[Dailydrool] Allergies and dogs pulling strollers

[Elizabeth Lindsey]

Food allergies get a lot of attention, but it's not unusual for dogs to have environmental allergies. Our late Jane Basset tested positive for weeds, pollens, molds, trees, feathers, and cats. She tested negative for all food allergens. Allergy shots made all the difference, though we also had her on four antihistamines and two fatty-acid capsules a day. I bathed her with oatmeal shampoo to try to calm down her skin when she had an allergy flare-up. Allergies can be serious because when a dog itches, it's going to scratch its itch. This creates open sores, and the dog's tongue and toenails will transfer bacteria into those openings, creating secondary infections. After we got Jane's allergies under control, her chronic ear infections (created by ear scratching) disappeared. So if your gut's leading you to think of a consult with a dermatologist, Rebecca, I'd do it. 

The dogs pulling a child's stroller may be perfectly behaved, trained, and obedient, but what about the loose dog who rounds the corner, not an owner in sight, and decides to pick a fight with the dogs pulling the stroller? In my urban neighborhood, aggressive dogs, both on their own and working in packs, are an every day occurrence. In fact, the hot topic on my neighborhood listserv this week is the man who shot and killed a loose dog he felt was attacking his leashed dog while out on a walk. Of course, that woman who uses her Goldens as sled dogs for her child may feel safe from loose dogs in her neighborhood, but all it takes is one. Dogs do escape their yards now and then. Leashed dogs are at a disadvantage. Personally, I wouldn't put a child or my dogs at risk like that woman does. 

Elizabeth