byAlma Abell

Could your dog or cat have allergies? Pets don’t have the same allergic reactions that humans do, although they can be allergic to many of the same things. When a dog starts licking and chewing on his feet in the fall, it might be a ragweed allergy. In the spring, constant licking and rubbing might indicate a pollen allergy. A pet who spends most of their time in the house could develop an allergy to dust mites. Food allergies are quite common. As pets get older, the symptoms may worsen.

Allergy Symptoms

It’s fairly common for pet lovers to mistake their pet’s constant chewing or scratching for something else. If the allergy isn’t diagnosed, then treating only the symptom will not bring a permanent cure. Successfully managing a pet’s allergy can be frustrating.

Common allergy symptoms include:

1. Chewing and licking the feet, side or groin area;2. Face rubbing;3. Constant itching and possible hair loss;4. Chronic ear infections;5. Tiny facial scabs on cats or hot spots on dogs;6. Respiratory problems and wheezing, especially in cats.

Diagnosing Allergies

The veterinarian may be able to diagnose the probable

allergen after conducting a physical exam and taking a complete history. If not, the next pet medical treatment in Alexandria VA would be a skin test similar to the skin tests that are used to diagnose allergies in humans.

If a food allergy is suspected, the vet weeks, individual foods can be added one at a time until the one(s) causing the allergic symptoms has been identified. One indication of a possible food allergy would be skin infections that respond well to antibiotics, but then return when the treatment has ended.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the allergen. Removing it from the pet’s environment may be necessary. Weekly bathing with prescription shampoos can alleviate itching. Some dogs benefit from allergy injections or other pet medical treatment in Alexandria VA. An epi-pen may be prescribed if a pet has had a severe allergic reaction.

The Hayfield Animal Hospital offers preventive care, dental care, grooming, surgical procedures and diagnostics. Whatever your pet’s problem, including allergies, they understand how important your pet is to you. Visit their website at hayfieldanimalhospital.com to learn more.

byAlma Abell

A dog bite is often not a serious injury, but even with a small dog significant damage can occur. In extreme cases of dog attacks substantial injury that has long term health risks and requirement of ongoing treatment or therapy can be a very real possibility. Instead of trying to resolve the issue yourself, contact a dog bite attorney in Lincoln NE and get them working for you right from the start.

Insurance Coverage

Most dog owners do not have insurance that covers the injury or damage that can occur if their dog bites someone and there is a significant claim. However, even if there is a small claim that the homeowner insurance will cover, the insurance company going to do everything in their power to avoid paying the maximum amount you request and can prove through a settlement.

Your dog bite attorney in Lincoln, NE will be able to inform you of your options for settlement and what is reasonable given the injuries you have sustained. These injuries can include both physical and psychological damage due to the bite or attack. Without an attorney on your side your chances of collecting for anything but provable medical expenses can be very difficult.

What You Should Do

Your dog bite attorney in Lincoln, NE will outline for you what types of claims you can make. In all cases you must be able to prove that the dog bite occurred. This starts with documenting the incident, gathering information from witnesses, informing the dog owner of the bite and seeking medical attention if there is any damage or injury.

In addition you should also make a police report and usually you will be interviewed to determine if the dog is a danger. In some areas this interview may include working with the Animal Control Officer.

In some cases the dog owner may agree to pay your medical bills, out of pocket expenses and other fees you may have incurred. Your dog bite attorney in Lincoln, NE will be able to assist in this type of settlement, usually through direct negotiation or mediation, as an alternative to a lengthy court process.