Antifreeze & Allergies

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Dear Andrea:

We just purchased a rabbit for our son. I realize Hurt there are certain ways to hold the animal and pick him up. What's the best way?

—Marlene CohenSpokane, Washington

Dear Marlene:

Rabbits have very powerful hind limbs, and are capable of delivering very strong kicks, so strong, in fact, that they may easily dislocate or fracture their vertebrae (break their back). The key, therefore, in handling a bunny, is to calmly gain control of their hind end first and foremost. Grasp the skin above the shoulders (scruff) with one hand and support the hind end under the rump with the other. Some folks carry the rabbit like a football with the head at the handler's elbow and the rump in the palm of the hand.

Never pick a rabbit up by its ears! Contrary to popular opinion, these are not handles, and this may easily injure the animal. If the rabbit begins to struggle when initially picked up or restrained, it should be released. Attempt restraint when it calms down.

Dear Andrea: What causes allergies in dogs? Our Labrador retriever sneezes all the time.

—David Wescott Provo, Utah

Dear David:

Just like us, dogs suffer from allergies. However, where human allergy symptoms normally include sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, and watery eyes, a dog's allergy symptoms differ. Although canine allergies are not life threatening, the itching that they cause can make your dog miserable.

An allergy is a disease that is a result of the immune system reacting abnormally to a substance, such as pollen, mold, house dust, insect bites (fleas), food, or certain chemicals. Inhaling, eating, or simple contact with these substances can cause a reaction in an allergic animal. The most commonly seen allergies in dogs are to fleas, foods, and inhaled substances. These types of allergies are almost always manifested by itchiness and scratching, not sneezing. This scratching is more intense than normal, and can result in rashes, hair loss, and secondary infections.

There are many drugs that can be given to treat allergies including antihistamines, steroids, and topicals. The best and most obvious treatment is avoidance of the aller gens, such as limiting intake of certain foods and stringent flea control. While it is impossible to avoid airborne allergens like pollens and weeds, desensitizing your pet to offending substances through immunotherapy can control much of the itching aggravation.

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