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Pet Health Articles

Dogs

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Allergies in Dogs

  • Allergic bronchitis is an inflammatory condition of the lower airways. The most common sign is a recurrent dry cough. The diagnosis, treatment and prognosis are outlined in this handout.

  • Allergies are one of the most common medical conditions affecting dogs. An allergy is a state of over-reactivity or hypersensitivity of the immune system to a particular substance, called an allergen. This handout outlines types of allergies, how they occur, symptoms, and treatment options.

  • Allopurinol is an oral medication typically used to prevent uric acid and calcium oxalate stones in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat leishmaniasis and gout in dogs and other species.

  • Alopecia X is a non-painful skin condition causes symmetrical hair loss (alopecia). The skin in the affected areas often becomes darker. The exact cause of alopecia X is unknown. This handout discusses signs, diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis.

  • Alprazolam is a medication given by mouth as a tablet or liquid used off label in cats and dogs to treat anxiety and phobias. Common side effects include sedation, increased appetite, or uncoordinated walking. This medication should not be used in pets with a paradoxical reaction and should be used with caution in debilitated, geriatric, pregnant, lactating pets, or in pets with liver or kidney disease, or glaucoma. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Alternative diets for dogs may include or exclude certain ingredients, but there is no clear evidence that they are healthier than appropriate conventional diets for most dogs. This handout explains the options and what to discuss with your veterinarian when choosing food for your dog.

  • Aluminum acetate solution, Topical (Burow's solution) + hydrocortisone (Corti-Derm, Cort/Astrin, Hydro-B 1020) is a topical treatment used to relieve inflammation and itchiness in dogs. It is also commonly used to treat ear infections (otitis externa) in dogs due to its antibacterial effects and anti-inflammatory effects.

  • Aluminum acetate solution topical (Burow's solution) is an astringent and drying agent used in dogs and cats for the temporary relief of minor skin irritation such as insect bites, rashes, and allergies. Burow's solution is also commonly used to treat ear infections.

  • Aluminum hydroxide is commonly used off label to treat high phosphate levels in pets with kidney disease. It is given by mouth, with meals, in the form of a liquid gel, powder, or a compounded capsule. The most common side effect is constipation, and therefore it should be used with caution in pets with a gastrointestinal obstruction or pets prone to constipation. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.