Is Your Dog Allergic to Flea Bites?

Studies have shown that there are around 15 antigens in the saliva of any flea. Any one of those can cause an allergic response to any sensitive dog out there. It does not really matter if flea control is a lot easier nowadays since flea bite allergies can still be a huge problem for any dog owner. To make it even worse, as soon as your dog develops one allergy you will have to fight it over and over again as he/she will always be allergic.

All dogs that have flea allergies will scratch frequently and bite themselves at the base of their tails. You might also notice a thinning or loss of hair right above the base of the tail. Look out for flea dirt or even fleas on your pet. If moistened the flea dirt will turn into a red color when dissolving due to it being mostly digested blood. This is how you can recognize flea dirt and keep in mind that dogs that are severely affected might even itch over their entire bodies, show hair loss and red inflamed skin. Most hot spots are actually a result of flea bite allergies.

Keep in mind everything noted above and you clearly realize that the diagnosis of dog allergy caused by flea bites is possible through the presence of fleas, the visual signs mentioned or through intradermal skin testing. The good news is that flea bite allergies are not so difficult to take care of. The best solution would be to avoid the fleas getting in contact with your dog. This means that you should always use a tick and flea shampoo and make sure that you also have at hand products that will help your pooch to soothe irritated, itchy skin. Monthly treatments are also available.

Akita Dog Breed Facts

The Akita dog breed is characterized as a very devoted and dignified race. It is quite powerful and protective and is perfect as a watchdog. The dog's temperament is independent and even strong willed although training is possible even if a little difficult. We are talking about a dog that loves to play in a colder climate even if his exercise needs are not that high. Akita dogs sometimes can be aggressive towards other dogs and smaller animals. The good news is that this dog breed is usually perfect with children inside a house. Keep in mind that they can become protective if other children are around and strangers approach the kid. Akita dogs can be difficult to train and due to its headstrong personality we recommend that you only take one in if you have some experience as a dog owner. It is not a cuddly dog but is loyal and can become destructive if he gets bored.

Talking about how the Akita Dog looks like you need to know that it comes at a height between 24 nd 28 inches and weighs around 80 pounds. Akita has a straight and harsh coat combined with a denser undercoat. Several colors are available including white, silver, brindle, red and fawn. Blazes or masks are sometimes present although not characteristic for all Akita dogs. There is not a need for for constant grooming although weekly care is recommended and the dog can be quite a heavy seasonal shedder. If you have allergies you should look after another dog breed. Grooming the Akita dog needs to be done once per week so that the coating stays of high quality. Extra grooming is recommended during the seasonal shedding moments mentioned above.

Akita dogs should live around 10 to 13 years and as any dog breed it can have some health problems that you should look out for. We can basically talk about cancer, lupus, thyroid related problems, luxating patella, skin conditions, autoimmune problems, vWD and PRA.

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Afghan Hound Dog Breed Info

The Afghan Hound can be described as a sighthound with an aristocratic bearing. It stands in as a slender and tall dog with a refined, narrow, long head, strong jaws and silky topknot together with a prominent occiput. This breed is characterized by a black nose and a slightly convex muzzle. Its eyes are almond shaped and dark and its ears come flat on the head. Afghan Hounds have strong, long necks and prominent hipbones. The legs are also strong and straight. This breed's coating is silky, rich and long and the color that is characteristic is sand with darker ear fringes and face, although any color is allowed except white markings.

Afghan Hound Temperament

The Afghan Hound dog breed is characterized as being loyal, sensitive, affectionate, a little aloof and with low dominance level. Afghan Hound dog training needs to be kind. We are basically talking about an elegant, noble and courageus dog that is not hostile towards strangers but is suspicious of them. This dog breed requires attention and will handle itself well with considerate, older kids. We recommend that you pay attention to proper training because the Afghan Hound can be disobedient if not trained well and it is a dog breed that is hard to housebreak. Variations in temperament are also possible as some dogs are timid and high strung if not receiving enough exercise while others not.

Health Problems and Living Conditions

The Afghan Hound dog breed is renowned as a healthy one with a low pain tolerance. This basically means that it will suffer even at a minor injury. We do not recommend the dog for apartment life as indoor environments make the dog uneasy and they will not be active. This dog breed is happy to sleep indoors but should live outdoors.

Afghan Hound Grooming

The Afghan Hound's thick, long coat immediately brings in the need of constant attention. The dog needs to have a bath at least once per week and it is not recommended for you to brush in-between boats. This is done in order to keep the coat shiny and loang and brushing a dry coat will damage it easily. Some owners will not go for weekly baths as the dog is just a pet and not for showing. This will make its coat less matted. The Afghan Hound is an average shedder.

Havachon Dog Breed Info

The Havachon dog breed is not a purebred as it is a cross between the Havanese and the Bichon Frise. As with any mixed breed you will need to learn about both the Bichon Frise and the Havanese if you are looking to see the temperament of the Havachon due to the fact that any mix in characteristics can appear. The American Canine Hybrid Club does recognize the Havachon mixed dog breed. A lot of dog breeders are breeding multi generation crosses and not all designer Havachon hybrid dogs are currently bred at a 50 to 50 percent purebred rate.

A lot of individuals consider hybrid dogs healthier because of the gene pool mix and this is the case with the Havachon as well. Most breeders are thinking about the heteroses effect combined with hybrid vigor. Other breeders will disagree with this because there is a focus on the genetic defects that can be transmitted from one generation to the other. No matter the case, the dog is important here and the Havachon is definitely a delightful small dog breed that is full of live and love to give to its masters.