately, these medications won’t alleviate asthma-related symptoms: Only environmental factors can help. Some animal lovers also take allergy shots, known as immunotherapy, to get long-term relief from their symptoms. This involves injecting a very small dose of a known allergen into the body, gradually increasing a person’s tolerance to that allergen. Immunotherapy has been shown to provide effective and long-lasting relief from allergy symptoms in some cases, but requires patience: It may take almost a year of weekly injections before you can switch to a monthly maintenance dose, and several years after that before you can stop the shots altogether.   Living with an animal when you have pet allergies requires extra work, but it’s often possible to maintain a comfortable life without giving up your pet’s company.

Spring is the season for new growth and with it comes runny noses, itchy eyes and a host of other symptoms of seasonal allergies. Humans aren’t the only ones who suffer seasonally, however: Many of our pets are also allergic to pollen, mold and other common allergens. What many animal lovers don't realize is that dogs and cats have different reactions to the same things we’re allergic to. There are four main types of allergens that affect our pets. Depending on what type of allergy your pet has, he will display different symptoms. While some dogs and cats have watery eyes and sneezing fits, the most common reaction to allergies is itching in our furry friends. Incessant scratching can lead to open sores, hair loss and infected wounds if the underlying cause is not addressed— meaning knowing the signs of allergies and finding the right cure crucial to your pet’s wellbeing. Environmental allergens that pets inhale or cause problems when they come into contact with the skin are known as atopy and include pollen, mold spores and dust mites. Another common seasonal ailment is flea allergy dermatitis, a reaction some animals have to the saliva in fleabites. Though pets can also experience food allergies and contact allergies caused by plastics, carpet fibers and other substances, these are less common and less seasonal. Atopy symptoms range from gnawing at the feet to constant licking of the side and groin; incessant face rubbing; inflamed ears or chronic ear infections; lesions, hotspots or scabbing; and asthma-like wheezing and other respiratory problems. Red or inflamed skin and hair loss caused by itching, scratching, biting and chewing are telltale signs your pet is suffering from seasonal allergies. Because fleas are out in force during the warmer months of the year, flea allergy dermatitis can be a seasonal problem, too, indicated by itchy spots and red bumps. If your dog or cat shows any of these symptoms and you suspect he is suffering from seasonal allergies, visit your veterinarian. Based on the type of allergy and severity of systems, your vet will suggest different treatments for your pet. Some animals respond to antihistamines, which you should only give with your veterinarian’s guidance. Pets suffering from extreme itching and discomfort may need steroids to provide fast relief. If your dog or cat has a secondary skin infection, he may also require antibiotics. An intradermal skin test, which injects a small amount of test allergens into your pet’s skin, can help pinpoint the problem of moderate to severe allergies and may allow your vet to create a specialized serum or immunotherapy shot for your companion. At home, try avoiding known allergens, or wiping your pet down or bathing him regularly of you cannot avoid the offending substances.

Tails serve many practical purposes for our canine companions, from giving them better balance while running to spreading their unique scent to other dogs nearby. Tails are also one of our pets’ key ways of communicating, letting others know when they’re feeling nervous, excited or open to communication. By watching your dog’s wag, then, you can better understand how he’s feeling and what he’s trying to say.   Dogs use their tails, face and body posture to communicate, making his tail one of your pet’s primary means of expressing his moods. In fact, studies have shown that dogs only wag their tails when they’re with company, making it a completely social activity. Watching a dog’s tail, how it’s positioned, whether it’s relaxed and how fast it’s moving can communicate crucial information. A tail held high usually signals enthusiasm, for example, and confident canines tend to hold their tails higher, allowing them to spread more of their scent. A dog holding his tail extremely high or wagging only the tip, however, is likely on high alert and you should avoid him or proceed with caution. Those with their tails low or between their legs are more timid or feeling nervous.   Similar to tail height, the speed of a dog’s wag can tell you a lot about his mood. A loose, relaxed wag generally means a pet is in good spirits. The “full body wag”—when a dog’s whole body is relaxed and sways with his tail’s sweeping motions—usually means a dog is ready for a friendly interaction. A tense, stiff wag indicates tension or hostility. Watch for the rate of a dog’s wag, too, as brisk tail wagging is generally a good signal, while slower motions can indicate your pet is feeling apprehensive or unfriendly.   Perhaps the most common misconception about dogs is that a wagging tail means a happy pet. While dogs certainly wag their tails when they’re happy, the gesture simply means an animal is paying attention and open to communication— not that he’s in a good spirits. Because it can be difficult to gauge a dog’s attitude just from his tail, watch the rest of his body to better understand how Fido is feeling. It’s worth noting that tail movements and their meanings vary from dog to dog and across breeds, making it important to get to know your pet and his unique body language. Dogs with docked tails have difficultly communicating with their canine peers, so you leave your dog’s tail unaltered so he can fully participate in social life.

We all love our dogs, but not necessarily their doggy smells. While some pets simply enjoy eating, romping or rolling in foul things, bad odors can also be a sign of serious health problems in your pet. Knowing the source of your dog’s bad smell, then, is important in ensuring your companion stays healthy.   Wet dogs certainly have a bad odor, but that’s completely normal. Tiny organisms, such as yeast and bacteria, live in your dog’s hair and adding water releases more of their smelly compounds. While wet-dog smell is common, there are skin conditions that can cause a foul odor to come from your pet’s skin. Dermatitis, a chronic condition associated with allergies, can cause inflammation and malodors, especially in breeds with wrinkled skin. To prevent infections, wash your pet regularly or use baby wipes to cleanse his skin folds.   Dog breath can also be a sign something’s wrong with your pet. While a smelly mouth makes sense if Fido has just feasted on rotten fish, bad breath that crops up out of nowhere or is long-lasting can be a sign your pet has an internal infection. Gum disease, tooth infections and cavities are obvious culprits, but kidney disease and diabetes can also cause bad breath. A pet with kidney failure will have breath with an ammonia-like odor, while those with diabetes are more likely to have a sweet, almost fruity aroma to their breath. If you dog has any of these symptoms, or you see red, swollen or bleeding gums, take him to the veterinarian immediately to diagnose the problem.   If your dog’s stench is emanating from the other end, he may simply have bad gas— but prolonged flatulence can also be a sign something’s wrong with your pet. If his gas persists, take your pet to the veterinarian to ensure his problems are not health- or diet-related. If he simply has a lingering odor, however, your pet may be suffering from impacted or infected anal sacs. The walls of these sacs are lined with glands and fill up with a foul-smelling substance, which is normally excreted when a dog uses the bathroom. When this system is compromised, it can lead to a horrible smell. Your veterinarian can examine your dog and manually expel the fluid from these sacs if he is suffering from gland-related problems.   If Fido is healthy, there are several ways to ensure he stays smelling fresh. Wash him regularly— about once a month, depending on the breed— and brush his coat when he’s shedding to remove odor-causing dead skin cells and hair. Invest in dry shampoo or use baby power between baths to help absorb any lingering odors to keep your pet smelling his best.

The American Humane Association estimates that more than 10 million cats and dogs are lost or stolen in the United States each year. Collars and tags can help reunite lost pets with their families, but even tagged animals can slip their collars or have tags too worn to read. More and more owners are turning to microchipping, then, to help locate lost pets.   A microchip is a small, glass cylinder injected just below a pet’s skin, often between the shoulder blades. The procedure takes just seconds and equips your four-legged friend with a chip the size of a grain of rice. Each chip holds a radio transmitter and tiny electronic device, which contain an animal’s unique ID number. When a lost pet is taken into a shelter, a scan reveals this chip, which allows workers to identify the animal and use a database to contact his owners.  At an average cost of just $45 from your local veterinarian, a microchip is an investment that will last your pet’s lifetime and greatly increases your chances of being reunited with a lost pet. A study of 53 animal shelters by the American Veterinary Medical Association found that only 22 percent of dogs entering the shelters were reunited with their owners— a number that jumped to 52 percent for microchipped dogs. Less than 2 percent of cats entering the shelters were reunited with their owners, but that number increased to more than 38 percent for microchipped felines.   Though microchipping saves many animals’ lives each year, there are a few risks associated with the chips. In very rare cases, veterinarians have inserted the chip in the wrong place or the chip migrated after it was implanted. While this is generally harmless, a few instances have caused infections or abscesses. There have also been rare cases where tumors developed near microchips, though it is unclear whether they were caused by the chips or not. Given the millions of animals that have had microchips inserted without incidence, the risk is extremely low. However, owners should weigh these risks against what could happen—including not being able to find their pets and potential euthanization in shelters—when deciding whether or not to microchip their pets.   While a microchip will last your pet’s lifetime, a chip is only as good as its registration. After equipping Fido or Kitty with a microchip, it’s important to submit your registration and keep your contact information up-to-date. This includes updating your address and telephone number any time they change so rescue workers can reach you. Discuss microchipping with your veterinarian to find out which chips are most commonly use in your area. Different companies sell different chips, so finding out which chips local shelters can scan—and which are most universally read—can increase your chances of being reunited with a lost pet. Keep traditional identification tags on pets with microchips, too, in case a scanner misses the chip or an individual without access to a microchip scanner finds your pet.

We all have a plan to keep our families safe when a hurricane, tornado or flood hits home, but making a plan for your pet is equally important when preparing for disaster. Thinking ahead not only helps keep you and your furry companion safe, but increases the chances you and your pet will be reunited if you’re separated during a disaster.   One of the best ways to prepare for an emergency is to ID your pet. Four-legged friends and their owners can be separated for any number of reasons during a disaster, and outfitting your pet proper identification can make a huge difference in your chances for reuniting. Microchips are a great way to do this, and cost only around $45 at your local veterinarian’s office. Collars with tags, including your current contact information, are also useful when it comes to finding a pet. Be sure to keep your pet’s microchip registration up-to-date and include emergency contact information for family or friends outside of your immediate area in case you cannot be reached.   After ensuring Fido or Kitty can be easily identified, finding a pet-friendly place to stay during evacuation is key to planning for an emergency. Look up out-of-area hotels that accept pets or pre-arrange to stay with a friend or relative who doesn’t mind sharing space with your furry friend. Never leave your dog or cat behind if you evacuate. If, however, you have to leave Fido or Kitty, ensure you have a Rescue Alert sticker placed somewhere easily visible on the outside of your house to alert rescue workers to watch out for your animal. The ASPCA provides these stickers free at https://secure.aspca.org/take-action/order-your-pet-safety-pack. Animals often sense impending danger before we do, so bring outdoor pets inside as soon as you know a storm will hit. This can stop your companion from running away and will ensure he stays safe throughout the storm. Stressed-out pets can act out of character, so separate your dogs from cats and any other pets, if possible. Create an emergency kit for each of your pets, including stocks of items such as food, fresh water, any medications your pet takes, a pet first aid kit, temporary ID tags and a carrier or leash for each animal. You may also want to keep a copy of your pet’s vaccination records and a photo of you with your pet in case you need to prove ownership or make “lost pet” fliers after the disaster. Experts recommend keeping enough stocks to last your pet one week in case of an emergency.   Make sure you talk to your neighbors and designate someone willing care for your dog or cat if you’re unable to do so yourself when disaster strikes. This person should have a key to your home and, ideally, be familiar with your pets. Remember, different areas are prone to different types of disasters, so research which are most likely to strike your home and plan accordingly for your and your four-legged friend.

Dogs are famous for chewing on rancid, rotten and otherwise offensive objects, and they aren’t shy about sharing their bad breath with humans. Sometimes, a toothbrush can fix the problem, but a foul mouth can also be a sign something is wrong. By learning the common causes behind bad breath, you can better recognize when Fido’s “dog breath” is a cause for concern.   Officially known as halitosis, bad breath can arise when your pet is facing dental issues such as gum disease, infections and tooth decay. One sure sign an oral issue is behind bad breath is gum inflammation, indicated by red, swollen or bleeding gums. Some issues, such as cavities, aren’t visible, but tartar buildup can be a good sign your dog is having dental problems. Mouth tumors can also cause a foul odor, as they often grow too fast for the body, causing dead areas to form and bacteria to take over. If you suspect Fido’s bad breath is a result of dental issues, arrange an appointment with your veterinarian.   Other medical issues can cause bad breath, too. Kidney disease or failure can cause an offensive odor, as the organ isn’t doing its job of eliminating waste products from the bloodstream. Look out for an ammonia-like smell, as well as changes in appetites, increases or decreases in drinking and urination, and other behavioral changes such as depression, which could indicate this is the problem. Diabetes can also cause strange breath, usually with a sweeter or fruity smell. Dogs can have bad breath due to sinus infections, which lead to mouth breathing, or gastrointestinal problems, often accompanied by changes in appetite, nausea or vomiting. Ingesting toxic substances can cause a foul mouth, too, and if you suspect Fido has found his way into something poisonous, you should call your veterinarian immediately for emergency care.   Sometimes, however, Fido’s foul mouth is simply the result something he ate. Feasting on fish bones or feces will obviously cause offensive breath, but even his regular dog food can cause your pet’s bad breath. If you think your dog’s dish is the source of his bad breath, talk to your veterinarian about other options for his food. Daily tooth brushing is key in keeping your pet’s breath fresh, too.   While bad breath isn’t always a medical emergency, knowing the signs can help you know when to take your pet to the vet. If your dog’s bad breath is accompanied by a sudden change in appetite, pawing at his face and mouth, or compulsive nose licking, call your veterinarian, as these and the symptoms listed above can indicate there’s something seriously wrong.

We’re all guilty of spoiling our dogs with a human snack every now and again, but some foods are best kept away from our canine companions. To help keep Fido fit and healthy, avoid these fruits and vegetables that are toxic to pets:   1. Grapes, raisins and currants: We may enjoy a healthy handful of grapes, but for our canine companions, this snack can be fatal even in small doses. Although experts don’t know why, grapes, raisins and any foods containing the two can cause severe kidney damage. Pet owners who are familiar with the dangers grapes may be surprised to learn that currants carry the same, life-threatening level of renal toxicity, too.   2. Cherries: While the flesh itself is safe for Fido to eat, cherry stems and pits are toxic to dogs. That’s no surprise, give that they contain cyanide, a deadly poison that deprives the body of oxygen and can lead to respiratory failure and even death.   3. Onions and garlic: Onions contain an ingredient called thiosulphate, which can cause damage to your dog’s red blood cells. Some experts say that garlic is even more toxic than onions, so avoid this pungent food, too.   4. Mushrooms: Only some species of mushroom are poisonous to humans, and the same goes for our pets. While some mushrooms are safe to feed Fido, you need to be 100 percent positive about what you’re feeding him, since other mushrooms can cause tremors, seizures, organ failure and even death.   5. Apricots: Like cherries, apricots contain toxic seeds and stems. While dogs can safely snack on the fruit’s flesh, the cyanide in the pits can cause respiratory failure and death in large enough doses, so be sure to peel Fido’s sweet treat before handing it over.   6. Raw or undercooked potatoes: Raw, green and unripe potatoes are toxic to dogs. If Fido scarfs down a bad batch, look out for nausea and vomiting, seizures and heart irregularities as they can contain solanine, a defensive poison found in the plant’s stems, leaves and skin that can damage your pet’s nervous system.   7. Rhubarb: A seemingly innocent ingredient in a classic pie, rhubarb contains xalate crystals in its leaves and stems that can deplete dogs’ calcium levels. In large enough doses, this can kidney failure and other symptoms such as drooling, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, tremors and bloody urine.   8. Apple seeds: Like other fruits, apple seeds contain cyanide. While Fido may have to eat quite a few to suffer any ill effects, it has been known to happen and is best to dispose of the core before feeding your dog any apple snacks.     If you know what your dog has eaten and he is displaying symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness or other ill effects, call your veterinarian immediately. You can also contact a Pet Poison Helpline after hours to find out the level of risk your dog is facing after eating something he shouldn’t have.

Every dog parent has watched with envy as a friend, neighbor or relative walks his canine companion seamlessly down the street. Good leash manners don’t come easily, however, and require patient and consistent training on your part.   Leash tugging can make walking your dog stressful, but good leash etiquette stretches beyond comfort. Pulling on the lead can cause your dog to accidentally break free from your grip, for example, not only toppling you into the pavement, but also putting your pet at risk of encountering cars, animals and other outdoor dangers. Walking side-by-side is a bond-building exercise, too, showing your dog is paying attention to you and making it easier to guide and direct him on walks.   To teach Fido to walk with you side-by-side, start with a big bag of treats. Food is a great motivator, after all, and a tasty reward will reinforce good behavior on the lead. Attach a long, 10- to 20-foot leash to your pet and take him to an open area where he will be free to roam to and from your side. Choose either your right or left side and feed your dog a reward at that hip. Then, take up a fast walk and continue to offer your pet a treat whenever he walks next to your chosen hip. Soon, your dog will associate your side with tasty treats and you will not need to feed him as often.   Once your dog has mastered staying by your side with some consistency, practice giving him the command to join you. Start by walking him on a long line in an open area. Wait until your dog is off on his own and then give him a command such as “let’s go.” When he catches up with you, reward him with a treat and praise on your preferred side. If he continues walking by your side, reward your pet with a treat every few steps. If, however, your dog doesn’t follow and the leash becomes taut, stop walking and gently apply pressure to remind him you’re there. When he does approach, praise him and release the pressure on the leash.    Once a dog responds to the “let’s go” command, you can switch to a shorter lead and practice changing walking speeds and directions. Continue to reward your pet when he stays by your side, gradually decreasing the frequency with which you give him treats. Eventually, you will be ready to take to the streets with your new, leash-savvy companion.   Remember, teaching a dog good leash manners takes patience as well as a hungry pet. If you’re having trouble with leash training, take a break and try another time when your dog is hungrier. In time, you’ll find you have a pet that walks faithfully by your side, not only making walks more enjoyable, but also allowing you to take more and longer jaunts with your canine companion.

Everyone has watched in wonder as a puppy turns circles in a frantic attempt to catch his own tail. This playful behavior comes naturally to our young canine companions, but obsessive tail chasing in adult dogs can be signal something is wrong.   Tail chasing— also known as whirling— is a common behavior among young dogs and other juvenile predators. Some experts believe this is because, unlike prey animals, predators don’t have to constantly worry about being hunted and so have more free time to engage in play. While this is healthy behavior among puppies, it can be a sign something’s wrong when whirling continues to excess in older dogs.   Like humans, our canine companions can develop compulsive disorders ranging from obsessive chewing or licking to constantly chasing their tails. These behaviors can arise for many reasons, from spending too much time indoors to past trauma and separation anxiety. If you believe your dog’s obsessive whirling is due to a psychological issue, you should seek help from a behavior specialist. Excessive tail chasing can arise for other reasons, too, though. It can be a sign your dog has fleas or worms, for example, which can agitate pets and lead to compulsive behavior. Your dog can cause serious damage or injury by biting his own tail, so it’s important to address these problems with your veterinarian’s help. Whirling isn’t always a serious symptom, however, and may simply be your dog’s way of getting your attention or alleviating boredom. Running in circles provides pets with a means of expelling excess energy and entertaining themselves. Tail chasing also tends to garner laughter from humans, so your dog may be engaging in his tail-chasing antics to get positive attention from his human companions.   Most whirling stops as puppies mature into adult dogs, so there is no need to worry if your youngster is often in pursuit of his own tail. If, however, your adult dog continues chasing his tail, you may want to discourage the behavior by distracting him with a toy, such as a ball or Frisbee, that he can also chase. This will help dispel the excess energy and boredom that often lead dogs to chase their tails. If you notice your dog continues compulsively chasing his tail, however, schedule a trip to the veterinarian’s office to determine the cause of the behavior. And remember, certain breeds such as German shepherds and terriers are genetically predisposed to chase their own tails more often than other breeds, so don’t be alarmed if your adult dog has a solo circle chase from time to time.