Some breeds are predisposed to allergy issues while other pets just have seasonal allergies just like you and I do.

Some signs of allergies can be: itching, dry skin, dandruff, patchy hair in some areas, oily skin, etc. Some pets will even sneeze in excess. Sometimes the environment will create an imbalance in their normal levels of yeast and bacteria (which normally are on pet's skin).

Sometimes, finding out what your pet is allergic too can take a hefty sum of money and time at the Vet or doggy dermatologist. There are so many various things your pet can be allergic to like environmental or food allergies.

A vet visit can always be beneficial, especially if your pet now has bacterial or yeast infections on the skin. Vets can diagnose antibiotics to help with this issues. They also can provide doggy antihistamines to help with the itching.

However, there are doggy shampoos specifically formulated for sensitive skin or for skin issues that you can get at your local Vet or at Petsmart/Petco. The Vet will carry antibacterial or antifungal shampoos as well as the same kind of stuff they carry at Petsmart/Petco such as Aloe and/or Oatmeal Shampoo which is very sensitive on the skin and not only helps moisturize your pet's skin, but will also help relieve dandruff. Some of these shampoos are also made with Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids which help keep the skin very healthy and dandruff-free while keeping the haircoat silky smooth!

Besides fleas and allergies, itching can also be a sign of skin mites which can also be diagnosed by your local Vet!

I work in the veterinary field. I've been a Vet Tech for 5 years and yes, there are a few zoonotic diseases (meaning they can be transmitted from pet to human or human to pet). If you are curious, it would be smart to look up "zoonotic disease" in Google to have an idea, but a few examples are: Leptospirosis, Scabies, Ringworm, etc. A common cold or upper respiratory type disease is not something you would need to be worried about transmitting.

I work in the veterinary field. I've been a Vet Tech for 5 years and yes, there are a few zoonotic diseases (meaning they can be transmitted from pet to human or human to pet). If you are curious, it would be smart to look up "zoonotic disease" in Google to have an idea, but a few examples are: Leptospirosis, Scabies, Ringworm, etc. A common cold or upper respiratory type disease is not something you would need to be worried about transmitting.

Yes, unfortunately, limping can be an indication of many underlying issues. It would be most beneficial to find out what breed of pet you have and how old. However, it is never a bad idea to go to the Vet if you are unsure of whether your pet has injured himself. Not only will your vet perform a physical exam, but x-rays may also be a vital part of the exam to make sure there are no underlying issues regarding joints or bones.

If you have a senior pet (over the age of 7), then the limping may be due to arthritis. Sometimes these pets may be a little slower to get up from a nap or may exhibit a limp after taking a long walk or playing.

Underlying issues that a Vet would need to diagnose could be anywhere from a torn ACL (cruciate) to a luxating patella (where the kneecap pops in and out). Sometimes pets just jump off of the couch or bed the wrong way and exhibit a limp for a few days and then it is gone.

Usually most clinics will provide a doggy anti-inflammatory and pain reducer called Rimadyl as long as there are no underlying liver issues. Sometimes Tramadol can be provided alone or in conjunction with Rimadyl as well. Some Petsmarts sell Aspirin also (doggy Aspirin) that give you the proper dosages on the label. However, Aspirin is NOT to be used long-term, as it can cause blood issues!

Depending on the breed of pet, there are always quite a few options! If you have a pet in the sporting or hunting breed, (such as setters, pointers, terriers, border collies, etc) then these high-energy pets really benefit from having interactive toys to keep their boredom at bay. There are toys in both Petsmarts and Petcos that will dispense treats or a few kibbles as long as your pet interacts with the toy by nudging it or playing with it. Other toys will have drawers or doors that hide yummy treats that they can smell. Majority of pets that are food-oriented love toys where you can hide a treat or food such as Kongs. To make Kongs last even longer, you can fill the inside with a tasty treat then put it in the freezer so it'll last even longer! An alternative, if your pet is not the food-oriented type, is to invest in something called "Bitter Spray" which a spray liquid with a bitter agent. This can be sprayed on your pet (if we're constantly licking our paws) or some bitter sprays are even allowed on furniture, plants, etc. Majority of the time, this spray deters pets. Other times, you'll have a pet making an icky face and continue to chew!

Besides adding a little bit of water to your pet's kibble, wet food as an addition is always an option. Although it may not be as beneficial as dry food (which is why I say feed as an addition), it is usually about 70-80% moisture which is why canned food is highly recommended to pets with kidney disease because they are typically dehydrated. It is always good to make sure there are no underlying issues regarding water intake, so a visit with a Veterinarian is not ever a bad idea!

First and foremost, a visit to the Vet is mandatory to make sure there are no underlying issues regarding thyroid, kidneys, etc. They will check by not only performing a physical exam, but by performing blood chemistries and a CBC to make sure there are no underlying conditions. Besides a vet visit, a change is food may be necessary also. A food that is higher quality and higher in protein and fiber can help your pet not only feel full, but also help maintain a lean body weight. If the food is made with prebiotics, that helps encourage more positive bacteria in the intestines so that your pet will actually absorb the vitamins and nutrients they are eating, and produce smaller, more formed stools. Whereas, if your pet was consuming a lower grade food, they would eat all day, but they would also defecate frequently too.