Last Updated on June 27, 2024 by Dogs Vets

Dogs are great company for humans, offering companionship a range of life-enriching benefits including reduced stress, improved sleep and increased opportunities to spend more time outside.

However, in some cases their impact on health might be less than ideal. While dogs can be lots of fun, being allergic to them certainly isn’t, but is it possible to have allergies and still own a dog?

Designer Doodles

Recent years have seen an increase in demand for a mix of one pedigree breed with a poodle to create a “doodle”. One example is labradoodles or the St Bernard/poodles at Bernedoodle puppies PA; breeds often thought to be hypoallergenic due to reduced shedding.

Unfortunately sometimes allergic pet owners adopt or purchase “hypoallergenic” breeds, only to find that their allergies are no better. To avoid situations such as these, it’s important to first understand how allergies operate, and what the term “hypoallergenic” really means.

What Is a Hypoallergenic Dog?

The commonly misinterpreted term “hypoallergenic” indicates fewer allergens rather than their complete absence, so while some hypoallergenic breeds can be less triggering, no dog is completely allergen-free.

Another misconception relates to shedding: while some consider fur to be the main source of allergies, it’s what’s underneath that matters most: even in hairless breeds, certain proteins found in the saliva and urine of dogs can stick to dander (dead skin cells), causing allergies.

Reducing Your Risk

Some research suggests those exposed to dogs from childhood may have a reduced risk of developing asthma. Unfortunately if have existing allergies, a furry friend won’t “cure” them – although there are ways to manage your symptoms:

• Opting for a smaller dog (less “surface area”; less dander)
• Brushing your dog outside
• Using hard floors instead of carpets
• Using a HEPA vacuum
• Ventilation, air purifiers and filters
• Regularly changing your HVAC filter
• Allocating “dog-free zones” in the house, if possible
• Regular hand-washing after petting your dog
• Training your dog to not lick you

Some suggest giving your dog weekly baths. However, this risks stripping your dog’s coat of natural oils, which can lead to itching and discomfort. Others may suggest keeping your dog outside, but even with adequate shelter, dogs are still pack animals who need company to feel safe.

Allergy Testing

To determine whether you can live with a dog in your home, your first step is to take an allergic sensitisation test. Up to 80% of people have multiple allergies happening at once, so it’s possible that reducing one of these could help lower the risk of an allergic reaction to a pet.

In addition to standard blood and skin-prick tests, allergen component testing can provide more nuanced details about allergies, for instance a reaction specifically to can f 5 (found in unneutered male dogs), or reduced reactions to certain breeds after 15 to 20 minutes’ exposure.

Treatments

In addition to allergen testing and environmental controls around the home, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers or immunotherapy, which while lengthy (three to five years on average) can help to lower allergic reactivity.

Ultimately while there is no such thing as a 100% allergen-free dog, there are ways to help reduce the risk of allergies. With some careful research and planning, dog ownership may still be possible, even if it involves the odd sneeze or sniffle.

Fact Check

We strive to provide the latest valuable information for pet lovers with accuracy and fairness. If you would like to add to this post or advertise with us, don’t hesitate to reach us. If you see something that doesn’t look right, contact us!

Last Updated on June 21, 2024 by Dogs Vets

An emotional support animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefits to individuals who suffer from a mental or emotional disability. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not require any specialized training and are not limited to specific tasks. Instead, they provide comfort, emotional support, and companionship to their owners.

If you have a dog that provides you with emotional support, registering them as an ESA is quite simple; all you have to do is get an official ESA letter through a service like Wellness Wag. With nearly 200,000 animals registered, we’re here to walk you through five of the most essential benefits of having one.

1. Companionship

Just like any pet, ESAs provide valuable companionship to their owners. However, the impact of this is even more profound for those with physical or mental disabilities. For example:

• Individuals with anxiety disorders feel more at ease and secure when they have their ESA by their side.
• People who suffer from depression find comfort in the unconditional love and affection that their ESA provides.
• Older individuals or those with mobility issues may benefit from having a dog to provide physical and emotional support.

Not to mention, having a close bond with an animal can provide a sense of purpose and help individuals feel less lonely and isolated.

2. They positively impact physical and mental health

A recent study led by Dr. Janet Hoy-Gerlach at the University of Toledo provides empirical evidence that emotional support animals (ESAs) can significantly benefit individuals with serious mental illnesses. The study followed participants paired with shelter dogs or cats and found notable reductions in depression, anxiety, and loneliness after a 12-month period.

Researchers also observed increased levels of the bonding hormone oxytocin and decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol following interactions with the ESAs, suggesting biological benefits alongside emotional ones.

A survey by CertaPet supports these findings, indicating that individuals with ESAs report increased motivation, reduced anxiety, and fewer panic attacks. The survey also highlighted that ESAs can aid those suffering from conditions such as PTSD, phobias, and social anxiety​.

3. Waive expensive housing fees for your pets

If you have an official recommendation for your pet from a licensed medical or mental health professional, you can qualify for exemptions and waivers from pet fees charged in housing situations. This benefit is outlined in the Fair Housing Act (FHA).

To qualify, you’ll have to prove that your ESA provides emotional support and alleviates symptoms of your disability. In this situation, registering your dog can save you a considerable amount of money.

4. They give you a routine

If you’ve been looking for something that can help you stick to a set schedule, a dog can be your new best friend! Dogs need regular walks, feeding times, and play sessions, which can help you structure your days and keep you accountable. Having a routine can help individuals with mental health conditions establish stability and feel more in control of their lives.

5. You only have to do it once

ESA registration lasts for the animal’s entire lifetime. Once you register your dog, they will be recognized as an ESA with no expiration date. However, you should still double-check before traveling or moving with your ESA to a different state, as ESA laws vary from state to state.

Endnote

Overall, registering your dog as an ESA can bring numerous benefits and provide you with a sense of comfort, especially if you suffer from a disability. Whether it’s through companionship, improved mental and physical health, waived pet fees, or a structured routine, having an ESA can greatly improve your quality of life.

Fact Check

We strive to provide the latest valuable information for pet lovers with accuracy and fairness. If you would like to add to this post or advertise with us, don’t hesitate to reach us. If you see something that doesn’t look right, contact us!

Last Updated on June 13, 2024 by Dogs Vets

Dogs are often referred to as a man’s most loyal friend. They bring you joy in ways no one else can. But how do we take care of them? What to feed them? How to calm a restless dog at night? These are some very common questions that dog parents often have. 

Well, there are multiple ways to help your dog overcome its restlessness. These include making it exercise, giving it a little treat, massaging its back, and giving it CBD.

Understanding how to calm your dog down is vital, especially at night. These simple methods can greatly improve your pet’s mental health. 

Why Do Dogs Get Restless?

There can be multiple reasons why your dog might feel this emotion, especially at night. 

Your dog may be feeling some sort of fear. It is very important for a pet to feel that he or she is in a safe environment and can go to sleep without any worries. This generally happens if your dog recently had a scary encounter.

Often, dogs are seen panting only to cool themselves down a bit. So, the temperature at which your pet is located also determines its restlessness. But this painting can sometimes signify something more serious than mere heat.

Another reason your dog might feel restless is boredom or uncomfortable aches. 

Calming your dog down cannot always be easy. Are you not sure how to calm a restless dog at night? Don’t worry; we have you covered!

CBD for pets by Weedness offers high-quality CBD oils to enhance your pet’s well-being. Benefits include reduced stress, improved joint function, and overall health. Suitable for dogs and cats, these oils are easy to administer and can be mixed with food. Consult a vet for proper dosage.

There are other ways to tackle this issue; let’s discuss them: 

Give a Treat

Treats are always a dog’s best friend. A bedtime snack is always a good option. These small chunks are what make them happy and wiggle their tail.

Your pet will look forward to a snack before bed every night. But don’t try to overcompensate with these treats. Make sure to give them a limit. Your pet should continue valuing those snacks.

Safe Sleeping Environment

Your dog might get anxious at night because it feels unsafe in bed. Your dog must have a fixed place to sleep every night, and a change of bed or room all the time can lead to anxiety for pets. 

Be around your dog as they sleep; this makes them feel safe. It also affects their sleeping pattern, which has a direct impact on their restlessness.

Exercise

Being physically active and exercising is as important for dogs as it is for any other human. Your dog must be active during the day to drain their energy and be tired and lazy by the night. 

Take them for regular walks, play with them, and make them play with their toys!

Be Around Your Pet

As pet parents, you must ensure your dog is not alone for too long at a stretch. This way, they end up feeling lonely and might develop separation anxiety. 

When you are around them, they feel safe; they know that no harm can be caused. Be around them as they sleep at night. You can simply set their bed up in the same room as yours, making them feel comfortable and safe. 

Massage

Do you love massages? Are they hug stress relievers for you? Well, dogs have more similarities to humans than you can imagine. They love getting massages as much as you do. Massages play a major role in helping them get over their restless emotions. 

Even a ten-minute massage before bed can do wonders for them. Start with the neck and then find your way down.

Make sure to remember that ling strokes are their favorite!

Bathroom Before Bed

A dog might feel extremely anxious if it doesn’t go to the bathroom before bed. Hence, before it starts feeling like it has to go out, you should ensure it already does that before bed. 

This helps them sleep faster and avoid bad dreams.

Same Routine

A regular change in your dog’s routine can be a huge reason for his or her restlessness. Try to keep the dog’s meal timing, bathroom time, and playtime the same every day. Regularly changing the dog’s schedule makes each day unpredictable.

Sticking to the same routine will help them get used to it and know what’s to come next. They should also know their sleep time in advance to avoid nighttime restlessness.

Medication

If none of these methods work well for your dog, you might want to consult a vet. Dogs can sometimes develop anxiety issues like humans, which might have to be treated medically. 

Your vet might prescribe the pet a medication that has to be given every night before bed. 

But, this is generally for older dogs or dogs with specially-abled dogs. Or, it could be because your dog is feeling some physical pain, for which, again, you might have to consult the vet and start your pet’s medication.

FAQs

Why is my dog restless at night all of a sudden?

There can be multiple reasons why your dog might be feeling restless at night. They could be scared of something, have had a bad dream, or be sick. 

How do I get my dog to stop pacing at night?

The best way to do this is to have a similar routine for the dog every day. Get them used to it so they know what’s next. They should know when they are up for a walk or bedtime.

Why is my dog not comfortable at night?

The most common reasons why a dog might not feel comfortable at night are anxiety, restlessness, dementia, joint pain, etc.

What time should dogs go to bed?

There is no hard and fast rule about when a dog should go to bed. However, it has a similar day pattern, which is more important. Generally, pet owners get their dogs to sleep between 9 p.m. and midnight.

Conclusion

Dogs are as much living creatures as humans are. They face similar emotions as you do. It is very common for dogs to get restless during the night time. Hence, learning to calm a restless dog at night is vital for pet parents. It can be done easily by simply giving them extra time during the night. 

However, they might only need medical aid to control their restless behavior under certain special circumstances. It is usually nothing to worry about, but it is always good to take precautions.

Fact Check

We strive to provide the latest valuable information for pet lovers with accuracy and fairness. If you would like to add to this post or advertise with us, don’t hesitate to reach us. If you see something that doesn’t look right, contact us!